Vera (2011)
Brenda Blethyn stars as DCI Vera Stanhope, a fiercely determined detective solving crimes across the wild landscapes of northeast England.
Vera - Series Information
- Original Title: Vera
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Ann Cleeves
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Number of Seasons: 14
- Number of Episodes: 56
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 1, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), May 1, 2011 (Germany - 16), May 1, 2011 (France - 16), May 1, 2011 (Australia - M), May 1, 2011 (Brazil - 14), May 1, 2011 (Mexico - AA), May 1, 2011 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: ITV Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Vera - Plot
A sharp detective with a messy life, DCI Vera Stanhope patrols her "patch" of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. Vera is obsessive about her work and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage.
Vera - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at DCI Vera Stanhope in action:
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Vera - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ann Cleeves
Main Cast
- Brenda Blethyn
- Jon Morrison
- Riley Jones
- Kenny Doughty
- Ibinabo Jack
- David Leon
- Paul Kaye
- Kingsley Ben-Adir
- Paul Ritter
- Tom Hutch
Writers
- Paul Rutman
- Martha Hillier
- Colin Teevan
- Gaby Chiappe
- Sally Abbott
Executive Producers
- Phil Hunter
- Kate Bartlett
Vera - FAQs
Where can you stream Vera online?
Vera is available to stream on BritBox and the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel via subscription. Episodes can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. BritBox is the primary streaming home for the complete series in the United States.
Is Vera based on a true story or real cases?
Vera is not based on true crime cases. The series is adapted from Ann Cleeves' bestselling Vera Stanhope novels, which are works of fiction. Cleeves drew on her knowledge of northeast England's landscape and communities to create an authentic sense of place, but the characters and crimes are entirely invented.
Who plays DCI Vera Stanhope in the series?
BAFTA-winning actress Brenda Blethyn portrays DCI Vera Stanhope across all 14 series of the show. Her performance — defined by a distinctive rumpled mac, battered hat, and razor-sharp instincts — became iconic in British television. Blethyn remained the heart of the series from its 2011 debut through its 2025 finale.
Why did Vera end after Series 14?
Vera concluded after Series 14 because Brenda Blethyn chose to retire from the role. In early 2024, Blethyn announced she would step down as DCI Vera Stanhope after more than a decade, bringing the series to a planned and dignified close. ITV confirmed the show ended with Series 14 in 2025.
How many seasons and episodes does Vera have?
Vera ran for 14 series plus a specials season, comprising 56 episodes in total. Each series typically featured four feature-length episodes, with later series varying slightly in episode count. Series 11 contained six episodes, Series 12 had five, Series 13 had three, and the final Series 14 concluded with two episodes.
When did Vera first air on television?
Vera first aired on May 1, 2011, in the United Kingdom on ITV1. The premiere introduced audiences to DCI Vera Stanhope and her Northumberland patch, quickly establishing the series as a cornerstone of British crime drama. The show ran for fourteen years before concluding in 2025.
What is Vera about and what makes it distinctive?
Vera follows DCI Vera Stanhope, an obsessive and unconventional detective who investigates murders, kidnappings, and blackmail across the rugged landscapes of northeast England. Critics praise the series for its atmospheric Northumberland settings, Brenda Blethyn's commanding lead performance, and its thoughtful character-driven storytelling that distinguishes it from conventional police procedurals.
Did Vera win any major television awards?
Vera earned considerable recognition over its run. Brenda Blethyn received multiple BAFTA nominations for her portrayal of the title character, and the series was consistently praised by critics for its writing and production quality. The show became one of ITV's most enduring and beloved crime dramas, running for 14 years.
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