Van der Valk (1972)
A landmark British crime drama following Dutch detective Commissaris Piet van der Valk through the atmospheric streets of Amsterdam.
Van der Valk - Series Information
- Original Title: Van der Valk
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1992
- Created by: Nicolas Freeling
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 13, 1972 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Networks: ITV1
Van der Valk - Plot
Van der Valk is a British television series that was produced by Thames Television for the ITV network. It starred Barry Foster in the title role as Dutch detective Commissaris "Piet" van der Valk. Based on the characters and atmosphere of the novels of Nicolas Freeling, the first series was shown in 1972.
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Van der Valk - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nicolas Freeling
Main Cast
- Barry Foster
- Michael Latimer
- Susan Travers
- Joanna Dunham
- Nigel Stock
- Meg Davis
- Dave Carter
- Ronald Hines
- Richard Huw
- Natasha Pyne
Writers
- Philip Broadley
- Michael Chapman
- Geoffrey Gilbert
- Roger Marshall
- Keith Dewhurst
Van der Valk - FAQs
Is Van der Valk based on a true story?
Van der Valk is not based on a true story. The character of Commissaris Piet van der Valk was created by British crime novelist Nicolas Freeling, who set his stories in Amsterdam. Freeling drew on his own experiences living in the Netherlands to craft the richly atmospheric world of the series.
Who played Van der Valk in the original series?
Barry Foster played Commissaris Simon "Piet" Van der Valk in the original ITV series. His portrayal of the unconventional, sharp-witted Dutch detective became iconic, and the show ran across five seasons from 1972 to 1992, cementing Foster's association with the role.
Where can you stream Van der Valk (1972)?
The original Van der Valk series is available to stream on PBS and PBS Masterpiece via Amazon Channel, as well as on WETA+. Viewers can also catch episodes on KQED with ads. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch is a good way to confirm current options.
How many seasons does Van der Valk have?
The original Van der Valk series ran for five seasons and 32 episodes in total. Season 1 had 6 episodes, Season 2 had 7, Season 3 had 12, Season 4 had 4, and Season 5 had 3. The show aired on ITV between 1972 and 1992.
Why did Van der Valk end after so many gaps?
Van der Valk had an unusual production history, airing in bursts across two decades rather than consecutively. Thames Television produced new seasons intermittently based on audience demand and scheduling, which explains the long gaps between runs. The series ultimately concluded in 1992 after five seasons.
Who wrote the Van der Valk novels?
The Van der Valk novels were written by Nicolas Freeling, a British crime writer who lived in the Netherlands for many years. His books introduced the Amsterdam detective to readers worldwide, and the TV series was developed from the characters and atmosphere he created across his acclaimed novel series.
When did Van der Valk first air on television?
Van der Valk first aired on September 13, 1972, in the United Kingdom on ITV. Produced by Thames Television, the debut season introduced Barry Foster as the Dutch detective Commissaris Piet van der Valk, quickly winning over audiences with its distinctive Amsterdam setting and sharp crime storytelling.
What are some shows similar to Van der Valk?
Fans of Van der Valk may enjoy A Very British Scandal, The Clearing, or Toxic Town for their sharp dramatic storytelling. Other recommendations include One Trillion Dollars, Julia, and High Tides, which share a similar blend of character-driven narratives and compelling mysteries across different settings and eras.
More About Van der Valk
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