The acclaimed German series Babylon Berlin has officially completed filming its fifth and final season. This groundbreaking neo-noir drama, which has captivated audiences since its debut in 2017, explores the tumultuous life in Berlin from the 1920s through to the fall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of the Nazi regime.
Set against the backdrop of February 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler was appointed Reich Chancellor, the final season comprises eight episodes. It portrays the last days of the Weimar Republic, culminating in the elections held on March 5, 1933, that would secure Hitler’s authoritarian rule. The narrative is adapted from Volker Kutscher’s novel, The March Fallen, and follows police detective Gereon Rath (played by Volker Bruch) and investigator Charlotte Ritter (played by Liv Lisa Fries) as they navigate a series of murders linked to former soldiers and the country’s shifting political landscape.
Co-creators Tom Tykwer, Henk Handloegten, and Achim von Borries remarked, “We now end with the final season during the last days of this crumbling republic, in February 1933, perhaps the most dramatic month in German history.” They emphasized how the characters are compelled to reveal their true selves in a society undergoing radical change, stating: “They fight, dance, implore, betray, sing, scream, hate, and love as if there was no tomorrow.”
As the plot unfolds, Gereon’s sudden disappearance prompts Charlotte to investigate a series of murders that connect back to his past and the emerging fascist leadership. The season will also feature a range of talented actors, including Lars Eidinger as tycoon Alfred Nyssen, Christian Friedel as police photographer Reinhold Gräf, and Hannah Herzsprung as Gereon’s former lover, Helga Rath.
Additionally, music fans will notice a special appearance by British pop icon Bryan Ferry, the frontman of Roxy Music, who will perform in several dance hall scenes. Ferry has reinterpreted some of his classic songs in the distinctive 1920s jazz style that characterizes the series’ soundtrack. His 2018 solo album, Bitter-Sweet, drew significant inspiration from his collaboration with the show.
Since its inception, Babylon Berlin has gained international acclaim, becoming the most expensive German-language series at the time of its launch. Its unique blend of crime drama, historical narrative, and period aesthetics, particularly the fashion and music of the 1920s, has allowed it to reach audiences in over 140 territories worldwide.
The fifth season of Babylon Berlin is set to premiere on ARD, a public broadcaster in Germany, and will also be available to audiences in the U.S. on the streaming service MHz Choice. The anticipation surrounding this final installment reflects the show’s lasting impact on both German and international television landscapes.
