What Next? Netflix Presents the Latest German-Speaking Series, Films and Non-Fction Highlights, Live in Berlin

This evening, Netflix presented the highlights of its upcoming German-speaking productions with a star-studded line-up and exclusive moments in front of over 300 invited guests.

Mala Emde, Katharina Stark and Louis Hofmann captivated the audience with a moving presentation of their new film, 23 000 Lives - which is inspired by the true story of a group of young people set out to rescue refugees in distress in the Mediterranean.. Other stars in attendance included actress Alexandra Maria Lara and former professional football player Rúrik Gislason, who presented the first scenes from their comedy film Eat Pray Bark, where five eccentric dog owners seek help in dealing with their four-legged friends. The film will land on Netflix on 1 April.

Tom Schilling and Peter Jordan presented exclusive scenes from the second season of the hit series Murder Mindfully, which will be available from 28 May, and confirmed that season three has officially been green lit. Another highlight of the evening: Jana Ina and Giovanni Zarrella, one of Germany's most popular celebrity couples, took to the stage and announced their collaboration with Netflix on a docu-follow series, which will take viewers behind the scenes of their lives. Netflix also announced that the production of the third season of Love is Blind: Germany will start soon. It also revealed the ongoing production of the documentary Schumacher '94, which tells the story of the most legendary Formula 1 season of all time.

The diverse 2026 line-up includes the highly anticipated thriller The Trap, the third and final season of the international hit series The Empress, the star-studded comedy The Birthday Gift, and the third season of Kaulitz & Kaulitz featuring the popular twins, among other titles.

"The successes of recent years shows how truly diverse entertainment today can be. But we're not stopping there. 2026 is our most ambitious year yet, with more German-language series, films and non-fiction projects and in greater variety than we have ever seen before. This is only made possible by years of work to develop the right projects, the courage to try something new, and close collaboration with our creative partners and producers on the ground. With 'What Next', we show what Netflix stands for: strong local stories, executed at the highest level," said Katja Hofem, Netflix Vice President Content DACH.

The upcoming DACH productions at a glance:

SERIES

UNFAMILIAR S1
On Netflix from 5 February 2026 | Scripted Series
Hidden in the heart of Berlin, ex-spies Simon and Meret run a safe house. When a threat they thought was buried reappears, they find themselves hiding from assassins, Russian agents, the BND, ex-lovers and a whole bunch of people they have wronged - all while trying to keep their marriage together.
Directors: Lennart Ruff (Lead), Philipp Leinemann
Creator/Head-Autor: Paul Coates
Screenwriters: Paul Coates, Kim Zimmermann, Alexander Seibt
Producer: Andreas Bareiss
Executive Producer: Sabine de Mardt, Paul Coates, Sidonie Dumas
Producer: Lina Mareike Zopfs
Director of Photography: Christian Stangassinger
Production Design: Myrna Wolff
Costume Design: Silke Faber
Head Editor: Carolin Biesenbach
Music: Jessica Jones
Production: Gaumont
Cast: Susanne Wolff, Felix Kramer, Samuel Finzi, Natalia Belitski, Andreas Pietschmann, Maja Bons, Genija Rykova, Henry Hübchen, Seyneb Saleh, Laurence Rupp, Sina Martens, Anand Batbileg Chuluunbaatar, Aaron Altaras
Assets: Key Art | Trailer

CRAP HAPPENS
On Netflix from 26 February 2026 | Scripted Series
Ever since he can remember, Toni (Anton Schneider aka Fatoni) has wanted nothing more than to leave his hometown of Kacken (an der Havel) and become a famous rapper. But even after 18 years in Berlin, his career still hasn't taken off and Toni makes a living as a pizza baker.
Until his life is turned upside down when his mother dies while rescuing a duck and Toni has to return to Kacken. Unexpectedly, he's offered the career opportunity of a lifetime - yet at the same time, he must deal with his younger stepfather Johnny Carrera (Dimitrij Schaad), the talking baby duck Tupac, and the other quirky villagers. And as if that weren't enough, his 13-year-old son Charly (Sky Arndt), whom he never knew about, suddenly shows up in his life ...
Created by: Dimitrij Schaad und Alex Schaad
Directors: Alex Schaad und Jano Ben Chaabane
Writers: Dimitrij Schaad, Alex Schaad, Jano Ben Chaabane, Mats Frey, Gemma Michalski, Isaiah Michalski und Susann Schadebrodt
Executive Producer: Bernd von Fehrn, Kristina Löbbert
Producer: Richard Lamprecht
Production: Warner Bros. International Television Production
Cast: Anton (Fatoni) Schneider, Sky Arndt, Dimitrij Schaad, Jördis Triebel, Runa Greiner, Sophia Münster, Jana Münster, Marc Hosemann, Sherine Ciara Merai, Ruth Reinecke, Vincent Redetzki, Taneshia Abt, Matthias Brandt, Edin Hasanovic, Salim Samatou, Maxwell Mare, Hannah Ehrlichmann, Gast Veronica Ferres

CROOKS S2
Soon on Netflix | Scripted Series
Charly lives a peaceful life with his family in Berlin, until his dark past catches up with him. Old "acquaintances" threaten his family's life and force him to work a heist of a valuable coin. Joseph, a clan driver from Vienna, is supposed to take the loot to Austria. But the well-thought-out plan fails, a shoot-out ensues and someone dies. Inevitably, the fates of Charly and Joseph collide. They must flee and get Charly's family out of danger. During the attempt to save what is important to them, the two crooks must assert themselves against the clans from Berlin, Vienna and Marseille. Both can only succeed if they rely on their friendship. An adventurous and action-packed road trip across three national borders begins.
Director: Marvin Kren
Writers: Marvin Kren, Benjamin Hessler, Georg Lippert
Cast: Mark Ivanir, Georg Friedrich, Frederick Lau, Raymond Thiry, Brigitte Kren, Jan Georg Schütte, Thomas Mraz, Svenja Jung, Lili Epply, Christoph Krutzler
Assets: SOP images

MURDER MINDFULLY S2
On Netflix from 28 May 2026 | Scripted Series
Björn Diemel seems to have his life under control: he has internalized the principles of mindfulness, quit his stressful job as a criminal defense attorney, and started his own business. He spends more time with his daughter Emily, argues more mindfully with his soon-to-be ex-wife Katharina, and has added an unusual responsibility to his career: he is the legal representative of two mafia clans whose bosses he has mindfully made disappear from the scene. But despite this bizarrely harmonious balance, Björn is plagued by inner turmoil and a loss of control. Why can't he enjoy all this?
The reason is his inner child! As his mindfulness coach Joschka Breitner explains, old wounds and unresolved conflicts from Björn's childhood weigh on him more than he realized. While Björn tries to heal these wounds and make peace with his past, he also has to deal with annoying helicopter parents and police investigators, blackmail, and the usual challenges of life. Ultimately, Björn realizes that his inner work not only brings emotional clarity, but also has practical implications for his dark activities.
Writer: Doron Wisotzky
Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Karsten Dusse.
Producer: Jan Ehlert
Executive Producer: Oliver Berben, Jan Ehlert
Director: Martina Plura
Camera: Monika Plura
Set Design: Alexandra Pilhatsch
Costume Design: Ramona Petersen
Cast: Tom Schilling, Emily Cox, Britta Hammelstein, Murathan Muslu, Peter Jordan, Bastian Reiber, Friederike Kempter, Franz Schmidt, Pamuk Pilavci, Luca Maric
Production: Constantin Film
Assets: Production Stills

THE TRAP
Soon on Netflix | Scripted Series
Successful author Lisa Konrad (Friederike Becht) hasn't left her house in nearly ten years, ever since she witnessed the murder of her sister Anna. But when she believes she recognizes the killer on television, she sets out to trap him - using herself as the bait.
Author, Director & Creative Producer: Isabel Kleefeld
Executive Producers: Tom Spiess, Friederich Oetker
Based on the novel by: Melanie Raabe
Director of Photography: Martin Langer
Set Design: Cordula Jedamski
Editors: Renata Salazar Ivancan, Nicole Kortlüke
Music: Volker Bertelmann
Production: Constantin Film
Cast: Friederike Becht, Hans Löw, Matthias Brandt, Miriam Ohlmeyer, Josephine Thiesen, Malaya Stern Takeda, Anna Schudt, Michael Klammer, u.a.
Assets: SOP images

THE EMPRESS S3
On Netflix End of 2026 | Scripted Series
Following the devastating Sardinian War, Emperor Franz returns a traumatized man, burdened by the guilt of losing thousands of young men on the battlefield. Elisabeth strives to help him, fighting passionately for her marriage while also championing what she believes is right for the empire - but to no avail. Resistance at court and her own declining health compel her to leave Vienna and embark on an unexpected adventure. In the six-part finale of this thrilling series, Elisabeth will make a fateful acquaintance that will forever alter her life and the future of Europe.
Showrunner: Katharina Eyssen
Executive Producers: Jochen Laube, Fabian Maubach, Robert Eyssen, Katharina Eyssen and Scarlett Lacey
Co-Executive Producer: Lars Gmehling
Authors: Katharina Eyssen (head-author), Elena von Saucken
Directors: Florian Cossen, Julia Langhof
Director of photography: Katharina Bühler, Rik Zang
Costume Design: Gabriela Reumer
Hair & Make-Up: Jens Bartram
Set Design: Theresia Anna Ficus
Associate Producer: Michal Pokorny
Production Company: Sommerhaus Serien GmbH
Service Production Company: MIA Film
Cast: Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Josephine Thiesen, Runa Greiner, Dejan Bućin, Marlene Burow, Christophe Favre, Alexander Finkenwirth and others
Assets: SOP images

LOVE & CHAOS (WT)
Soon on Netflix | Scripted Series
The married management consultant Sophie is given the assignment to modernize the long-established traditional Hamburg publishing house "Blomberg & Ulmann." There, she begins a provocative game with the young IT technician Max, in which they challenge each other to break social conventions. In doing so, they not only throw the old-fashioned team into chaos but also become dangerously close to one another...
Directors: Hermine Huntgeburth & Charlotte Rolfes
Script: Elena Senft & Laura Lackmann
DoP: Fabian Rösler & Niv Abootalebi
Executive Producer: Jule Everts
Production: btf
Cast: Anne Schäfer, Ludwig Simon, Ulrich Noethen, Emma Falck, Hans Löw, Zeynep Bozbay, Moritz Führmann, Hans-Uwe Bauer, Lotte Engels, Michel Koch, Jan Kampmann, Daria Vivien Wolf, Susi Banzhaf, Akeem Van Flodrop

FILM
23 000 LIVES
Soon on Netflix | Drama
Inspired by the true story of 'Jugend Rettet', 23 000 Lives tells the story of a group of young people who no longer want to stand by and watch as countless refugees die in the Mediterranean on their way to Europe. With no experience in sea rescue, they launch a crowdfunding campaign, buy an old fishing vessel, and go on to save the lives of more than 23,000 people. But what begins as a shared mission full of hope and determination soon puts their understanding of law and justice to a severe test.
Director: Markus Goller
Script: Oliver Ziegenbalg (in cooperation with Michele Cinque)
Executive Producers: Christopher Zwickler (Neue Flimmer GmbH), Oliver Ziegenbalg and Markus Goller (Sunnysideup Filmproduktion)
Creative Producer: Michele Cinque (Lazy Film)
DoP: Frankie DeMarco
Set Design: Christian Goldbeck
Make-Up: Skadi Lesske, Astrid Weber
Costume Design: Mika Braun
Editor: Markus Goller
Music: Volker Bertelmann
Production: Neue Flimmer GmbH + Sunnysideup Film GmbH in cooperation with Lazy Film
Cast: Louis Hofmann, Mala Emde, Katharina Stark, Frederick Lau, Maria Dragus, Trevor Magaya, Kathy Etoa, Felice, Saibon Wang, Joone Dankou, Merlin von Garnier, Luisa Gaffron, Omid Memar und Eleonora Romandini; Gastauftritte von: Corinna Harfouch, Ulrich Matthes, Franka Potente, Katja Riemann, Frank Plasberg, Herbert Knaup

EAT PRAY BARK
On Netflix 1 April 2026 | Comedy
In this tumultuous comedy, five eccentric dog owners seek help in dealing with their four-legged friends. Their last hope: an intensive course with the charismatic and legendary dog trainer Nodon in the Tyrolean mountains.
The quirky group includes dog-hating politician Ursula, who has adopted the stubborn dog Brenda to polish up her image; naive Babs with her large, boisterous dog Torsten; the bickering couple Ziggy and Helmut with their spoiled YorkshireTerrier Gaga; and last but not least, distanced Hakan, who mistrusts his insecure Belgian Shepherd Roxy. Dog trainer Nodon tries to coach the overwhelmed two-legged friends using unusual methods. Quickly it becomes clear that it is not their loyal four-legged companions who need help, but the owners themselves.
Director: Marco Petry
Writer: Jane Ainscough, Marco Petry, Hortense Ullrich
Producer: Viola Jäger, Marina Schiller
Associate Producer: Nina Rothemund
Camera: Marc Achenbach
Set Design: Tommy Stark
Costume Design: Nici Zinell
Production: Olga Film
Cast: Alexandra Maria Lara, Devid Striesow, Anna Herrmann, Doğa Gürer, Rúrik Gíslason, Kerim Waller

THE BIRTHDAY GIFT
Soon on Netflix | Comedy
In her brother's chic country villa, single mother Marlene Frischmann (Jeanne Goursaud) has organized the perfect birthday party for her son Theo (Levin Wopp): balloons, gluten-free cake, a piñata, and even wild animals are set to make it an unforgettable day. The lovingly planned party quickly escalates into a hilarious nightmare, complete with heated debates about parenting, images of masculinity, and parental principles. Not entirely innocent in the chaos are Marlene's rowdy banker brother Timo (Edin Hasanović), her eccentric and drifting father Hans (Heiner Lauterbach), her colleague and idealistic world savior Jenny (Amal Keller), and a very special gift. Between dysfunctional family structures, pedantic helicopter moms, and childish anarchy, the party increasingly descends into chaos.
Director: Vanessa Jopp
Screenplay: Ben Brooks
Executive Producer: Eric Bouley
Producer: Antonia Matthes
Director of Photography: Bernhard Jasper
Set Design: Christian Schäfer
Costume Design: Petra Kray
Line Producer: Ralf Krawanja
Production Supervisor: Stefan Hiller
Make Up: Inga Raslanaite, Kurosch Akhavan, Irmela Osswald
Production: UFA Fiction
Cast: Jeanne Goursaud, Edin Hasanović, Heiner Lauterbach, Levin Wopp, Sogol Faghani, Berit Künnecke, Enzo Brumm, Amal Keller, Bastian Reiber and others

MY BEST FRIEND, HIS GIRLFRIEND & ME
Soon on Netflix | Comedy
Olli and Matze have been best friends since primary school. Now they are grown up, live together and even work in the same real estate company. Now they want to fulfill a big dream and go on a world trip. But then Matze falls in love with Rebecca.
Director: Marco Petry
Writers: Marco Petry and Janina Petry
DoP: Marc Achenbach
Producer: Marcus Welke, Quirin Berg, Max Wiedemann
Executive Producer: Hannah Leuze
Set Design: Ina Timmerberg
Costume Design: Diana Dietrich
Hair & Make-up: Miriam Hübner
Production Company: Wiedemann & Berg Film
Cast: Kostja Ullmann, Janina Uhse, David Kross, Ferdinand Hofer

NON-FICTION
LOVE IS BLIND: GERMANY S3
Soon on Netflix | Nonfiction Series
Is love truly blind? Thirty German-speaking singles have had enough of superficial dating and set out to find true love in Love Is Blind: Germany. To avoid being distracted by physical appearances, their first encounters take place sight unseen: in small booths known as "pods," the singles can hear each other but not see one another. Those who manage to open up and build an emotional connection through deep, meaningful conversations face the ultimate question at the end of the first round: "Will you marry me?"
If the feelings are strong enough, the newly engaged couples finally see each other for the first time. From that moment on, whether inner values truly prevail and they can deepen their relationship is put to the test - not only by physical attraction, but also by meeting each other's families and friends. Romantic dates versus the challenges of wedding planning: who has found their soulmate and will say "I do" in the end?
Senior Executive Producer: Christiane Heinemann
Executive Producer: Anna-Lena Zwez
Line Producer: Jens Buhr
Head of Production: Robin Senger
Co-Executive Producer: Sebastian Markgraf-Andresen
DoP: Frank Irlenborn

SHIRIN
Soon on Netflix | Non-fiction Series
Shortly before her 30th birthday, Shirin David invites us to join her on a personal journey through her breathtaking career. As she prepares for her major 'Smart but Blonde' arena tour, will she allow Barbara - the woman behind the superstar - to step forward and take a look at her 'inner self'?
Production Company: LEONINE Documentaries
Director & Writer: Michael Schmitt
Co-Director: Teresa Fritzi Hoerl
Producer: Jochen Köstler
Executive Producer: Janek Romero
Line Producer: Andreas Tuerpe
Producer: Laryssa Stone
DoP: Carmen Treichl, Jesse Mazuch
Editors: Andi Pek (BFS), Stefanie Kosik-Wartenberg (BFS)
Editing Co-Director: Teresa Fritzi Hoerl

POLDI
Soon on Netflix | Non-fiction Feature
From street footballer to world champion, from a child of Polish immigrants to 'Prince Poldi' of Cologne: Lukas Podolski made German football history and became a hero in the process. To this day, he remains one of Germany's most beloved and authentic footballers. While still playing professionally in Poland, he's also building a successful second career as a businessman. The Netflix documentary follows Lukas Podolski towards the end of his football career and reveals unseen facets of an exemplary athlete and individual.
Productions: btf GmbH, Signature Studios GmbH
Directors: Nicolas Berse-Gilles, Simone Schillinger, Kai Sehr
Writers: Cody Christensen, Kilian Lieb
Executive Producers: Matthias Murmann, Gerrit Hamann, Philipp Käßbohrer
Producer: Teresa Messerschmidt
Line Producers: Yannick Moll, Hannah Pasikowski
Unit Production Managers: Björn Jochum, Franz Runge
DoP: Frank Schlotterbeck
Editors: Florian Böttger, Filip Pampuch

KAULITZ & KAULITZ S3
Soon on Netflix | Non-fiction Series
Bill and Tom Kaulitz open up the doors to their private lives for the very first time - again! They call Hollywood their home - where the bold and the beautiful live, door-to-door to international top stars. This intimate reality series follows Bill and Tom up close and personal for eight months - from their international career, family life, Tokio Hotel tour bus, parties, drama, flirts all the way to a road trip throughout rural USA. A unique family- and success story of the twins from Magdeburg, Germany.
Producer: Otto Steiner
Executive Producers: Caroline Rußwurm, Per Lars Eppmann
Directors: Annika Blendl, Michael Schmitt
Production: Constantin Entertainment GmbH

SCHUMACHER '94
Soon on Netflix | Non-fiction Feature
1994 marks a turning point in Formula 1 history: 25-year-old Michael Schumacher wins the first Grand Prix of the racing season in Brazil, setting the stage for an unprecedented career.
The year 1994, which is among the most dramatic and exciting racing seasons in Formula 1 history, featured impactful events such as Ayrton Senna's lethal accident, as well as accusations of manipulation and unfair driving maneuvers. At the same time, a true "Schumi Mania" emerged. Michael Schumacher's wife, Corinna Schumacher, and other people close to him reminisce about him at that time. They remember an uncompromising fighter on the racetrack and a sensitive, empathic man off the course. Corinna Schumacher, who has always been his emotional support, also offers insight into the beginnings of an extraordinary love story - one that is still going strong today.
Director: Christin Freitag
Director of Photography: Nicolai Mehring
Set Design: Benjamin Scholl
Executive Producers: Jochen Köstler, Janek Romero, Constanze Guttmann
Line Producer: Andreas Tuerpe
Unit Production Manager: Niko Reich
Editor Bobby Good
Expert Advisor: Hans Mahr
Production: LEONINE Documentaries

TOO HOT TO HANDLE: GERMANY S3 - COUPLES EDITION (WT)

Coming soon to Netflix | Non-fiction Series
Too Hot to Handle is back, but this time everything is different. In today's dating world, ghosting has replaced open communication, "situationships" have replaced committed relationships, and open relationships have replaced commitment. From sex bans to couples therapy, Lana 3.0 knows that the real test for deeper relationships only begins after the first match. In Too Hot to Handle: Germany Season 3 - Couples Edition, Netflix sends Germany's hottest and most commitment-phobic couples on an emotional journey in a tropical paradise. Is it pure physical attraction or an emotional, deep connection? This is the ultimate relationship experiment! Will the couples grow closer, drift apart, or perhaps even find a new partner in a new constellation? All this happens under Lana's even stricter eyes and rules. Which couple will rise to the challenge and take home up to €200,000, and who is simply... Too Hot to Handle?
Producer: Nina Klink
Executive Producer: Nora Kauven
Producer: Nina Weber
Production Manager: Lisa Esser, Maria Hlavka, Christian Ziervogel
Line Producer: Mathis Kreye
Production: Seapoint Productions (supported by Fremantle)

DIE ZARRELLAS
Soon on Netflix | Docu-follow Series
Passion, determination, and plenty of amore: Jana Ina and Giovanni Zarrella offer an intimate glimpse into their lives, balancing glamorous show business with a down-to-earth family routine. As one of Germany's most beloved celebrity couples, they combine successful careers with the challenges of a German-Italian-Brazilian family life - caught between public expectations and family responsibilities. A year of change lies ahead: Giovanni is reorienting his music career internationally, while successful businesswoman Jana Ina uses her 50th birthday as an opportunity to pause and reassess her priorities between family and new career challenges. Navigating the tension between public life, personal aspirations, and family closeness, the Zarrella family finds strength in their deep, loving bond that transcends cultural boundaries.
Production: LEONINE Documentaries ein Label der i&u Studios GmbH
Director: Hasko Baumann
Executive Producer/CEO: Jochen Köstler
Executive Producer: Janek Romero, Constanze Guttmann
Creative Producer: Jesper Petzke
Line Producer: Andreas Tuerpe
Unit Production Manager: Niko Reich
Director of Photography: Jesse Mazuch