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Vera

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Overview

A sharp detective with a messy life, DCI Vera Stanhope patrols her “patch” of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. Vera is obsessive about her work and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage.

Media

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"Vera" Season 6 official ITV trailer

Cast

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Brenda Blethyn

Jon Morrison

Riley Jones

Sarah Kameela Impey

Creator:

Ann Cleeves

Fist Air Date:

2011-05-01

Episode Runtime:

90m

Production Companies:

ITV Studios

Genres:

Crime Drama Mystery

Keywords:

crime investigation criminal criminal investigation detective england female detective forensic science hardboiled detective kidnapping murder northern england northumberland police police detective police procedural

More Show Details

Vote Average: 7.4/10

Vote Count: 170 Votes

Show Popularity: 47.3019

Show Status: Ended

Show Type: Scripted

Spoken Languages: English

Review

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Insomniacs Reviews
- 24 April 2026 at 5:24 pm

9 Based on 1 Votes

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⭐ Insomniacs Rating: 9/10 THE SUMMARY The 14-year Northumbrian odyssey that proved you don't need a tactical vest or a gym membership to be the most formidable detective on television. Vera follows the dishevelled but brilliant DCI Vera Stanhope as she stalks the windswept moors and rugged coastlines of North East England in her iconic Land Rover. By today, April 24, 2026, the series has officially passed into the archive as a completed masterpiece. The final two-part season aired on January 1 and 2, 2025, marking the end of Brenda Blethyn’s legendary run as the "pet"-calling, rumpled-hat-wearing queen of ITV crime. THE PROS Brenda Blethyn delivers a 100% authentic performance that turned Vera into a sincere cultural icon. She brings a visceral, maternal but biting sharp-wittedness to the role that feels entirely human. The Northumbrian landscape is a total win, acting as a supporting character that provides a gripping, atmospheric backdrop to the show's slow-burn mysteries. It’s the "Go To" for fans of "Cozy Noir"—shows that are dark enough to be gripping but grounded by a lead character who would rather have a pint of ale than a high-speed car chase. The return of David Leon as Joe Ashworth in the final seasons was a genuine highlight for long-term fans. THE CONS It hits a 9/10 because, after 14 seasons, the "hidden family secret" motive for every murder could occasionally feel a bit like a head-scratcher. The pacing is intentionally languid, which might be a bit of a let-down for viewers used to the frantic speed of American procedurals. It misses the 10/10 mark only because the final season was a bit of a "damp squib" in terms of length—consisting of just two episodes—which left some fans feeling the exit was a little rushed for a character who has been a staple of Sunday nights since 2011. THE VERDICT A 9/10. It is a genuine, regal triumph of British television that managed to stay relevant and high-quality for over a decade. It’s a bit of a maze if you aren't familiar with Geordie colloquialisms, but as a "character-driven detective saga," it’s a crown jewel. As of April 2026, with the show officially concluded and Brenda Blethyn "semi-retired" to spend more time with her family, the series remains essential viewing for anyone who appreciates a good mystery and a great raincoat. INSOMNIAC TRIVIA * The Last Goodbye: The final ever episode, "The Dark Wives," aired on January 2, 2025, exactly 14 years after the show first took over our screens. * Legend Guest: The series finale featured a witty cameo from *Casualty* legend Derek Thompson, appearing in his first major role after 38 years as Charlie Fairhead. * Promotion Twist: In the final episodes, Shobna Gulati guest-starred as a "severe" Chief Superintendent who actually offered Vera a career-changing promotion, though fans know our Vera belongs in the field. * Original Pilot: Before it was a global hit, the pilot episode "Hidden Depths" was filmed in 2010 and featured a young Wunmi Mosaku and the late, great Paul Ritter. * Ann Cleeves’ Blessing: The show is a sincere adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ novels; she has famously stated that whenever she writes Vera now, she hears Brenda Blethyn’s voice in her head. THE VIBE Like a brisk walk on a rainy Northumberland beach followed by a very strong cup of tea in a drafty cottage. It smells of salt air, old wool, wet dog, and the distinct, smoky scent of a mystery that’s about to be unraveled.

TV Show Poster

Season 1

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2011-04-30

TV Show Poster

Season 2

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2012-04-21

TV Show Poster

Season 3

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2013-08-24

TV Show Poster

Season 4

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2014-04-27

TV Show Poster

Season 5

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2015-04-05

TV Show Poster

Season 6

4 Episodes

TV Show Poster

Season 7

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2017-03-19

TV Show Poster

Season 8

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2018-01-06

TV Show Poster

Season 9

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2019-01-12

TV Show Poster

Season 10

4 Episodes

Air Date: 2020-01-11

TV Show Poster

Season 11

6 Episodes

Air Date: 2021-08-28

TV Show Poster

Season 12

5 Episodes

Air Date: 2023-01-28

TV Show Poster

Season 13

3 Episodes

Air Date: 2024-01-06

TV Show Poster

Season 14

2 Episodes

Air Date: 2024-12-31

Videos

"Vera" Season 6 official ITV trailer

Cast

Brenda Blethyn

Jon Morrison

Riley Jones

Sarah Kameela Impey

Rhiannon Clements

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Reviews for

Vera

Comment (1)

Insomniacs Reviews
- 24 April 2026 at 6:24 PM

⭐ Insomniacs Rating: 9/10

THE SUMMARY

The 14-year Northumbrian odyssey that proved you don’t need a tactical vest or a gym membership to be the most formidable detective on television. Vera follows the dishevelled but brilliant DCI Vera Stanhope as she stalks the windswept moors and rugged coastlines of North East England in her iconic Land Rover. By today, April 24, 2026, the series has officially passed into the archive as a completed masterpiece. The final two-part season aired on January 1 and 2, 2025, marking the end of Brenda Blethyn’s legendary run as the “pet”-calling, rumpled-hat-wearing queen of ITV crime.

THE PROS

Brenda Blethyn delivers a 100% authentic performance that turned Vera into a sincere cultural icon. She brings a visceral, maternal but biting sharp-wittedness to the role that feels entirely human. The Northumbrian landscape is a total win, acting as a supporting character that provides a gripping, atmospheric backdrop to the show’s slow-burn mysteries. It’s the “Go To” for fans of “Cozy Noir”—shows that are dark enough to be gripping but grounded by a lead character who would rather have a pint of ale than a high-speed car chase. The return of David Leon as Joe Ashworth in the final seasons was a genuine highlight for long-term fans.

THE CONS

It hits a 9/10 because, after 14 seasons, the “hidden family secret” motive for every murder could occasionally feel a bit like a head-scratcher. The pacing is intentionally languid, which might be a bit of a let-down for viewers used to the frantic speed of American procedurals. It misses the 10/10 mark only because the final season was a bit of a “damp squib” in terms of length—consisting of just two episodes—which left some fans feeling the exit was a little rushed for a character who has been a staple of Sunday nights since 2011.

THE VERDICT

A 9/10. It is a genuine, regal triumph of British television that managed to stay relevant and high-quality for over a decade. It’s a bit of a maze if you aren’t familiar with Geordie colloquialisms, but as a “character-driven detective saga,” it’s a crown jewel. As of April 2026, with the show officially concluded and Brenda Blethyn “semi-retired” to spend more time with her family, the series remains essential viewing for anyone who appreciates a good mystery and a great raincoat.

INSOMNIAC TRIVIA

* The Last Goodbye: The final ever episode, “The Dark Wives,” aired on January 2, 2025, exactly 14 years after the show first took over our screens.

* Legend Guest: The series finale featured a witty cameo from *Casualty* legend Derek Thompson, appearing in his first major role after 38 years as Charlie Fairhead.

* Promotion Twist: In the final episodes, Shobna Gulati guest-starred as a “severe” Chief Superintendent who actually offered Vera a career-changing promotion, though fans know our Vera belongs in the field.

* Original Pilot: Before it was a global hit, the pilot episode “Hidden Depths” was filmed in 2010 and featured a young Wunmi Mosaku and the late, great Paul Ritter.

* Ann Cleeves’ Blessing: The show is a sincere adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ novels; she has famously stated that whenever she writes Vera now, she hears Brenda Blethyn’s voice in her head.

THE VIBE

Like a brisk walk on a rainy Northumberland beach followed by a very strong cup of tea in a drafty cottage. It smells of salt air, old wool, wet dog, and the distinct, smoky scent of a mystery that’s about to be unraveled.

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