It ran on ITV for 14 years from 1 May 2011 to 2 January 2025 and starred Brenda Blethyn as the principal character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.

Vera is a nearly retired detective chief inspector of the fictional Northumberland & City Police, who is obsessive about her work.

[2] The farmhouse used for the exterior shots of Vera's home is located on the Snook, part of Holy Island at 55°41′10″N 001°50′29″W / 55.68611°N 1.84139°W / 55.68611; -1.84139 or grid reference NU1006543635.

[9] On 14 January 2020, while attending the TCA Press Tour, Blethyn confirmed that Vera was renewed for an eleventh series.

It aired in January 2024 and featured the return of Joe Ashworth, as well as former Hollyoaks actress Rhiannon Clements as DC Stephanie Duncan.