In this lineup, Berlin takes center stage. Top streaming productions like The Queen's Gambit, Babylon Berlin, Queen of Tears, Dogs of Berlin, and You Are Wanted showcase the city's allure. Beyond its vibrant underground scene, Berlin’s rich history is also brought to life in gripping dramas such as Charité and Hotel Adlon. Additionally, many U.S. productions select Berlin as the backdrop for high-stakes thrillers, further cementing its reputation as a dynamic storytelling hub.
Tip 1: Babylon Berlin – award-winning storytelling
With a production budget of €40 million for the first two seasons alone, Babylon Berlin proved to be a worthwhile investment. The adaptation of Volker Kutscher's historical thriller has been a global success, selling to over 90 countries and earning prestigious awards, including the German Television Award and the Grimme Prize. Streaming on ARD Mediathek, the first four seasons follow Detective Inspector Gereon Rath and Charlotte Ritter, who rises through the ranks to become a homicide assistant. This time, they must unravel the mysterious death of a famous actress in Babelsberg—but was it murder?
Tip 2: Queen of Tears – romantic filming locations in Berlin
In Queen of Tears, the heiress of a luxury department store, Hong Hae-in, and her husband, Baek Hyun-woo, who comes from a humble farming background, get a second chance at love. Fans of this hit 2024 South Korean drama can look forward to stunningly romantic filming locations in Berlin. Iconic spots featured in the series include the Neptune Fountain, Berlin Cathedral, James-Simon-Park with its picturesque view of Museum Island, the rooftop terrace of Hotel de Rome, the historic St. Matthew’s Churchyard, and the majestic Sanssouci Palace.
Tip 3: Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo – a modern take on a classic story
More than 40 years after the groundbreaking book was first published, Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo has been reimagined as a streaming series. Unlike the gritty 1981 film adaptation, this modern retelling of 16-year-old Christiane F.'s story unfolds through visually striking and easily digestible, colorful imagery, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic tale.
Tip 4: The Queen’s Gambit – Berlin as the hidden star of the series
While Berlin isn’t the main setting in The Queen’s Gambit, many key scenes from the Netflix hit were actually filmed in the city. The department store Ben Snyder’s, where Beth Harmon shops with her adoptive mother, is in reality Humana am Frankfurter Tor. Her first major chess tournament, set at Henry Clay High School in Kentucky, was filmed at Max Taut School in Berlin-Rummelsburg.
Several international locations were also cleverly recreated in Berlin. The Parisian café-restaurant is actually in the Bode Museum, the Moscow hotel façade is found on Karl-Marx-Allee, and the Aztec Palace Hotel in Mexico was filmed in the foyer of Friedrichstadt-Palast. Even Beth’s orphanage, where she’s placed after her mother’s death, is not far—it's Schulzendorf Castle in Brandenburg.
For those wanting to step into the Mariposa Hotel in Las Vegas, the venue for the U.S. Open in episode 3, simply head to the Palais am Funkturm in Berlin.
Tip 5: Unorthodox – a powerful story of freedom and new beginnings
Unorthodox is based on the bestselling autobiography by Deborah Feldman, who now calls Berlin home. The series is a compelling story of breaking free, chronicling how Feldman escapes the constraints of her strict Orthodox Jewish upbringing in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and starts a new life in Berlin.
One of the most symbolic moments in the series is when she removes her wig and lets it drift into the water while bathing in the Wannsee—a powerful act of liberation. In Hasidic tradition, married women are required to cover their hair after reaching sexual maturity, making this moment a poignant representation of her newfound freedom.
Beyond Feldman’s personal journey, Unorthodox provides an unfiltered look into the customs and rules of the Orthodox Jewish community, while also telling a universal story of self-discovery and resilience against adversity. A must-watch!
ABOUT BERLIN App
You can find more powerful stories, also about Jewish Berlin, in our ABOUT BERLIN App. You can download it for free for iPhone and Android.
There's a lot to tell. ABOUT BERLIN.
Tip 6: Charité – a medical drama interwoven with Berlin’s history
The acclaimed historical series Charité continues its journey into the past with a highly anticipated third season. Filming began in the Czech Republic in late 2023, with the storyline now set in 1961—the year the Berlin Wall was built. Staying true to its concept, the series seamlessly intertwines the daily life of the hospital with the pivotal moments in Berlin’s history.
Each season of Charité explores a different era of medical and political transformation. The first season delves into groundbreaking medical advancements in the late 19th century, featuring legendary figures such as Robert Koch, Rudolph Virchow, Emil von Behring, and Paul Ehrlich. The second season shifts to the Nazi era, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by renowned surgeon Ferdinand Sauerbruch and his peers.
Tip 7: Beat – a gritty thriller set in Berlin’s club scene
Set against the pulsating backdrop of Berlin’s legendary nightlife, Beat dives deep into the city’s underground club scene—where crime lurks behind the glittering facade. The story follows club promoter Robert Schlag, known as "Beat," who is recruited by the European secret service to dismantle a dangerous organ trafficking ring.
Despite winning the prestigious Grimme Prize in 2019, Beat was not renewed for a second season, leaving many fans disappointed. However, there’s a silver lining: the gripping espionage series Deutschland 83 and Deutschland 86, centered around GDR spy Martin Rauch, continue with Deutschland 89.
Tip: Want to dive deeper into Berlin’s electrifying nightlife? Check out our feature on E-Werk —a legendary venue that has powered the city’s club culture for decades.
Tip 8: Ku'Damm 56 – a story of rebellion and tradition in 1950s Berlin
Set in 1950s Berlin, Ku'Damm 56 tells the compelling story of a conservative mother, her three daughters on the brink of adulthood, and their family-run dance school, Galant. While the sisters yearn for independence and self-determination, societal norms and their mother’s expectations urge them to uphold tradition.
The story continues in Ku'Damm 59, where the sisters are now grown women, navigating the challenges of love, ambition, and societal change. The series not only captures the tension between tradition and modernity but also offers a nostalgic glimpse into Berlin’s post-war era.
Step Back in Time on Kurfürstendamm: A stroll down Kurfürstendamm—Berlin’s famous shopping boulevard—reveals stunning architectural gems from the era, including charming historic kiosks, transporting visitors back to the world of Ku'Damm 56.
Tip 9: Classic Berlin series – a nostalgic look at the city’s past
For a journey through Berlin in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, these classic TV series offer an authentic glimpse into the city's past:
- Liebling Kreuzberg – Starring Manfred Krug as a charismatic lawyer navigating Berlin’s legal world.
- Praxis Bülowbogen – Featuring Günter Pfitzmann as Dr. Brockmann, a beloved family doctor.
- Drei Damen vom Grill – A cult favorite starring Brigitte Mira as the owner of a snack bar at Nollendorfplatz.
A Must-Watch: Weissensee
Another standout is Weissensee, a gripping drama set in East Berlin during the 1980s. It follows the forbidden love story of Julia and Martin, whose families stand on opposite sides of the political divide. Julia’s mother is an artist and a fierce critic of the regime, while Martin’s father and brother are loyal members of the Stasi, and he himself serves in the People's Police. This stark contrast fuels moments of deep romance, intense drama, and unexpected twists.
Tip 10: Berlin, Berlin – from small-town girl to big-city adventures
In the very first episode of Berlin, Berlin, Lolle moves from the small town of Malente to Berlin, following her boyfriend. But when the relationship falls apart, she decides to stay in the capital to pursue her dream of becoming a comic artist.
The cult ARD series made a highly anticipated return in spring 2020 with a sequel. Now an adult, Lolle still finds herself in chaotic situations—caught between multiple love interests, fleeing from her own wedding, and ultimately being sentenced to 40 hours of community service at a school.
Tip 11: The Adlon – a legendary hotel steeped in history
"What happens in the Adlon, stays in the Adlon"—that was the motto given to the hotel’s bellboys. But the myths and secrets of this legendary establishment were brought to light in the film The Adlon, a sweeping trilogy that spans four generations.
The series masterfully intertwines historical events with fictional drama, chronicling the rise, fall, and rebirth of the iconic hotel. From its founding during the imperial era to the glamour of the 1920s, the devastation of World War II, the division of Berlin, and finally, its grand reopening at the Brandenburg Gate in the 1990s, The Adlon captures the essence of Berlin’s turbulent history.
Tip: The hotel also plays a key role in the 2011 thriller Unknown, adding another layer of mystery to its already fascinating legacy.
More filming locations: Berlin as a global spy and thriller hub
Berlin has become a prime location for Hollywood and international productions, particularly in the espionage and thriller genres.
- Homeland – In the award-winning CIA drama, agent Carrie Mathison seeks a quieter life in Berlin with her husband and child. However, as expected, things quickly spiral out of control.
- Berlin Station – Another gripping CIA series, following analyst Daniel Meyer, who is officially transferred to the agency’s Berlin office but is secretly on a mission to track down a whistleblower.
- Counterpart – Blending espionage with science fiction, this series follows a UN employee in Berlin who accidentally stumbles into a parallel dimension—created by a secret Cold War experiment.
Still craving more Berlin-based stories? Check out these fan-favorites:
- Turkish for Beginners – A lighthearted comedy-drama exploring cultural clashes in Berlin.
- You Are Wanted – Starring Matthias Schweighöfer, this intense thriller follows Lukas Franke, a man whose life unravels after a hacker attack exposes his personal data.
- Dogs of Berlin & 4 Blocks – Two gripping crime series delving into Berlin’s criminal underworld and its powerful clan networks—definitely not for the faint-hearted!
