Netflix will debut the stylish new crime drama Amsterdam Empire on October 30, 2025, introducing viewers to the dangerous, decadent world behind the Netherlands’ cannabis trade.
The series, led by Famke Janssen, promises intrigue, betrayal, and the rise and fall of one of Amsterdam’s most notorious fictional moguls.
Created by Nico Moolenaar, Bart Uytdenhouwen, and Piet Matthys, Amsterdam Empire combines sharp character drama with a look at how power and loyalty crumble when personal secrets surface.
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A story of power, betrayal, and survival
At the center of the series is Jack van Doorn (Jacob Derwig), the rich and ruthless founder of the coffee shop empire Jackal. Jack has fought for dominance against rivals, criminals, and the maze of Dutch cannabis laws to become an industry titan.
But when news breaks that Jack has been having an affair with a high-profile journalist, the biggest threat to his empire emerges from inside his own home. His wife, Betty (Famke Janssen), once a pop diva, now a wronged partner who knows every secret, turns against him with a precision only someone close could wield. What begins as a scandal quickly escalates into a war for power, money, and survival.
Glamour and grime in Amsterdam’s underworld
Amsterdam Empire is described as a high-stakes, high-style crime drama that explores the tension between the city’s glossy cannabis culture and its darker, more violent underside. Viewers can expect a world of wealth and influence balanced against street-level danger, family betrayal, and shifting alliances.
The creative team, responsible for acclaimed European dramas, positions the show to appeal to both Dutch audiences and the wider global market that Netflix reaches. With Famke Janssen also serving as an executive producer, the series leans into its mix of star power and gritty realism.
Cast and creative team
The cast brings together established names and rising Dutch talent:
- Famke Janssen (X-Men, Taken) as Betty van Doorn, ex-pop star and scorned wife determined to dismantle her husband’s empire.
- Jacob Derwig (Klem, Bankier van het Verzet) as Jack van Doorn, the powerful founder of Jackal.
- Elise Schaap (Undercover), Jade Olieberg (Ares), Jesse Mensah (Commando’s), Yannick van de Velde (Oogappels), Romana Vrede (I Don’t Wanna Dance), Victor Löw, Raymond Thiry, and Chris Nietvelt in key supporting roles.
Behind the camera:
- Creators: Nico Moolenaar, Bart Uytdenhouwen & Piet Matthys
- Directors: Jonas Govaerts & Max Porcelijn
- Executive Producers: Famke Janssen & Nico Moolenaar
- Production: Pupkin (Sander van Meurs) with co-production from A Team Productions
Why it matters
European crime dramas have built a strong following on Netflix, from Undercover to Snabba Cash. Amsterdam Empire enters that space with a female-driven revenge arc and a rare deep dive into the Dutch cannabis economy, a world both romanticized and heavily regulated. With Famke Janssen’s return to a leading television role, the show has the potential to attract both Dutch and international audiences looking for tense, character-driven storytelling.
Key Details
- Title: Amsterdam Empire
- Format: Crime drama series
- Release Date: October 30, 2025 (Netflix exclusive)
- Creators: Nico Moolenaar, Bart Uytdenhouwen, Piet Matthys
- Directors: Jonas Govaerts, Max Porcelijn
- Executive Producers: Famke Janssen, Nico Moolenaar
- Producers: Pupkin (Sander van Meurs), co-produced by A Team Productions
- Cast: Famke Janssen, Jacob Derwig, Elise Schaap, Jade Olieberg, Jesse Mensah, Yannick van de Velde, Romana Vrede, Victor Löw, Raymond Thiry, Chris Nietvelt
- Country of Origin: Netherlands
The Poster
