Gangs of Oslo is perfect new Netflix crime drama to watch after Top Boy

15 September 2023 , 07:00

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Norwegian crime drama Gangs of Oslo on Netflix is attracting a lot of praise - with Ricky Gervais particularly impressed! (Image: Netflix)

Now we've binge-watched gritty gang series Top Boyy, what else does Netflix have up its sleeve to fill the void?

Well look no further than Norwegian crime drama Gangs of Oslo, a six-parter centred around police officer Moaz Ibrahim (played by Emir Zamwa) who has no choice but to live a double life to keep his criminal past a secret. Viewers expecting a cliched look at life on the streets need to look away now, for this show is a rare breed indeed - both hard-hitting yet uniquely vulnerable in equal measure.

The official synopsis from Netflix explains: “A young policeman gets entangled in his own criminal past when an investigation leads him to his childhood best friend — now a ruthless gang leader.”

Called Blodsbrødre in Norway, this tough-as-nails series is created and directed by Ole Endresen, who previously worked on the much-loved mobster Netflix original Lilyhammer. Gangs of Oslo has a stunning authenticity, born out of Endersen spending several years researching the project to make it as realistic as possible, drawing on news articles, books, and interviews with those connected to the seedy Oslo underworld.

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Speaking earlier this year, he said: “My ambition with the show was to tell a story of suburban crime going beyond the stereotyped image of gangs shooting at each other. I wanted to show that even gang members dream of a traditional safe life with families, and a house with a back garden.”

The show certainly doesn't shy away from modern-day problems caused by organised criminals, and has no qualms about shining a light on how gangs recruit young children. Endersen said he hoped to show how ‘politicians are totally failing on this issue’. He added: “My hope is that parents will take good care of their loved ones after watching it.”

What viewers have to say - including Ricky Gervais

Posting on X - formerly known as Twitter - Ricky Gervais said: "Just finished my favourite series of the year. Up there with Gomorrah & 4 Blocks. A Scandi The Wire. Beautifully written and directed with pitch-perfect performances. Watch Gangs of Oslo now."

Bal posted: "Another cracker from Netflix".

Ariane said: "I highly recommend watching Gangs of Oslo on Netflix. For once substance is not replaced by graphic or violent scenes."

Traci Bradshaw: "Just finished this series. It was pretty good."

Buzzito: "Gangs of Oslo is great wow".

K - : "Gangs of oslo is what Top Boy think it is."

Gangs of Oslo first aired on the Norwegian television channel TV 2. Its head of drama Alice Sommer described the series as "a compelling and uncompromising crime thriller set in the criminal underworld, depicting the relationship between two friends who went in totally opposite directions in life".

She added: “Acclaimed director Ole Endresen has a sharp and tender eye for the jagged bitter-sweetness of this double-edged friendship, and he has worked with great dedication to nurture new on-screen talent for this hard-hitting yet vulnerable crime drama series.”