A new Dutch crime series is now streaming on Netflix. Blind Sherlock offers a different kind of detective story. The show launched globally on January 23, 2026. It follows a blind man who uses his extraordinary hearing to help police. This guide breaks down what the show is about, who is in it, and if it is worth your time.
The series is inspired by the real-life work of Sacha Van Loo, a blind civilian who worked for a police wiretapping unit for over ten years. Showrunner Kristof Hoefkens read about Van Loo years ago and found the concept stayed with him. He said the idea of “having a blind lead character in a police investigation was exactly the creative twist we were looking for in a cop show”. The fictional story uses that real-world inspiration to create a unique procedural drama set in Rotterdam.
What Is Blind Sherlock About?
The story is set in Rotterdam, a major European port city. The police are struggling to control a violent drug war. Billions of dollars worth of cocaine are moving through the port. To get ahead, a police task force sets up a special wiretapping unit. They need people who can listen to hours of recorded conversations and find clues.
This is where Roman Mertens enters. Roman is blind, but he has exceptional hearing and focus. He wants to join the wiretap team. The police are doubtful at first. Roman soon proves his unique skill. He can visualize crime scenes from audio alone and catch details others miss. He picks up patterns in speech and connects clues that have stalled the investigation. His ability turns his blindness into a powerful asset for solving crimes.
The show mixes this central case with Roman’s personal life. He has a pregnant girlfriend named Caro who runs a vet clinic. She worries about the danger of his new job. The series also uses flashbacks to show Roman’s childhood, including the accident that caused his blindness and his time at a special institute. As Roman works with the police, he finds the job is more dangerous than he imagined. A criminal threatens his family to force him to become a mole inside the unit.
The Cast and Creative Team Behind the Show
The lead role of Roman Mertens is played by Bart Kelchtermans, a newcomer to acting. Kelchtermans lost most of his own eyesight a few years ago, which brings authenticity to the part. Critics note he successfully carries the show as a capable but flawed lead.
He is joined by experienced Dutch actor Frank Lammers (known from Undercover) as Nico Davids, the leader of the police task force. The cast also includes Sigrid ten Napel as Roman’s girlfriend Caro, and Charlie Chan Dagelet and Cynthia Abma as police officers Suus and Tess. Ayลegรผl Karaca plays Meryem, an important figure from Roman’s past who he calls for help.
The series is led by showrunner and writer Kristof Hoefkens and co-writer Maarten Goffin. The director is Joost Wynant, who has worked on series like Under Fire. The production was handled by De Mensen in collaboration with Studio TF1.
How the Show Presents Roman’s Unique Perspective
A major focus of the series is showing how Roman experiences the world through sound. The creators use special audio and visual techniques to let the audience experience the story as he does. An executive from Studio TF1 explained the approach: “His disability is not treated as a limitation. On the contrary, his blindness allows for an original approach that focuses on his other sensesโฆ We feel even more immersed in the action when we vicariously experience what the hero hears, smells and touches”.
This method has drawn comparisons to other characters like Will Graham from Hannibal, who visualizes crimes, or the blind superhero Daredevil. However, the show aims for a more realistic, grounded tone. It tries to show how someone can use their other senses to do exceptional work in the real world.
What Critics and Viewers Are Saying
Early reviews for Blind Sherlock point out both its strengths and weaknesses. Many agree the show’s core concept is its biggest strength. The idea is seen as fresh and inspiring. Bart Kelchtermans’s performance is consistently praised as a standout, with critics saying he holds the viewer’s attention throughout.
However, some aspects of the show have received criticism. Some reviews note a problem with tonal inconsistency. The performances sometimes clash; while Roman and Caro’s stories feel like a serious drama, some of the police characters are seen as playing more exaggerated, one-note roles. The use of modern trap and hip-hop music in the score has also been mentioned as a point that can feel awkward and take away from the serious mood.
The pacing of the first few episodes has been described as slow, with a lack of emotional intensity early on. Some viewers have also questioned plot points, like the police initially rejecting Roman for a listening job because he is blind, wondering how realistic that is. Despite these issues, some reviews note that the second half of the season improves as the personal drama builds and pays off.
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Final Verdict: Should You Watch or Skip?
Blind Sherlock is a six-episode series, with each episode running about 52 minutes. It is available globally on Netflix with subtitles in many languages.
Watch if you:
- Enjoy crime procedurals with a unique twist.
- Are interested in stories that offer a positive representation of disability.
- Like character-driven dramas mixed with a central mystery.
- Want to explore a popular genre from a different cultural perspective (Dutch).
Consider skipping if you:
- Prefer fast-paced, action-heavy crime shows from the start.
- Are bothered by uneven tone or stylistic choices in music.
- Want a completely faithful adaptation of Sherlock Holmes; this show uses the name more as a creative nod to a detective with a special skill.
The show is not a direct copy of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Instead, it is a modern police drama that uses the “Sherlock” idea in its title to signal a detective with a brilliant, analytical mind. Its most compelling feature is its perspective, offering a glimpse into how a person turns a perceived weakness into their greatest strength.
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