Salmon farming has officially made its way to the mainstream with the buzz surrounding Netflix’s latest dramedy, Billionaire Island.
The show, set against the backdrop of cutthroat business in the fish-farming world, is earning widespread recognition and praise for its satirical take on the industry’s unique power dynamics.
The New York Times calls it “a catty — well, fishy — business dramedy,” applauding the family saga as a mix of boardroom drama and personal rivalries, all set within the fictional world of competing Norwegian fish-farming empires. The plot, centered around the Marlax corporation and its ambitious matriarch Julie, shows how industry insiders navigate sustainability, family tensions, and corporate espionage. The Times likens it to Schitt’s Creek with a corporate twist, highlighting its humorous jabs at the industry’s culture.
Blonde ambition: Yes, you should watch Netflix’s new salmon drama
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal emphasizes the stakes at hand, calling the series “a family drama about dysfunctional families with too many assets and a shortage of scruples.” With echoes of Succession, the review celebrates the show’s portrayal of power plays and rivalries within the highly competitive world of Norwegian salmon farming. The show doesn’t shy away from highlighting the very real pressures of corporate takeovers, stock manipulation, and legacy-building in an industry where billions are on the line.
The Guardian takes a similarly enthusiastic view, dubbing the show “Succession with salmon farmers.” Its review explores the dry and understated humor of the Norwegian production, noting how Billionaire Island subtly critiques the vanity and competitiveness within the industry.
For an industry like salmon farming, traditionally tucked away from the glitz of television, Billionaire Island offers an unprecedented level of exposure. The show is not only gaining attention but also bringing a broader awareness of the unique challenges, personalities, and corporate politics within the aquaculture world.
