Joel Kinnaman captivated audiences this year in Netflix's Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole, a gripping adaptation of the popular book series. The series, which Screen Rant hailed as "Netflix's best detective thriller from 2026," immersed viewers in a dark Oslo setting, focusing on a complex murder mystery with subtle supernatural undertones. Kinnaman delivered a standout performance as Tom Waaler, the primary antagonist to Tobias Santelmann's titular Detective Harry Hole. His portrayal of Waaler's erratic behavior and inner turmoil earned significant praise, making the rivalry between the two leads a central draw.

Despite critical acclaim and a strong viewership performance that saw it land in Netflix's top 10 for several weeks, Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole has not yet received a renewal. Furthermore, Kinnaman's character, Tom Waaler, met his demise by the end of the first season, effectively concluding his major involvement in the series' narrative. While future seasons could potentially feature Waaler in flashbacks, a significant return for Kinnaman seems unlikely, leaving fans wondering about his next move in the crime thriller genre.

Fortunately for Kinnaman's admirers, he won't be off the screen for long. He is slated to star as the lead in Prime Video's highly anticipated crime thriller, Bishop. This new series, created by Little Marvin (Them) and Tony Saltzman (Dexter: New Blood), casts Kinnaman as Detective Bishop Graves, a brilliant yet scarred investigator operating out of San Francisco.

Bishop promises a compelling narrative, centering on a Robin Hood-esque killer who targets the city's elite. This unique twist garners the perpetrator a cult following among the impoverished, complicating Detective Graves' efforts to bring him to justice. The premise suggests a nuanced exploration of morality and justice, offering Kinnaman the opportunity to portray a complex, albeit heroic, detective character. This shift from his antagonistic role in Detective Hole to a protagonist in Bishop marks an exciting new chapter for the actor, with the Prime Video series poised to be a worthy follow-up to his recent success.