Babylon Berlin is a German neo-noir television series
Babylon Berlin is a German neo-noir television series that premiered on October 13, 2017, on Sky 1. Created, written, and directed by Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries, and Hendrik Handloegten, the series is loosely based on the Gereon Rath novels by Volker Kutscher. Set in the tumultuous years of the Weimar Republic, beginning in 1929, the show follows police inspector Gereon Rath, portrayed by Volker Bruch, who is assigned to Berlin from Cologne. His mission is to dismantle an extortion ring, and he is joined by Charlotte Ritter (Liv Lisa Fries), a police clerk by day and a prostitute by night, who aspires to become a police inspector herself.
The series has been praised for its high production values and intricate storytelling, capturing the political unrest, social upheaval, and decadent lifestyle of 1920s Berlin. With a budget of approximately 40 million euros, Babylon Berlin is noted as the most expensive non-English-language television series ever made. The first two seasons consist of 16 episodes, with the first eight recognized as Season 1 and the second eight as Season 2. Season 3 premiered in January 2020, followed by Season 4 in October 2022. In June 2023, the show was renewed for a fifth and final season, with production expected to begin at the end of 2024.
Babylon Berlin has gained international acclaim and popularity, streaming on platforms like Netflix in various regions until its removal in February 2024. The series has been made available on MHz Choice in the United States, where it continues to attract viewers. Critics have lauded its cinematography, character development, and the way it authentically portrays the era's complexities, making it a standout in the crime drama genre.
Overall, Babylon Berlin offers a compelling blend of historical drama and noir elements, immersing viewers in the vibrant yet chaotic world of 1920s Berlin. Its exploration of themes such as ambition, morality, and the struggle for power resonates with contemporary audiences, drawing parallels between the past and present. The show's success has solidified its place as a significant work in modern German television, and its continuation into a fifth season promises to further delve into the rich narrative established in earlier episodes.