The silence in the aftermath is almost suffocating. Shadows linger in the corners of empty rooms, and the echoes of unresolved cases haunt the halls where Carl Morck once paced, burdened by ghosts only he could see. Those in wait of Dept. Q are finding themselves in a limbo too, staring into the void of uncertainty, their hopes flickering like a dying candle. The air is thick with questions, each one heavier than the last, as viewers await a verdict that may never come.

The shadows of uncertainty, however, cloud the numbers that are brewing the fate of Dept. Q's fate on the streaming giant's platform.

Dept.Q premiered in late May 2025, and has only been on the platform for a short time. And while it is common knowledge that Netflix takes its sweet time with renewal decisions unless a show is an immediate phenomenon, the audience's anticipation is proving difficult to put to rest. As of now, Netflix has not yet renewed Dept. Q for a second season. Despite the show’s critical acclaim and a strong audience response, boasting an 84% critic score and an impressive 94% audience rating, no official word has arrived from the streaming giant. But that does not mean the show stands devoid of any hope for the future, quite the opposite, in fact. 

  Netflix has submitted Dept. Q for Emmy consideration, a gesture that signals confidence in the series’ quality and future. And to add to the fervor, the cast and creative team of the show are far from ready to close the case just yet. Matthew Goode, who leads as the troubled detective, and writer-director Scott Frank, have both expressed a strong desire to continue the story. Frank has even hinted at plans for adapting the next book in Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling series, after which the show takes, which holds ample material for future seasons. The finale of season one left narrative threads deliberately untied, setting the stage for more cold cases and deeper character exploration should Netflix give the green light.  

What Is ‘Department Q’ on Netflix? Here’s All You Need to Know About the Thriller Project

Between pasts' refusal to stay buried in a place where justice is futile and elusive—Dept Q. is a labyrinth of cold cases, witnessing the heart's unwilling descent to human darkness. 

Dept. Q plunges viewers into the dark, twisted world of cold cases, led by detective Carl Mørck, a man haunted by his past and relentless in seeking justice. Based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling novels, the series unravels complex mysteries buried beneath years of silence. Each book delves deeper into human darkness and redemption, weaving intricate plots that challenge both mind and heart. Dept. Q’s gripping storytelling and richly drawn characters have, not chart-topping-ly, but quietly captivated audiences worldwide, making it a standout in crime drama.

  Dept. Q’s fate is also buoyed by its source material and genre appeal. With ten novels in Adler-Olsen’s series, there is no shortage of mysteries to adapt. The show’s grounded, character-driven approach to crime drama—eschewing flashy spectacle for psychological depth—has resonated with viewers and critics alike. Netflix’s history with Emmy-nominated series suggests that shows receiving such recognition are rarely canceled after just one season, especially when they have more stories to tell.

Netflix’s 'Department Q': 5 Reasons This Gritty Crime Thriller Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist

What do you think of this Danish crime drama on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below.