Why it's trending
Interest stems from the long-awaited UK premiere of Season 4 on ITV1 tonight, three years after the previous series. Digital Spy highlighted the three-year wait and the episode's dramatic hook—a dead witness and a suspect who is Van der Valk's ex—which gives fans a reason to tune in. Additionally, Radio Times published an exclusive interview with Marc Warren about the show's unconfirmed future, adding uncertainty that fuels conversation.
Van der Valk is back on ITV tonight, with Marc Warren returning as Amsterdam's dogged detective. Digital Spy reports that the fourth season premieres at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX, kicking off with a case where a witness in police protection is murdered—and the prime suspect is an officer who happens to be a former lover of Van der Valk. Warren told Radio Times that the situation 'throws him' and shows a vulnerable side to the normally composed detective.
The season has already been seen by some viewers, creating a split in reception. According to Digital Spy, it first aired in Denmark over two years ago and later in the US and Australia in 2024. One Rotten Tomatoes fan review cited by Digital Spy calls the reboot 'one of the best police procedurals on TV,' while The Times’ review headline—'lovely dog, shame about the drama'—captures a less enthusiastic take. This contrast means UK audiences may be going in with mixed expectations.
Van der Valk is itself a reboot of a detective series that ran from 1972 to 1992, based on Nicolas Freeling's novels. The new version follows Commissaris Piet Van der Valk and his team in the National Police Force's major crimes division in the Dutch capital. Digital Spy notes that the fourth season focuses on 'some of their toughest cases yet,' with the premiere putting Van der Valk personally at odds with someone he once trusted.
The bigger question is what comes after Season 4. Radio Times has published an interview with Marc Warren about the show's future, but that future 'remains unconfirmed' according to the outlet. With the UK premiere finally arriving after a three-year gap and the season already having aired in several other markets, whether ITV commissions a fifth season could hinge on how UK viewers respond to this run.
Timeline
- Original Van der Valk series runs
The original British detective series, based on Nicolas Freeling's novels, aired for two decades, per Digital Spy.
- Season 4 first airs in Denmark
Digital Spy reports the fourth season premiered in Denmark over two years before its UK broadcast, though an exact date is not given.
- Season 4 shown in US and Australia
According to Digital Spy, the season was broadcast in the United States and Australia in 2024.
- UK premiere on ITV1 and ITVX
Digital Spy confirms the first episode of Season 4 airs at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
- Future of the show unconfirmed
Radio Times reports that the series' fate remains unconfirmed, with Marc Warren speaking out about the possibility of Season 5.
Questions people ask
When does Van der Valk season 4 air in the UK?
Digital Spy reports the season premieres tonight at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Who stars in Van der Valk season 4?
Marc Warren stars as Commissaris Piet Van der Valk, per Digital Spy. Warren is known for roles in Hustle and Big Boys.
Is Van der Valk based on a book series?
Yes. Digital Spy says the show is based on Nicolas Freeling's novels of the same name and is a reboot of a 1972–1992 TV series.
Will there be a fifth season of Van der Valk?
According to Radio Times, the show's future is unconfirmed. Marc Warren has spoken out about the subject, but no official decision has been reported.
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