Fargo is an American dark comedy-crime drama television series created and written by Noah
Hawley.
The show is inspired by the 1996 film of the same name written and directed by the Coen
brothers, who serve as executive producers on the series.
It premiered on April 15, 2014, on FX.
The series stars Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, and Martin Freeman.
Hawley confirmed that, if the series is renewed for a second season, it will be a new story
featuring different characters.
Series premise In January 2006, Lorne Malvo passes through
Bemidji, Minnesota and influences put-upon insurance salesman Lester Nygaard with his
malice and violence.
Meanwhile, Deputy Molly Solverson and Duluth police officer Gus Grimly team up to solve
a series of murders they believe may be linked to Malvo and Nygaard.
Cast Main cast
Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo Allison Tolman as Deputy Molly Solverson
Colin Hanks as Officer Gus Grimly Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard
Recurring cast
Production In 2012, it was announced that FX, with the
Coen brothers as executive producers, was developing a new television series based on
the Academy Award-winning film Fargo.
It was later announced that adaptation would be a 10-episode limited series.
On August 2, 2013, it was announced that Billy Bob Thornton had signed on to star in the
series.
On September 27, 2013, Martin Freeman also signed on to star.
On October 3, 2013, it was announced that Colin Hanks was cast in the role of Duluth
police officer Gus Grimly.
Production began in fall 2013 with filming taking place in and around Calgary, Alberta.
The series is set in the same fictional universe as the film, whose events took place in 1987,
and features the buried ransom money from the film as a minor subplot.
Additionally, a number of references are made connecting the series to the film.
"This is a true story" Like the original film, each episode begins
with the superimposed text:
"This is a true story.
The events depicted took place in Minnesota in 2006.
At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed.
Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred."
However, this claim is completely fictional.
Showrunner Noah Hawley continued use of the Coens' device, saying it allowed him to tell
“a story in a new way”.
Episodes Reception
Critical response Fargo has received broad acclaim from television
critics, and currently has a Metacritic score of 87 out of 100 based on 38 reviews, indicating
"universal acclaim."
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes currently reports a 98% "certified fresh"
critics rating with an average rating of 8.3/10 based on 54 reviews.
The website consensus reads: "Based on the film of the same name in atmosphere, style,
and location only, Fargo presents more quirky characters and a new storyline that is expertly
executed with dark humor and odd twists."
Accolades International broadcast
The series made its debut on FXX and FX Canada on April 15, 2014; the remaining episodes
were shown on FXX.
On April 19, 2014, it premiered in Israel on Hot 3.
The next day, it premiered in the UK on Channel 4.
On May 1, 2014, it premiered on SBS One in Australia, on M-Net in South Africa, and on
SoHo in New Zealand.
References
External links Official website
Fargo at the Internet Movie Database Fargo at Metacritic
Fargo at Rotten Tomatoes Fargo at TV.com