





Netflix has launched its first original series, Lillyhammer. The series stars Steven Van Zandt as a New York gangster who finds himself living in Norway as part of the witness protection program.

Rather than rolling out episodes individually, all eight episodes from the first season are available now.

In addition to Lillyhammer, Netflix is planning to roll out more original series over the next twelve months. House of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey, is expected to launch in the fourth quarter, while season 4 of Arrested Development is planned for early 2013.

Netflix's push for original programming comes as the service is facing a myriad of challenges. The company faces increased competition, and it's not just Amazon and Hulu Plus.

On Monday, Verizon and Redbox announced that they were partnering to bring streaming content to users. Dish Network is also pursuing the subscription streaming market with its Blockbuster add-on service.

Meanwhile, content owners continue to increase their licensing rates, putting Netflix and other licensees in an unenviable position. Some content providers are choosing to eschew Netflix altogether, instead offering their own digital streaming offerings a la HBO Go and other TV Everywhere initiatives.

For those reasons, Netflix sees original programming as one way to win the content battle.

What do you think of Lillyhammer? Does Netflix have what it takes to cultivate top-rate original programming? Let us know in the comments.