But isn't also the original UK series set in Amsterdam? I'm near certain it is.

Or do you mean it's a nice change of pace seeing a current UK series that's set in Amsterdam?

@genplant29 said:

But isn't also the original UK series set in Amsterdam? I'm near certain it is.

Or do you mean it's a nice change of pace seeing a current UK series that's set in Amsterdam?

Yes, it is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Valk#Original_series_(1972%E2%80%931992)

I can understand why they used British actors back then but in the new version, I do not see why they couldn't use an actual Dutch actor to play Vander Valk.

I agree. Having said that, IMO the current series' leads do overall come off seeming passably Dutch, at least to enough extent that I don't ever recall thinking, during S1, that why are they and everyone else who work for the Amsterdam police just a bunch of Brits?

The original series did seem more British with only the exterior scenes filmed in Amsterdam and the interior ones recorded at Thames television studios. In the new series, most - if not all - is filmed in and around Amsterdam.

They have an all-Dutch crew and many guest actors are also Dutch. Of course it would be nice if they have a Dutch actor on the team.

Here's a videoclip with police detective Hoogenbloom from the Dutch drugs squad in "A Touch of Frost":

Working undercover in Denton.

@bratface said:

@genplant29 said:

But isn't also the original UK series set in Amsterdam? I'm near certain it is.

Or do you mean it's a nice change of pace seeing a current UK series that's set in Amsterdam?

Yes, it is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Valk#Original_series_(1972%E2%80%931992)

I can understand why they used British actors back then but in the new version, I do not see why they couldn't use an actual Dutch actor to play Vander Valk.

I agree, but who knows the reason. I had Dutch pen pals in the 90's and took a language course at a community college . It not too hard to learn, I love learning new languages. There are a few Dutch eateries in Chicago, but I have not tried the cuisine yet.

I think the reason being they can sell it globally if it’s in English language. I speak 3 languages- but find that English is becoming universal in a lot of countries. I love this series because of the cast- and it’s set in Amsterdam. Which I love.

I still remember the strong visual impression of the bike-chase scenes, along the canals, at beginning of Season 1.

When you are in Amsterdam- bicycles have the right of way. They fly around the streets just like that bike chase- and it seems almost as if they are trying to hit pedestrians 😁

@grumbles said:

I think the reason being they can sell it globally if it’s in English language. I speak 3 languages- but find that English is becoming universal in a lot of countries. I love this series because of the cast- and it’s set in Amsterdam. Which I love.

The Netherlands ranks number 1 on the EF EPI (EF English Proficiency Index) and its capital Amsterdam is also in the top spot.