Vera TV series: ITV release date 2023, season 12 trailer, and cast with Brenda Blethyn and Sarah Kameela Impey

Vera, the ITV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn, is returning to television for a new season this January.

The series, now entering its twelfth year, is based on a series of books by the crime novelist Ann Cleeves.

Here’s everything you need to know about Vera Series 12.

What’s it about?

Vera is a detective drama, named for its lead character DCI Vera Stanhope. The series follows Vera (back once again in the iconic hat and rain mac) as she leads a team of diligent investigators trying to solve complex murders.

Across Series 12, Vera will investigate the death of a local GP, a body found in a river, a death at sea in a sailboat, the deaths of a former soldier and an active police officer, and the discovery of an abandoned baby.

Is it based on a book?

Yes, it is! Vera is an adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ series of Vera Stanhope novels, the first of which was published in 1999. This series of Vera includes an adaptation of one of Cleeves’ most recent Stanhope novels, The Darkest Evening (2020), which explores Vera’s family background.

Cleeves, notably, also writes the Jimmy Perez novels (adapted by the BBC into the crime drama Shetland) and the Matthew Venn novels (adapted by ITV into the crime drama The Long Call).

Who stars in Vera Series 12?

Brenda Blethyn returns as Vera Stanhope, the detective she’s played since 2011. Blethyn is best known for a series of collaborations with Mike Leigh, including her television debut Grown-Ups in 1980; she’s also appeared in films like Little Voice, Pride & Prejudice, and Atonement.

A number of familiar fan-favourite characters will also be returning, including Kenny Doughty (Love, Lies, and Records) as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morrison (The Bill) as DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones (Wolfblood) as DC Mark Edwards and Ibinabo Jack (Doctors) as DC Jacqueline Williams.

Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones) will appear as pathologist Dr. Malcolm Donahue in three episodes, before departing midway through the series to be replaced by Sarah Kameela Impey (excellent in We Are Lady Parts), playing new pathologist Dr. Paula Bennet.

They’re joined by various guest stars across the course of the series, including Hugh Quarshie (Holby, Riches).

Is there a trailer?

Unfortunately not! If ITV does share one online though we’ll update this piece to include it.

When and how can I watch it?

Vera Series 12 begins on Sunday 15 January at 8pm, with new episodes airing weekly. You’ll also be able to catch up on the series on streaming service ITVX.

How many episodes are there?

There are six episodes in the new series of Vera, each of which are around 90 minutes long. (Technically speaking, two of these episodes were produced as part of Series 11 – so it’s two episodes of series 11, followed by four episodes of Series 12, totalling six episodes altogether – but that’s splitting hairs a little bit.)

This series will see the 50^th episode of Vera since the show began in 2011. A standalone special episode of Vera – an adaptation of and The Rising Tide (2022) – will air later in 2023, so you’ll get 7 new episodes of Vera this year. A big twelve months for Vera fans!

Where is Vera filmed?

Vera is set in the North East of England, with much of the production taking place in Newcastle and Northumberland upon Tyne.

Why should I watch Vera?

It’s our resident detective drama expert’s favourite show, which is surely recommendation enough.