Van der Valk (2020)
A stylish British crime drama following detective Piet van der Valk through Amsterdam's most intriguing and dangerous worlds.
Van der Valk - Series Information
- Original Title: Detective Van der Valk
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Chris Murray
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- First Air Date: January 1, 2020 (United States - TV-PG), January 1, 2020 (United Kingdom - 15), January 1, 2020 (Australia - M)
- Networks: NPO 1
- Alternative Titles: Detective Van der Valk (BE), Ван дер Валк (RU), Van der Valk on Masterpiece (US), Ван дер Волк (BG), 沙克探案 (CN), 警視ファン・デル・ファルク アムステルダムの事件簿 (JP), Kommissar Van der Valk (DE)
- Production Companies: NL Film en TV, Company Pictures, Masterpiece, All3Media International, ARD Degeto
- Production Countries: Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States of America
Van der Valk - Plot
Set against the backdrop of the city of Amsterdam, Piet Van der Valk and his team investigate a series of high-profile cases immersed in the worlds of art, politics, addiction, mysticism and the fashion industry.
Van der Valk - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in Amsterdam's most compelling crime drama.
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Van der Valk - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Chris Murray
Main Cast
- Marc Warren
- Maimie McCoy
- Darrell D'Silva
- Emma Fielding
- Mike Libanon
- Loes Haverkort
- Peter van Heeringen
- Luke Allen-Gale
- Elliot Barnes-Worrell
- Azan Ahmed
Writers
- Chris Murray
- Maria Ward
Executive Producers
- Chris Murray
- Michele Buck
- Marc Warren
Van der Valk - FAQs
Is Van der Valk based on a true story?
Van der Valk is not based on a true story, but it does draw from a rich literary tradition. The character of Piet van der Valk was originally created by British crime novelist Nicolas Freeling in a series of novels beginning in 1962, and the current series is a modern reimagining of that fictional detective.
What makes Amsterdam central to Van der Valk?
Amsterdam is far more than a backdrop in Van der Valk — it's practically a character in its own right. The series immerses viewers in the city's canals, art scene, and cosmopolitan culture, with each case drawing deeply from Amsterdam's distinct social worlds, from high fashion to underground mysticism.
Where can you stream Van der Valk?
Van der Valk streams on PBS and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, as well as WETA+. If you prefer to own episodes, they're available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Who plays detective Piet van der Valk?
Marc Warren plays Piet van der Valk, the sharp and unconventional Amsterdam detective at the heart of the series. Warren brings a quietly intense charisma to the role, supported by Maimie McCoy as his partner Lucienne Hassell and Darrell D'Silva as the dependable Hendrik Davie.
How many seasons and episodes does Van der Valk have?
Van der Valk has four seasons, each consisting of three feature-length episodes, bringing the total to 12 episodes. The longer runtime per episode gives each case room to breathe and develop, making the series feel closer to a sequence of crime films than a traditional procedural.
Is Van der Valk still ongoing or has it ended?
Van der Valk is still an active, returning series. With four seasons aired between 2020 and 2025 and production ongoing, the show continues to bring new cases to Amsterdam's canals, keeping fans of European crime drama well supplied with fresh mysteries.
How was Van der Valk received by critics?
Van der Valk has earned warm reviews for its atmospheric Amsterdam setting, stylish production design, and Marc Warren's compelling lead performance. Critics have praised it as an engaging, visually distinctive crime drama that successfully modernizes the classic character while delivering satisfying, globe-trotting mysteries.
What are similar shows to Van der Valk?
If you enjoy Van der Valk, you'll likely appreciate Baptiste, Vera, and Midsomer Murders for their atmospheric British crime storytelling. The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Marcella also offer similarly character-driven detective work, while Taggart provides a classic procedural feel with strong regional identity.
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