So, you're looking for Department Q. It's a bit of a mess right now because there isn't just one "Dept Q" out there. If you've been scouring the internet trying to figure out where can i watch dept q, you've likely realized that there are two very different versions of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s gritty world floating around.
First, there’s the original Danish film series. These are the "OG" adaptations that put Scandi-noir back on the map. Then, there is the brand-new, English-language Netflix series starring Matthew Goode that everyone is talking about. Depending on which one you want, you’ll need to head to completely different streaming services.
The New Netflix Series: Where to Stream the 2025/2026 Season
If you saw a trailer with Matthew Goode looking grizzled in Edinburgh, you are looking for the Netflix original series. This version, simply titled Dept. Q, premiered in late May 2025 and has been a massive hit.
Honestly, it’s one of the better adaptations Netflix has done lately. They moved the setting from Copenhagen to Scotland, which sounds weird at first, but it works. You can find all nine episodes of the first season on Netflix globally.
Because it did so well, Netflix already greenlit a second season. If you’ve finished the first nine episodes, you're probably waiting for the next batch, which is rumored to be hitting the platform in late 2026. For now, Netflix is the exclusive home for this specific iteration.
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Watching the Original Danish Films
If you're a purist and want the Danish movies with Nikolaj Lie Kaas as Carl Mørck, the landscape is a little more fragmented. These aren't all in one place, which is kind of annoying.
Currently, in the US and several other regions, AMC+ and IFC Films Unlimited are the primary hubs for the first few movies. You can also find them on Tubi or Kanopy (if you have a library card) from time to time, but they tend to cycle in and out.
Here is the breakdown of the Danish films in order:
- The Keeper of Lost Causes (Kvinden i buret)
- The Absent One (Fasandræberne)
- A Conspiracy of Faith (Flaskepost fra P)
- The Purity of Vengeance (Journal 64)
- The Marco Effect (Marco effekten) - Note: This one features a different cast.
- Boundless (Den grænseløse)
You can also rent or buy these individually on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango at Home. If you're looking for the most recent movie, Boundless, it’s just started hitting digital storefronts and boutique streaming services in early 2026.
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Why the Location Matters
You’ve got to be careful with your search. If you search for "Department Q" on Netflix and you're in a region where they haven't cleared the rights for the Danish films, you will only see the Matthew Goode series.
The Danish films are often listed under their individual titles like The Keeper of Lost Causes. If you just type "Dept Q" into a search bar on a site like Vudu or Amazon, you might only get the new show. Always search for the specific movie title if you want the Danish version.
What's Different About the New Version?
The Netflix show isn't a shot-for-shot remake. Scott Frank (the guy who did The Queen's Gambit) took the bones of the books and transplanted them. Carl Mørck is now a DCI in Edinburgh. Assad is now Akram, played by Alexej Manvelov.
It’s darker, maybe a bit more "gothic" than the clinical coldness of the Danish films. Some fans of the books were annoyed about the move to Scotland, but once you watch Matthew Goode's performance, it’s hard to stay mad. He plays "misanthropic jerk" better than almost anyone.
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Quick Guide for Streaming:
- The 2025 Series: Netflix (Subscription required).
- The First 4 Danish Movies: AMC+, IFC Films Unlimited, or rental on Amazon/Apple.
- The Marco Effect / Boundless: Usually available for rent/buy on major digital platforms; occasionally on Hulu in certain territories.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you are just starting your Department Q journey, here is what you should do:
Start with the Netflix series if you want a modern, English-language binge. It’s accessible and the production value is through the roof.
However, if you want the full "Nordic Noir" experience, start with The Keeper of Lost Causes on AMC+. Watching the Danish films first gives you a much better appreciation for the source material's bleakness before you see the stylized Netflix version.
Check your local library’s Kanopy access first—you might be able to stream the original trilogy for free before you shell out for another subscription. Once you're caught up, keep an eye on Netflix for the Season 2 release date announcement, which is expected to cover the events of The Absent One (the second book).