The creators of the German drama series Babylon Berlin are releasing the show's fifth and final season as Germany faces significant state elections.
Key facts
- •Babylon Berlin has been distributed to 140 countries worldwide.
- •The fifth season features a plot line in Paris and a performance by Zaho de Sagazan.
- •Series three was partially filmed at Villa Adlon, the site of a 2023 meeting where far-right officials discussed mass deportation plans.
- •Lead actors Liv Lisa Fries and Volker Bruch portray Charlotte Ritter and Gereon Rath, respectively.
- •The show's creators have worked on the project for 13 years.
The final season of the German television drama Babylon Berlin is set to premiere, depicting the rise of Adolf Hitler to power. The show's creators have spent 13 years developing the series, which explores the fragility of the Weimar Republic. Its conclusion coincides with a period of political tension in Germany, where the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party is polling strongly ahead of upcoming state elections.
By the numbers
Reflecting on a decade of production
Over 50 hours of content, the series has been noted for its ambition and production scale, which helped elevate European television drama. Based on novels by Volker Kutscher, the show was produced during a period when Germany invested heavily in high-budget television to compete with international productions. Creators note that such a project might be difficult to finance in the current media landscape, as streaming services adopt more cautious, profit-driven strategies.
Themes of political fragility
The series explores the 1920s as a time of both cultural liberation and political instability. Creator Tom Tykwer stated that the show focuses on the universal themes of people-centered political systems being under constant threat. While the creators emphasize that the show is not intended to deliver a specific political message, they acknowledge that the production has felt increasingly relevant as modern democracies face pressure globally.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Culture.
