Van der Valk 1972
What is Van der Valk?
Van der Valk is a British television series that was produced by Thames Television for the ITV network. The show features Barry Foster in the title role as Dutch detective Commissaris Piet van der Valk.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1972
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 32
- Runtime
- 50 minutes
- First aired
- Sep 13, 1972
- Last aired
- Feb 19, 1992
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- ITV1
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 32 episodes and an average 50-minute runtime.
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
Van der Valk is a British television series that was produced by Thames Television for the ITV network. The show features Barry Foster in the title role as Dutch detective Commissaris Piet van der Valk. The series is based on the characters and atmosphere of the novels written by Nicolas Freeling. The first series of the show was broadcast in 1972. The program follows the investigations of the Amsterdam-based police commissioner as he solves various criminal cases. The series was notable for its European setting and Foster's portrayal of the methodical Dutch detective. The show maintained the continental tone and style of Freeling's original literary works while adapting them for television audiences. Thames Television produced the series as part of their regular programming for the ITV network, bringing the character of van der Valk to British screens through Foster's performance in the lead role.
Should you watch it?
“A Dutch detective investigates complex criminal cases in this classic British television series.”
- based on nicolas freeling novels
- compelling lead performance
- dated production values
Watch it if you enjoy vintage british crime dramas adapted from established literary sources.
The series contains themes and depictions typical of 1970s television crime dramas.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 6 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 One Herring's Not Enough Sep 13, 1972
- E2 Destroying Angel Sep 20, 1972
- E3 Blue Notes Sep 27, 1972
- E4 Elected Silence Oct 4, 1972
- E5 Thicker Than Water Oct 11, 1972
- E6 The Adventurer Oct 18, 1972
Season 2 · 7 episodes
- E1 A Death by the Sea Aug 29, 1973
- E2 A Man of No Importance Sep 5, 1973
- E3 A Rose for Mr. Reinhart Sep 12, 1973
- E4 A Dangerous Point of View Sep 19, 1973
- E5 Season for Love Sep 26, 1973
- E6 Rich Man, Poor Man Oct 3, 1973
- E7 The Rainbow Ends Here Oct 10, 1973
Season 3 · 12 episodes
- E1 Enemy Sep 5, 1977
- E2 Accidental Sep 12, 1977
- E3 The Runt Sep 19, 1977
- E4 Wolf Sep 26, 1977
- E5 Man of Iron Oct 3, 1977
- E6 Everybody Does It Oct 10, 1977
- E7 Face Value Oct 17, 1977
- E8 Dead on Arrival Oct 24, 1977
- E9 The Professor Oct 31, 1977
- E10 In Hazard Nov 7, 1977
- E11 Gold Plated Delinquents Nov 14, 1977
- E12 Diane Nov 21, 1977
Season 4 · 4 episodes
- E1 Doctor Hoffmann's Children Jan 16, 1991
- E2 Dangerous Games Jan 23, 1991
- E3 A Sudden Silence Jan 30, 1991
- E4 The Little Rascals Feb 6, 1991
Season 5 · 3 episodes
- E1 The Ties That Bind Feb 5, 1992
- E2 Proof of Life Feb 12, 1992
- E3 Still Waters Feb 19, 1992
Frequently asked questions
Who plays the lead character?
The title role of Commissaris Piet van der Valk is played by Barry Foster.
Who produced the series?
The series was produced by Thames Television for the ITV network.
When did the series first air?
The first series was shown in 1972.
What is the source material?
The show is based on the characters and atmosphere of the novels written by Nicolas Freeling.
Where is the series set?
The series is set in the Netherlands and features a Dutch detective.