The Crimson Rivers (2018)

A gripping French crime thriller in which detective Pierre Niemans and partner Camille Delaunay pursue ritualistic killers through the darkest corners of Europe.

The Crimson Rivers - Series Information

  • Original Title: Les Rivières pourpres
  • First Air Year: 2018
  • Last Air Year: 2022
  • Created by: Jean-Christophe Grangé
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Crime, Mystery
  • Content Rating (US): NR
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 48 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 4
  • Number of Episodes: 32
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: French
  • Spoken Languages: French
  • First Air Date: November 26, 2018 (United States - NR), November 26, 2018 (Germany - 16), November 26, 2018 (France - 16), November 26, 2018 (Spain - 16), November 26, 2018 (South Korea - 19)
  • Networks: France 2
  • Production Companies: Maze Pictures, uMedia, Storia Télévision, Storia Television, ZDF
  • Production Countries: Belgium, France, Germany

The Crimson Rivers - Plot

Old-school police detective Pierre Niemans and his former student Camille Delaunay tackle complex, brutal murder cases.

The Crimson Rivers - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the dark world of The Crimson Rivers unfold:

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The Crimson Rivers - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Jean-Christophe Grangé

Main Cast

  • Olivier Marchal
  • Erika Sainte
  • Ken Duken
  • François Levantal
  • Augustin Humez
  • Nora Waldstätten
  • Nicolas Grandhomme
  • Pierre Laplace
  • Théo Dardenne
  • Jean-Luc Couchard

Writers

  • Jean-Christophe Grangé
  • Thomas Mansuy
  • Olivier Prieur
  • Sylvie Simon-Sfez
  • Mathieu Leblanc

The Crimson Rivers - FAQs

Is The Crimson Rivers based on a book?

Yes. The Crimson Rivers is inspired by Jean-Christophe Grangé's 1997 bestselling novel of the same name, which was previously adapted as a 2000 French film starring Jean Reno. The TV series expands on the novel's characters and dark, ritualistic themes across multiple seasons.

Where can you stream The Crimson Rivers?

The Crimson Rivers is available to stream on PBS, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Thirteen, and WETA+. It can also be watched with ads on KQED. Availability may vary by region; check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.

Who plays detective Pierre Niemans in the series?

Veteran French actor and director Olivier Marchal plays Pierre Niemans, the gruff, old-school police detective at the heart of the series. Erika Sainte co-stars as his former student and partner Camille Delaunay, forming the central investigative duo throughout all four seasons.

How many seasons does The Crimson Rivers have?

The Crimson Rivers ran for 4 seasons, each consisting of 8 episodes, for a total of 32 episodes. The series premiered on November 26, 2018, and concluded in 2022 on France 2.

What dark themes does The Crimson Rivers explore?

The series delves into deeply unsettling territory, including ritual murders, satanic and religious cults, secret societies, neo-Nazism, and serial killers. Each season presents a self-contained case built around these macabre, often occult-tinged themes, giving the show a distinctly dark and atmospheric tone.

Is The Crimson Rivers cancelled or renewed?

The Crimson Rivers has ended. The series concluded after its fourth season in 2022 and is no longer in production. All 32 episodes across 4 seasons are available to watch in full on various streaming platforms.

What is The Crimson Rivers about?

The Crimson Rivers follows seasoned detective Pierre Niemans and his sharp former student Camille Delaunay as they investigate elaborate, ritualistic murders across France. Each season presents a new case steeped in dark secrets, cults, and criminal conspiracies, blending procedural tension with psychological depth.

Where was The Crimson Rivers filmed?

The Crimson Rivers was filmed primarily in France, with production also taking place in Belgium and Germany, reflecting its international co-production status. The series' moody, atmospheric visuals make strong use of varied European locations to enhance its dark crime thriller aesthetic.

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