Honestly, if you're a fan of the brooding, canal-dwelling detective Piet Van der Valk, you've probably felt like you've been stuck in one of his more frustrating cold cases lately. The wait for new episodes has been, well, a lot. We’ve seen cast shake-ups, long production gaps, and a whole lot of "will they, won't they" regarding the show’s renewal.
But let’s get into the weeds of Van der Valk Season 5. Is it actually happening? Or has the sun finally set on Piet's houseboat?
The Status of Van der Valk Season 5
Here is the thing about British-Dutch co-productions: they take forever.
Right now, as we sit in early 2026, the situation is a bit complicated. Season 4 only just hit screens in the UK on ITV and ITVX, and it’s currently making its rounds on PBS Masterpiece in the States. Because of the massive three-year gap between Season 3 and Season 4, fans started panicking that the show was dead in the water.
It wasn't. But what about the fifth outing?
Usually, ITV waits to see the consolidated viewing figures—that’s the fancy term for how many people watched it live plus on catch-up—before they pull the trigger on a renewal. However, Marc Warren has gone on record saying he’d play the role as long as the audience wants him.
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Given how Season 4 ended with those massive emotional stakes for Hendrik, there is a clear path forward for Van der Valk Season 5. The writers haven't wrapped up the "found family" dynamic just yet.
What the cast is saying
Maimie McCoy, who plays the indispensable Lucienne Hassell, has been vocal about how much she loves the "elevated" feel of the recent episodes. There’s a sense on set that the show has finally found its rhythm. It moved away from the slightly campy vibes of the 70s original and fully embraced the dark, moody "Dutch Noir" aesthetic.
When could we actually see it?
If we look at the timeline, it’s kinda bleak for anyone wanting a quick fix.
- Season 1: 2020
- Season 2: 2022
- Season 3: 2023
- Season 4: 2026
If the pattern holds—and considering the logistics of filming in a city as busy as Amsterdam—Van der Valk Season 5 likely wouldn't arrive until late 2027 or even early 2028.
The production team usually shoots in the summer months to capture that specific Amsterdam light (and to avoid the sideways rain that makes location filming a nightmare). If they don’t get cameras rolling by mid-2026, we’re in for another long winter of reruns.
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The Hendrik factor and potential plots
If you watched the Season 4 finale, "Ciao, Bella," you know things got heavy.
For the longest time, Hendrik Davie (played by the brilliant Darrell D’Silva) was the comic relief—the hard-drinking, jazz-loving pathologist who seemed immortal. But the storyline involving his health and the team’s desperate attempt to get him medical help changed the DNA of the show.
Van der Valk Season 5 would almost certainly have to deal with the fallout of that.
Will Hendrik actually follow doctor’s orders? Highly unlikely. But seeing Piet—a man who hates showing emotion more than he hates tourist bikes—having to support his friend through a real-life crisis is the kind of character development this show needs.
Rumored storylines
There’s always talk about returning to Nicolas Freeling’s original novels for inspiration. While the reboot has mostly blazed its own trail, fans have been clamoring for more "personal" cases.
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We’ve seen Piet’s ex, Kalie Tenkers (Kim Riedle), pop back into his life. That door isn't closed. A fifth season would likely explore whether Piet can actually maintain a relationship or if he’s destined to just hang out with his dog, Sniffer, on a boat forever.
Why the show still matters (and why it's survived)
Critics were sort of mean to this show when it first launched. They called it "generic" and "placid."
But something happened around Season 3. The chemistry between Marc Warren and Maimie McCoy solidified. They don't have that "sexual tension" trope that ruins most detective pairings; they have a genuine, platonic, ride-or-die friendship. It’s refreshing.
Amsterdam itself is the other lead character. Most shows film in London or Manchester. Seeing the Rijksmuseum, the winding canals of the Jordaan, and the industrial grit of Amsterdam-Noord gives it a visual identity that keeps people coming back.
Actionable steps for fans
If you're desperate for more and can't wait for the official Van der Valk Season 5 announcement, there are a few things you should actually do:
- Check the DVD releases: Sometimes the physical media (DVD/Blu-ray) in the UK releases before the show finishes airing globally. It’s a great way to catch "hidden" behind-the-scenes features that hint at future production.
- Watch the 70s version: If you haven't seen the Barry Foster original, do it. It’s wild to see how much the city has changed, and it helps you spot the little Easter eggs the new writers drop in.
- Follow the cast on socials: Maimie McCoy and Azan Ahmed (Eddie Suleman) are usually the first to post "back at it" photos when filming begins.
- Re-watch the Season 4 finale: Pay close attention to the dialogue between Julia Dahlman and Piet in the final scenes. There are subtle breadcrumbs about the departmental changes coming to the Amsterdam police force.
The show hasn't been officially "axed," which in the world of TV usually means the wheels are turning behind the scenes. We just have to be as patient as Piet waiting for a suspect to crack.