Bosch Meets True Detective In Netflix’s 9-Part Crime Thriller

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As a huge fan of crime dramas, I just finished a new 9-episode series on Netflix, and it really hit the spot. It’s based on a popular book series, and honestly, it feels like the best parts of Bosch and True Detective blended together. While it definitely stands on its own – the Nordic setting and the mystery itself are really captivating – I couldn’t help but see echoes of Harry Bosch and Rust Cohle in the lead detective. It’s a great combination of familiar vibes and fresh storytelling.

Prime Video has a strong selection of detective crime thrillers, and the series Bosch is often considered the one that really put them on the map in this genre. HBO has also produced excellent crime thrillers, but few have been as impactful or well-regarded as the first season of True Detective.

Netflix is still working to become a major player in the crime thriller world, but its new series, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, shows real promise. While it’s not quite on the level of acclaimed shows like the first season of True Detective or Bosch just yet, it shares some of their brilliance and could become a top contender.

Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole Feels Like The Perfect Combination Of Bosch & True Detective’s Best Bits

The main character in Netflix’s Detective Hole is a lot like Harry Bosch – they even share the same first name! Like Bosch, Harry Hole is a dedicated and troubled detective who works within the legal system. However, Hole isn’t afraid to push boundaries – and sometimes even break the rules – if it means solving a case.

He’s completely dedicated to solving crimes, even if it causes friction with his colleagues and bosses. Like the series Bosch, the city itself plays a major role in Detective Hole. Just as Bosch uses the bright landscapes of Los Angeles to set the mood, Detective Hole uses the cold, dark setting of Oslo to mirror the main character’s distant and isolated perspective.

Similarities between the character Detective Hole and Rust Cohle from True Detective become clear as the central crime unfolds. The murders aren’t random acts of violence, but rather ritualistic killings steeped in religious symbolism. Like Cohle, Detective Hole battles addiction, specifically a struggle with alcohol, and has difficulty maintaining personal relationships.

Like the character Cohle in True Detective, the lead investigator in this Netflix crime thriller often encounters cases that suggest something beyond the natural world is at play. The show doesn’t directly show these supernatural elements, but, much like Cohle, the investigator seems to have an almost spiritual connection to the crimes he’s solving.

Similar to Rust Cohle in True Detective, Detective Hole experiences a hallucinatory trip as part of the investigation. The Netflix series Detective Hole blends the deep psychological focus of True Detective’s first season with the methodical pace of Bosch, making it a great choice for viewers who enjoy either show.

Like Bosch & True Detective, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole Can Last For A Long Time

Unlike some crime dramas, True Detective isn’t based on a book series, but its format—where each season tells a completely new story with different characters—means it could continue indefinitely. Although later seasons haven’t quite lived up to the popularity of its first season, the show remains successful and has been renewed for a fifth season. Similarly, Bosch ran for seven seasons on Prime Video and was later extended with the spin-off series, Bosch: Legacy.

Although the original Bosch series has finished, the world continues with the spin-off Ballard and a new prequel, Start of Watch. Similar to Bosch, the Netflix series Detective Hole, based on the work of Jo Nesbø, has a strong foundation in a popular book series with over ten novels, providing ample material for at least five seasons of the show.

The Netflix series Detective Hole, based on Jo Nesbø’s books, only covered one novel in its first season, which means it could continue adapting the series for many seasons to come. However, a second season hasn’t been officially announced yet, leaving its future somewhat unclear. Despite this, the show’s positive reception from both viewers and critics suggests it has a good chance of continuing.

Look, it’s early days, but Detective Hole on Netflix isn’t quite ready to step into the shoes of shows like Bosch or True Detective just yet. However, I think this series has serious potential. If they keep the quality up with future seasons, it could easily become one of the best crime thrillers we’ve seen in a while.

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2026-04-30 06:39