Amsterdam Empire is an upcoming Dutch crime drama series that will be available exclusively on Netflix. The show centers on the high-stakes world of Amsterdam’s legalized cannabis scene, blending themes of power, family betrayal, and the dark realities of the drug trade with a glamorous backdrop. It’s an extravagant drama created by the team behind other successful European crime hits on Netflix, such as Undercover and Ferry: The Series.
The central plot follows Jack van Doorn (Jacob Derwig), the wealthy and notorious founder of a massive coffee shop empire called “Jackal.” Jack has spent his life fighting off criminals, rivals, and navigating the complex Dutch regulations to become a titan in his industry. However, his biggest threat emerges from inside his own home when his affair with a high-profile journalist is exposed. This betrayal turns his wife, Betty (Famke Janssen), into his fiercest adversary. Betty, a former pop diva, knows all of Jack’s secrets and weak spots, and she hatches a bitter plan to ruin him and take the Jackal empire for herself.
The series is a significant project for its star, Famke Janssen (X-Men, Taken), as it marks her first leading role in a Dutch production, and she is also serving as an executive producer. Along with Derwig and Janssen, the cast includes Dutch actors like Elise Schaap, Jade Olieberg, Jesse Mensah, and Yannick van de Velde. Amsterdam Empire is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 30, 2025, and will explore the tension between the glossy, romanticized image of Amsterdam’s cannabis culture and its violent, dangerous underworld.
Amsterdam Empire Age Rating
Amsterdam Empire is rated TV-MA on Netflix for mature themes, strong language, and adult situations. The TV-MA label means the series is intended for mature audiences and may be inappropriate for viewers under 17.
Violence & Peril
Violence in the series is moderate and tied to criminal conflict. Expect tense confrontations, threats, and the occasional physical fight connected to rival gangs and power grabs. Much of the danger is realistic rather than graphic, but scenes involving criminal retaliation and intimidation can be emotionally intense. The show mixes glamour with sudden, threatening moments tied to the drug trade.
Language
Frequent strong profanity appears across episodes. Characters use explicit language in heated arguments and criminal negotiations. Expect casual use of expletives typical of gritty adult crime dramas. Occasional slurs or harsh insults may surface in confrontations.
Mature Themes
The series centers on infidelity, betrayal, and criminal enterprise, plus adult sexual relationships and manipulation. It portrays drug culture, organized crime, and the business pressures of a coffeeshop empire. Themes include family betrayal, substance distribution, corruption, and moral compromise. There are sexual situations and mature relationship dynamics, though explicitness falls within a TV-MA drama context.
Is Amsterdam Empire Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The series contains adult sexual situations, criminal activity, and mature themes. It is inappropriate for preteens.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Younger teens may find the sexual content, drug culture, and emotional intensity upsetting. Parental guidance strongly advised.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Older teens may watch with an informed parent. Use the show to discuss the real consequences of criminal life and betrayal.
Final recommendation: Amsterdam Empire is best suited to adults and older teens (16+) only with parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch an episode first to judge tone and language. Prepare brief talking points about crime and choices.
- Explain the difference between legal cannabis regulation and criminal activity shown in the series. Use examples to discuss consequences.
- Discuss relationships, consent, and power dynamics after viewing. Ask how characters’ choices affect others.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Amsterdam Empire rated and why?
A: Amsterdam Empire is rated TV-MA for mature themes, strong language, sexual situations, and criminal content.
Q: Is Amsterdam Empire appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No for children. Teens 16–17 may watch with parental guidance; younger teens and children should not.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: The show contains tense and realistic violence tied to criminal conflict. Scenes can be emotionally intense.
Q: Does the series contain strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. Expect frequent profanity and heated insults typical of adult crime dramas.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: The series includes adult sexual situations and mature relationship dynamics. Content aligns with a TV-MA drama.
Q: Where and when can I watch Amsterdam Empire?
A: Amsterdam Empire streams exclusively on Netflix, premiering on October 30, 2025.