Amsterdam has never been short on drama, but Amsterdam Empire gives the city a new kind of storm to talk about. The Netflix series follows a glamorous power couple whose marriage implodes in spectacular fashion, igniting a chain of revenge, secrets, and shifting alliances that seep into the city’s glittering nightlife and murkier business circles. It delivers luxury with a side of treachery, woven into an atmospheric European crime tale that feels almost too specific to be purely fictional.

The uncanny resemblance to many real-life crime scandals has viewers questioning whether any of they inspired Amsterdam Empire.

Amsterdam Empire is not based on real life, and the storyline is fully fictional. Piet Matthys, Nico Moolenaar, and Bart Uytdenhouwen have stitched together a tale of a cannabis baron and a spectacularly wronged spouse, all performed against the city’s coffeeshop haze and red-tinted alleyways. Amsterdam lends its scenery and perfume, but not its biographies. No citizen of the Netherlands can reasonably claim to recognize themselves, however melodramatic their life may be.

The mischief begins when the show’s moody lighting and whisperings of betrayal trick audiences into spotting “real inspiration” where none exists. Matters were not helped by viewers confusing it with David O. Russell’s 2022 film Amsterdam, which shamelessly tangoed with genuine history. This Dutch series, however, remains an invention from top hat to clogs, with nary a factual footprint in sight.

'Amsterdam Empire' on Netflix: Cast, Plot, Release Date & Everything to Know About the Next 'Succession'-Style Power Drama

The ongoing comparisons between the Amsterdam Empire and real life have only fueled curiosity, making the Dutch series all the more tempting to watch.

There are several compelling reasons to watch Amsterdam Empire, particularly if gritty crime dramas, marital warfare, and high-stakes vengeance appeal to you. The series delivers a sharp narrative focused on a scorned spouse dismantling a powerful criminal empire, supported by a distinct Amsterdam atmosphere that mixes glamour with criminal grit. With many viewers eager to know all about Amsterdam Empire, the show’s unique international flavor and intense character dynamics have made it a talking point among crime-drama audiences.

Strong performances further elevate the viewing experience, with Famke Janssen and Jacob Derwig leading the cast with emotional precision and on-screen intensity. The seven-episode format is fast-paced and addictive, making it easy to binge, while the creative team behind Undercover and the Ferry franchise brings proven storytelling credibility. For admirers of revenge-driven dramas and stylish European crime sagas, this series offers a slick, engaging, and satisfying watch.

Do you still believe that the Amsterdam Empire is based on real-life events? Let us know why so in the comments!