7.1
Where can I stream Van der Valk legally?
Van der Valk is included with a subscription to PBS, Thirteen, and WETA+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on KQED. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Van der Valk
1972·Show
Van der Valk fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace5
- Violence5
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Pathos5
- Melancholy4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and storytelling
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Van der Valk is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowNostalgic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and mystery.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances and storytelling
The performances and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
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.
Classic Dutch Crime DramaProcedural MysteryGritty RealismIconic Television LegacySocial CommentaryCharacter-Driven InvestigationHistorical Police WorkTense AtmosphereMoral AmbiguityCulturally Significant
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Van der Valk
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Van der Valk worth watching?
66
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 67/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Van der Valk rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDrug use
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How many seasons does Van der Valk have?
5 seasons
It has 5 seasons with 32 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
When did Van der Valk air?
S1S2S3S4S5
It ran from 1972 to 1992 and has ended.
What language is Van der Valk in?
English
It was made in English.
In how many countries can I watch Van der Valk?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Van der Valk in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Van der Valk use?
Platonic Life-PartnersNot Even Bothering with the AccentTwin SwitchDa ChiefIdiosyncratic Episode NamingAloof Leader, Affable SubordinateLimited Advancement OpportunitiesHouseboat HeroCaught on TapeGood-Guy BarBunny-Ears LawyerBreak Away Pop Hitand 8 more
TV Tropes lists 20 storytelling tropes for Van der Valk, including Platonic Life-Partners, Not Even Bothering with the Accent, Twin Switch.