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Babylon Berlin 2017

★ 7.7/10 · 398 votes TV-MA DramaCrimeMystery 4 seasons · 40 eps Returning Series
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Quick answer

What is Babylon Berlin?

Babylon Berlin is a German neo-noir television series that premiered on October 13, 2017, on Sky 1. The show was created, written, and directed by Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries, and Hendrik Handloegten.

Type
TV series
Year
2017
Status
Returning Series
Episodes
40
First aired
Oct 13, 2017
Last aired
Nov 12, 2022
Original language
DE
Origin
DE
Networks
Sky One
Genres
Drama, Crime, Mystery
Updated
Availability by region

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Estimate the schedule using 40 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.

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Overview

Babylon Berlin is a German neo-noir television series that premiered on October 13, 2017, on Sky 1. The show was created, written, and directed by Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries, and Hendrik Handloegten. It is loosely based on a series of novels by author Volker Kutscher. The cast includes Volker Bruch, Liv Lisa Fries, Lars Eidinger, and Fritzi Haberlandt. Set in 1929, the story follows Gereon Rath, a police investigator who transfers from Cologne to Berlin. As a haunted cop, Rath arrives in the city during the Golden Twenties, a period marked by significant political and social change. Alongside a poor typist, Rath works to uncover a political conspiracy that begins with the hijacking of a Soviet freight train. Beneath the glamour and vice of the city, the narrative explores an underworld of sin. The initial release of the program consisted of a continuous run of 16 episodes. The series remains distinct from historical accounts of the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon located in modern-day Iraq.

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Should you watch it?

“A detective navigates 1929 Berlin's glittering decadence and shadowy conspiracies.”

Reasons to watch
  • Rich period detail and immersive cinematography
  • Complex characters navigating political intrigue
Keep in mind
  • Slow pacing may deter some viewers
  • Dense plotting requires attention

You enjoy stylish historical mysteries with layered storytelling.

Suitable for mature audiences due to themes of violence, sexuality, and political turmoil.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 8 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 8 episodes
Season 3 · 12 episodes
Season 4 · 12 episodes

Frequently asked questions

Is Babylon Berlin based on a book?

Yes, it is based on the novels by Volker Kutscher.

Where was Babylon Berlin filmed?

Much of it was filmed in Germany, including at Studio Babelsberg.

How many seasons are there?

The series has multiple seasons, with new ones added periodically.

Is it subtitled or dubbed?

It is available in German with subtitles or dubbed in other languages.

What time period does it depict?

It is set in 1929 during the Weimar Republic in Berlin.