Fargo is an American dark comedy-crime drama anthology television series created for television by Noah Hawley and based on the 1996 film of the same name and set in 2006, in which each season follows an anthology format, being set in a different era along with a different story, cast and set of characters.
An original adaptation of the Academy Award-winning feature film, Fargo features all-new "true crime" stories and follows a new case and new characters each season, all entrenched in the trademark humour, murder and "Minnesota nice" that made the film an enduring classic.
In the first season, set in 2006, Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) passes through Bemidji, Minnesota and influences the community – including put-upon insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) – with his malice, violence and deception.
Meanwhile, Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) and Duluth police officer Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) team up to solve a series of murders they believe may be linked to Malvo and Nygaard.
Set in 1979, Season 2 follows beautician Peggy Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst) and her husband, butcher Ed Blumquist (Jesse Plemons) of Luverne, Minnesota, as they cover up their hit-and-run and murder of Rye Gerhardt (Kieran Culkin), son of Floyd Gerhardt (Jean Smart), matriarch of the Gerhardt crime family in Fargo, North Dakota.
Meanwhile, State Trooper Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), a Vietnam War vet, and his father-in-law, Sheriff Hank Larsson (Ted Danson), investigate a triple homicide at a local diner connected to Rye.
Set in 2010, Season 3 centres on Emmit and his slightly younger brother Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor). Emmit, the Parking Lot King of Minnesota, sees himself as an American success story, whereas Ray is more of a cautionary tale.
Forever living in his more successful brother's shadow, Ray is a balding and pot-bellied parole officer with a huge chip on his shoulder about the hand he's been dealt - and he blames his brother. Their sibling rivalry follows a twisted path that begins with petty theft but soon leads to murder, mobsters and cut-throat competitive bridge.
Noah Hawley, Warren Littlefield, Joel & Ethan Coen and Geyer Kosinski serve as executive producers. Fargo is produced by MGM Television and FX Productions.