Vienna Blood (2019)
A lavish period crime drama set in imperial Vienna, where Freudian psychology meets murder investigation at the dawn of the twentieth century.
Vienna Blood - Series Information
- Original Title: Vienna Blood
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Steve Thompson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 89 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- First Air Date: November 18, 2019 (United States - TV-14), November 18, 2019 (Germany - 12), November 18, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+)
- Networks: ZDF, ORF 1, BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: Vienna Blood - Die traurige Gräfin (DE)
- Production Companies: Endor Productions, MR FILM
- Production Countries: Germany, Austria, United Kingdom
Vienna Blood - Plot
Max Liebermann, a student of Sigmund Freud, helps Detective Rheinhardt in the investigation of a series of disturbing murders around the grand cafes and opera houses of 1900s Vienna.
Vienna Blood - Trailer
Step into imperial Vienna and see the mystery unfold in the official trailer below.
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Vienna Blood - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Steve Thompson
Main Cast
- Matthew Beard
- Juergen Maurer
- Charlene McKenna
- Conleth Hill
- Amelia Bullmore
- Josef Ellers
- Simon Hatzl
- Jessica De Gouw
- Miriam Hie
- Luise von Finckh
Writers
- Steve Thompson
- Steven Thompson
Executive Producers
- Steve Thompson
Vienna Blood - FAQs
Is Vienna Blood based on a true story?
Vienna Blood is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from real history. The series adapts Frank Tallis's Liebermann Papers novels, which are inspired by the real Sigmund Freud and the vibrant intellectual culture of fin-de-siècle Vienna. The crimes are fictional, but the psychological and historical backdrop is richly authentic.
Is Vienna Blood worth watching for crime drama fans?
Absolutely. Vienna Blood is a sumptuous, atmospheric period crime drama that stands out for its psychological depth and stunning production design. The chemistry between Matthew Beard and Juergen Maurer drives every episode, and the Viennese setting — all grand cafés and imperial architecture — gives the series a unique, intoxicating flavour that sets it apart from standard detective fare.
Where can you stream Vienna Blood?
You can stream Vienna Blood on PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Thirteen, and WETA+. If you prefer to own episodes, they are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is also available on KQED.
What novels is Vienna Blood adapted from?
Vienna Blood is adapted from the Liebermann Papers series of novels by British author Frank Tallis. The books blend psychological detective fiction with Freudian theory and Viennese history. Creator Steve Thompson selected stories from across the series to craft the television episodes, preserving the novels' rich atmosphere and intellectual intrigue.
Who are the lead actors in Vienna Blood?
Matthew Beard leads the series as Max Liebermann, a brilliant young psychiatrist trained under Freud, alongside Juergen Maurer as the seasoned Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt. Their contrasting personalities — Liebermann's analytical idealism versus Rheinhardt's pragmatic instincts — form the emotional and intellectual core of every investigation.
How many seasons and episodes does Vienna Blood have?
Vienna Blood has four seasons totalling 11 feature-length episodes. Each season contains three episodes, except Season 4, which has two. Because each episode runs approximately 89 minutes, the series feels closer to a collection of television films than a conventional episodic drama, giving each mystery room to breathe.
Did Vienna Blood win any awards or critical recognition?
Vienna Blood has earned strong critical praise for its production values, atmospheric storytelling, and lead performances. The series received nominations at the Austrian Film Prize and was recognised for its outstanding costume and set design. Its co-production between BBC Two, ZDF, and ORF also brought it significant international visibility and a loyal global audience.
What shows are similar to Vienna Blood?
Fans of Vienna Blood tend to enjoy Agatha Christie's Poirot for its period mystery atmosphere, Broadchurch for its character-driven crime drama, and Waking the Dead for its forensic psychological depth. If you enjoy the Freudian angle, the intellectual detective dynamic in shows like Suspect and Vigil also offers a satisfying modern counterpart.
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