Penoza (2010)
A Dutch crime drama following one woman's dangerous journey into the heart of Amsterdam's criminal underworld.
Penoza - Series Information
- Original Title: Penoza
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Diederik Van Rooijen
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 48
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Dutch
- Spoken Languages: Dutch
- Networks: NPO 3, NPO 1
- Production Companies: NL Film en TV
- Production Countries: Netherlands
Penoza - Plot
Carmen, the daughter of a notorious Amsterdam drug lord, reluctantly takes charge of the family's smuggling business in order to clear her husband's debts.
Penoza - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Carmen's world:
Where to Watch Penoza
Looking for where to watch Penoza?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Penoza - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Diederik Van Rooijen
Main Cast
- Monic Hendrickx
- Sigrid ten Napel
- Stijn Taverne
- Niels Gomperts
- Loek Peters
- Olga Zuiderhoek
- Raymond Thiry
- Hajo Bruins
- Medina Schuurman
- Eric Corton
Writers
- Chris Westendorp
- Willem Bosch
- Karin van der Meer
- Oscar van Woensel
- Willem Gerritsen
Penoza - FAQs
What makes Penoza stand out among crime dramas?
Penoza puts a woman at the center of a brutal criminal world — a rarity when it premiered in 2010. Carmen's transformation from reluctant outsider to hardened crime boss is both psychologically rich and emotionally gripping, giving the series a distinctive edge that sets it apart from typical mob dramas.
Is Penoza based on a true story?
Penoza is a fictional drama, though it draws on the very real world of organized crime in the Netherlands. The Amsterdam drug trade and the criminal networks depicted reflect genuine social dynamics in the country, lending the series an authentic, grounded atmosphere despite its fictional characters and storylines.
Where can you stream Penoza?
Penoza is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. A free ad-supported viewing option is also available through Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, making it accessible without a paid subscription for eligible viewers.
Who plays Carmen in Penoza?
Monic Hendrickx plays Carmen van Walraven-de Rue, the series' compelling lead. Her portrayal of a woman thrust into the criminal underworld earned widespread praise in the Netherlands. Hendrickx brings remarkable depth to Carmen's evolution across all five seasons, anchoring the show with a performance that is both fierce and deeply human.
How many seasons and episodes does Penoza have?
Penoza ran for five seasons and 48 episodes in total. The first season comprised 8 episodes, while each subsequent season — from Season 2 through Season 5 — consisted of 10 episodes. The series aired on NPO 3 and NPO 1 between 2010 and 2017.
How was Penoza received by critics and audiences?
Penoza was a major critical and commercial success in the Netherlands, becoming one of the most acclaimed Dutch drama series of its era. It earned praise for its sharp writing, strong performances — especially Monic Hendrickx — and its unflinching portrayal of organized crime, building a loyal audience across its five-season run.
Did Penoza inspire any spin-offs or adaptations?
Yes. Penoza's success led to a Dutch feature film adaptation, Penoza: The Last Chapter, released in 2019, which brought Carmen's story to a cinematic conclusion. The series also inspired an American remake titled Red Rock, demonstrating the international appeal of its premise and central character.
What are good shows to watch after Penoza?
If Penoza hooked you, try McMafia for its globe-spanning organized crime drama, Ferry: The Series for another Dutch criminal underworld story, or Queen of the South for a similarly female-led crime saga. Sons of Anarchy and MobLand also deliver the same blend of family loyalty and criminal tension.
More About Penoza
Explore further details about Penoza on these authoritative sources.