Netflix goes Undercover in Benelux

Netflix has come on board its first Belgian/Dutch coproduced series after partnering with local companies De Mensen, Dutch Filmworks and VRT.

The streaming giant will debut 10-part drama Undercover globally in 2019, including in the Netherlands but excluding France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland, where it will be shown first by local broadcasters.

The crime series, which was inspired by real events, follows one of the largest ecstasy producers in the world, who lives a seemingly charmed life in his villa on the Dutch-Belgian border.

However, things start to change when two undercover agents move into his territory, attempting to infiltrate his life and shut down his network.

It is being produced by Jan Theys (Salamander) and directed by Eshref Reybrouck (Cordon) and Frank Devos (Chaussée D’amour). The writer and showrunner is Nico Moolenaar (Vermist) and the cast includes Anna Drijver, Frank Lammers, Elise Schaap and Tom Waes.

“Netflix has given us the opportunity to share this international, thrilling, funny and sexy story with a worldwide audience,” said Moolenaar.

“I found it incredible to learn that the Netherlands and Belgium are such a huge part of the global drug trafficking network and Nico and the whole writing team have done a fantastic job of bringing this remarkable story to life onscreen,” added Theys.

The news follows Netflix this week greenlighting its first Colombian original series, an as-yet untitled show from Narcos producer Dynamo about a young detective and her partner as they investigate a series of bizarre murders deep in the Amazon, on the border of Brazil and Colombia.

In related news, Netflix has partnered with Deutsche Telekom to bring its exclusive content to customers of the German telco giant’s subsidiaries. Deutsche Telekom customers in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands are already able to access the programming as a result of the cooperation.

Maria Ferreras, VP of business development EMEA at Netflix, said: “This partnership builds on our already strong relationship with Deutsche Telekom. We are thrilled to open a new world of exclusive and critically acclaimed entertainment for millions of Deutsche Telekom’s TV and mobile customers in Europe.”