Filming on the fourth series was completed in October 2013, and included an adaptation of the then-unpublished novel On Harbour Street, which was subsequently published in January 2014, ahead of the TV broadcast. On 22 April 2013, ITV renewed Vera for a fourth series, before the third series had even been broadcast. The last three episodes of the series were broadcast in a later timeslot, from 9:00pm–11:00pm. Filming on the third series finished in February 2013. In August 2012, Vera was renewed for a third series of four episodes, with both Brenda Blethyn and David Leon confirmed as returning for the new series. However, the episode was pulled from the schedule as its storyline was about a soldier's death in Afghanistan and it coincided with news of two servicemen dying there. The episode Sandancers from the second series was due to be broadcast on Sunday.

Hidden Depths, Telling Tales and The Crow Trap from the first series, and Silent Voices from the second series, are based on the novels of the same names by Ann Cleeves. Vera forms a close relationship with sergeants Joe Ashworth ( David Leon) and Aiden Healy ( Kenny Doughty). She often proves her superior skills by picking up small errors in her team members' thought processes. She plods along in a constantly dishevelled state, but has a calculating mind and, despite her irascible personality, she cares deeply about her work and colleagues. Vera is a nearly retired detective chief inspector of the fictional 'Northumberland & City Police', who is obsessive about her work and driven by her own demons. In March 2023, it was confirmed that the show had been renewed for a thirteenth series. The twelfth series premiered on 29 January 2023, a week after the final episode of Series 11 was broadcast. In March 2022, it was confirmed that a twelfth series had been commissioned and had begun filming. Its first four episodes aired in August 2021 and January 2022, with a further two episodes confirmed to air in January 2023. On 27 August 2020, it was confirmed that the show had been renewed for an eleventh series. The series stars Brenda Blethyn as the principal character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.

It was first broadcast on ITV on, and to date, twelve series have aired, with the latest concluding on 19 February 2023. Vera is a British crime drama series based on the Vera Stanhope series of novels written by crime writer Ann Cleeves.

December Road by Brenda Ashworth Barry