Global prestige television continues to lean heavily on international talent, as evidenced by The New York Times’ comprehensive ranking of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century. Based on votes from 500 actors, directors, and television critics, the list highlights several Norwegian actors and behind-the-scenes professionals who shaped some of the defining American and British hits of the past two decades.
Norwegian Actors and Creatives in Top-Ranked Global Series
While American productions dominate the top of the New York Times ranking, Norwegian talent features prominently across multiple critically acclaimed titles. Kristofer Hivju earned a prominent spot for his work in HBO’s fantasy epic Game of Thrones, which captured sixth place on the list. Hivju portrayed the fan-favorite wildling Tormund Giantsbane from season three until the series concluded in 2019. Alongside him, Norwegian-Nepalese actor Amrita Acharia appeared as Irri during the show’s first two seasons.
Securing the fourth spot on the prestigious ranking is the corporate satire Succession (2018–2023). The fourth and final season of the HBO drama featured Norwegian actor Eili Harboe as PR chief Ebba, while Christian Rubeck appeared in a smaller role. Production for that season also brought the crew directly to Norway, utilizing locations such as the Juvet Landscape Hotel. The shoot was supported by a 14-million-krone refund framework through the Norwegian Film Institute’s (NFI) incentive scheme.
Did you know?
Although major international hits like Succession and Game of Thrones feature prominent Norwegian actors and filming locations, no purely Norwegian-produced television series made the New York Times top 100 list, despite the global export success of shows like Skam, Lilyhammer, Exit, and Vikingane over the past 26 years.
Cinematic Contributions and Notable Snubs
The acclaimed 2019 historical miniseries Chernobyl landed in the 19th position on the New York Times countdown. The production’s head cinematographer, Swedish-born Jakob Ihre, secured both an Emmy and a BAFTA for his camera work on the project. Ihre maintains deep ties to the Norwegian film community, having served as the primary cinematographer for director Joachim Trier on celebrated features including Reprise and Oslo, August 31st.
Despite these inclusions, several prominent Norwegian actors with major roles in major international franchises were left off the final tally. Ingrid Bolsø Berdal appeared in the HBO sci-fi hit Westworld, while Tobias Santelmann, Thorbjørn Harr, and Jeppe Beck Laursen secured significant recurring roles in large-scale historical dramas such as Vikings and The Last Kingdom.
The Top 10 Television Series of the 21st Century
AMC’s crime drama Breaking Bad (2008–2013) captured the number one position on the New York Times ranking, followed closely by David Simon’s Baltimore-based police procedural The Wire (2002–2008) in second place and the advertising industry drama Mad Men (2007–2015) in third.
The complete top ten list published by the newspaper comprises:
- Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
- The Wire (2002–2008)
- Mad Men (2007–2015)
- Succession (2018–2023)
- Fleabag (2016–2019)
- Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
- Veep (2012–2019)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
- Atlanta (2016–2022)
- The Office (U.S.) (2005–2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Norwegian actors appeared in series on the New York Times list?
Kristofer Hivju and Amrita Acharia starred in Game of Thrones (ranked sixth), while Eili Harboe and Christian Rubeck appeared in Succession (ranked fourth).
Did any Norwegian television series make the top 100 list?
No domestic Norwegian series were included on the final New York Times ranking, though several international productions utilized Norwegian filming locations and regional funding incentives.
Which show was ranked as the best TV series of the 21st century?
AMC’s drug-trade drama Breaking Bad took the number one spot, followed by The Wire and Mad Men.
Join the Conversation
What is your favorite television series of the 21st century, and which international actor do you think deserved recognition on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Keep reading