UPDATED: Norwegians will once again be the first to see the new locally produced television series Lilyhammer, after state broadcaster NRK settled a conflict over alleged and illegal product placement. The conflict ended after producer Rubicon edited or retouched several scenes in the show.
NRK still wanted to air Lilyhammer, starring US actor and musician Steven Van Zandt, but feared violation of laws against product placement. Now, with those fears put to rest, the series will premier Wednesday January 25 at 9:40pm.
NRK had planned to start running the series, an action comedy about a gangster sent to Norway as part of the US’ witness protection program, on its main channel NRK1 on New Year’s Day. Just weeks earlier, though, NRK officials claimed they discovered rampant product placement in the series. Some scenes, for example, were allegedly shot at local tourist attractions to promote them, in return for sponsorship from the local tourism agency.
Rubicon agreed to edit various scenes that NRK claimed were linked to product placement. Petter Wallace said NRK had since reviewed the edited first few episodes of the show and officials are confident they are now “correct.” The show will also air in the US, where it’s due to premier on Netflix February 6.
Views and News staff
