Netflix has a knack for bringing new shows to the top of its charts, and after Black Doves made waves in early December, La Palma has quickly ascended to the number one spot.
However, this achievement is noteworthy for a few reasons, especially considering La Palma is a Norwegian-language series, available with subtitles—a rarity for foreign-language shows to top Netflix’s charts.
What is La Palma?
La Palma is a fictional natural disaster series, drawing attention not just for its premise, but for its unexpected rise to the top.
While foreign-language shows have made significant waves on Netflix before, such as the groundbreaking Squid Game, it’s still unusual for a non-English series to claim the number one spot.
A Nod to Netflix’s First-Ever Original Show
What’s particularly interesting about La Palma is its connection to Netflix’s first-ever original show, Lilyhammer.
La Palma’s success calls to mind the 10th anniversary of Lilyhammer, a Norwegian crime drama-comedy that premiered in 2012. Lilyhammer, starring Steven Van Zandt, was a hit with audiences and ran for three seasons.
Although the two shows have no plot connections, both share a Norwegian backdrop and mark significant milestones in Netflix’s history of original programming.
Mixed Reviews for La Palma
Despite La Palma‘s chart-topping status, it hasn’t received overwhelming praise. With a low 31% viewer score on Rotten Tomatoes, the show has been criticized for its acting and “cheesy” scenes. By contrast, Lilyhammer earned a much higher 85% audience rating, and it’s still considered a solid watch by many.
Should You Watch La Palma?
If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted, anti-festive series set in a sunny locale, La Palma could be worth a try. While it may not have the same critical acclaim as Lilyhammer, it offers a unique setting and a different type of natural disaster drama.
However, if you’re looking for something with more substance or laughs, revisiting Lilyhammer might be the better option.
La Palma may have earned its place at the top, but it remains to be seen whether it will leave a lasting impression or fade as quickly as it rose.
