Vera 2011
What is Vera?
Vera is a British crime drama television series that premiered on ITV. The series is based on the Vera Stanhope novels by Ann Cleeves and stars Brenda Blethyn as the principal character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2011
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 56
- First aired
- May 1, 2011
- Last aired
- Jan 2, 2025
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- ITV1
- Genres
- Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
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Joyn
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Filmin
Tivify
Amazon Prime Video with AdsWith ads
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Apple TV StoreCanal VODStream
Disney Plus
Sky Go
ITVX PremiumWith ads
ITVX
STV PlayerBuy
Apple TV StoreAmazon VideoStream
Sky GoStream
Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with AdsStream
Britbox Apple TV ChannelBritBoxBritBox Amazon ChannelBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV Store
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 56 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Vera is a British crime drama television series that premiered on ITV. The series is based on the Vera Stanhope novels by Ann Cleeves and stars Brenda Blethyn as the principal character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. Vera is a sharp detective who patrols her patch of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. The series features Vera's obsessive work ethic and her caustic wit, guile, and courage as she faces the world. The show ran for 14 years, from 1 May 2011 to 2 January 2025, and is set against the Northumberland landscape. Brenda Blethyn's portrayal of Vera Stanhope is notable for her singular charm and the character's messy life. The series follows Vera and her team as they face a series of captivating murder mysteries.
Should you watch it?
“A sharp detective navigates her messy personal life while solving complex crimes in northeast England.”
- compelling lead performance
- scenic rural settings
- intricate mystery plots
- can be slow-paced
- dark thematic subject matter
Watch it if you enjoy character-driven British crime dramas set against atmospheric landscapes.
The series features themes of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail suitable for mature audiences.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Vera — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Vera worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress
Season 1 · 4 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →- E1 Hidden Depths Mytharc May 1, 2011
- E2 Telling Tales Core May 8, 2011
- E3 The Crow Trap Mytharc May 15, 2011
- E4 Little Lazarus Mytharc May 22, 2011
Season 2 · 4 episodes
- E1 The Ghost Position Mytharc Apr 22, 2012
- E2 Silent Voices Mytharc Apr 29, 2012
- E3 A Certain Samaritan Core Jun 3, 2012
- E4 Sandancers Mytharc May 20, 2012
Season 3 · 4 episodes
- E1 Poster Child Mytharc Aug 25, 2013
- E2 Castles in the Air Core Sep 1, 2013
- E3 Young Gods Core Sep 8, 2013
- E4 Prodigal Son Mytharc Sep 15, 2013
Season 4 · 4 episodes
- E1 On Harbour Street Mytharc Apr 27, 2014
- E2 Protected Mytharc May 4, 2014
- E3 The Deer Hunters Core May 11, 2014
- E4 Death of a Family Man Mytharc May 18, 2014
Season 5 · 4 episodes
- E1 Changing Tides Mytharc Apr 5, 2015
- E2 Old Wounds Core Apr 12, 2015
- E3 Muddy Waters Core Apr 19, 2015
- E4 Shadows in the Sky Mytharc Apr 26, 2015
Frequently asked questions
Who plays the lead character?
The character of DCI Vera Stanhope is portrayed by Brenda Blethyn.
Where is the series set?
The show is set in the northeast of England, specifically in Northumberland.
What is the premise of the show?
DCI Vera Stanhope leads a team to investigate various crimes including murder, kidnapping, and blackmail.
Is the series based on books?
Yes, the television series is based on the Vera Stanhope novels written by Ann Cleeves.
When did the series air?
The series originally ran on ITV from May 1, 2011, to January 2, 2025.