Netflix is gearing up for the launch of its new crime thriller series, Dept. Q, created by Scott Frank, the mastermind behind the acclaimed The Queen's Gambit. The show, based on the bestselling novels by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, will premiere on May 29, 2025, and promises to deliver a gripping narrative centered around cold cases in Edinburgh.
The recently released trailer gives viewers a glimpse into the life of Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode. Morck is described as a brilliant but insufferable detective whose abrasive personality has earned him few friends within the Edinburgh police force. After a tragic incident leaves a young constable dead and his partner paralyzed, he finds himself demoted and reassigned to the newly formed Department Q—a cold case unit that, according to some, exists more for political optics than for actual police efficacy.
As Morck settles into his basement office, he begins to assemble a team of misfits and outcasts, all of whom are determined to prove their worth. The trailer teases a dark, character-driven series packed with sharp dialogue and psychological depth, as Morck reopens a years-old case involving a missing civil servant. The investigation serves as a catalyst for Morck to rediscover his old instincts, leading him to rattle cages and confront buried secrets.
Alongside Goode, the cast features a talented ensemble including Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Jamie Sives, Mark Bonnar, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne, and Kate Dickie. Each character adds unique dimensions to the story, enhancing the overall narrative that promises to blend procedural grit with character complexity.
Scott Frank, who has long been interested in the concept of a dedicated cold case unit, shared that the idea has been on his mind for over two decades. He expressed a strong desire to remain closely involved with the adaptation, directing six of the nine episodes and handling writing duties across the board. This level of engagement is expected to translate into a faithful and nuanced interpretation of Adler-Olsen's work.
In a recent interview, Frank elaborated on the decision to set the series in Edinburgh rather than Copenhagen, where the novels take place. He remarked, "I hadn’t really seen a show in Edinburgh before, and it’s a beautiful city. When I went to go look at the city, I was like, ‘Okay, this is amazing. It’s the perfect combination between the modern and the medieval.’" Goode echoed this sentiment, noting that Edinburgh's gothic architecture and status as Scotland's judicial center make it a fitting backdrop for the series.
The adaptation of Dept. Q marks a significant moment for Netflix, which continues to expand its catalog of original content. With a focus on character-driven storytelling, the series aims to attract not only fans of the original novels but also new viewers seeking a compelling crime drama.
As anticipation builds for the May 29 premiere, Netflix has positioned Dept. Q as a potential standout in its lineup. With its combination of thrilling plots, complex characters, and the creative vision of Scott Frank, the series is set to make waves in the crime drama genre.
In summary, Netflix's Dept. Q is shaping up to be a must-watch series for fans of crime thrillers. With its stellar cast, engaging plotlines, and the creative prowess behind it, viewers can expect a captivating journey into the world of cold cases and the detectives who dare to solve them.
