Netflix sets Nov 21 for new 'Lilyhammer' season

Los Angeles (AFP) - Netflix has set November 21 for the release of season three of its Scandinavian-set underworld crime drama "Lilyhammer," the first of its growing family of original series.

Steve Van Zandt will reprise his starring role as an American gangster living under witness protection in Norway in the eight-episode season, to be released in North America, Latin America, Britain, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Netflix didn't confirm Thursday a report from Deadline.com that season three would feature appearances by Bruce Springsteen and Tony Sirico, with whom Van Zandt co-starred on "The Sopranos."

Initially telecast in Norway, "Lilyhammer" premiered on Netflix in February 2012 as the online streaming website's first foray into original programming, setting the stage for such series as "House of Cards" and the forthcoming "Marco Polo."

"Lilyhammer is a funny and fantastic example of programming for a global audience -- a comedic culture clash that's drawn in viewers from around the world," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.