The acclaimed German series **Babylon Berlin** has officially wrapped filming for its fifth and final season. This groundbreaking neo-noir drama, adapted from **Volker Kutscher**’s best-selling **Gereon Rath** novels, spans the tumultuous history of Berlin from the vibrant 1920s to the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the rise of the Nazi regime.
Set during a pivotal period in German history, the final season consists of eight episodes that take place in **February 1933**, shortly after **Adolf Hitler** was appointed Reich Chancellor. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the last days of the republic, culminating on **March 5**, when Hitler held elections following a campaign marked by violence against political opponents.
The plot, derived from Kutscher’s novel **The March Fallen**, reunites detective **Gereon Rath** (played by **Volker Bruch**) with investigator **Charlotte Ritter** (portrayed by **Liv Lisa Fries**) as they tackle a final case. An exclusive first-look image reveals the duo dancing at the 1933 press ball, the last grand social gathering in Berlin before the Nazi takeover.
Character Developments and Themes of Betrayal
The co-creators of the series, **Tom Tykwer**, **Henk Handloegten**, and **Achim von Borries**, emphasized the dramatic nature of the final season. “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 stated. “All our characters are now finally called upon to show their true colors in a system that is being turned upside down before their eyes.”
In this season, **Gereon** mysteriously disappears, prompting **Charlotte** to delve into an investigation involving a series of murders targeting former soldiers. The case ultimately connects to Gereon’s past and the emerging fascist regime in Germany.
Alongside Bruch and Fries, an impressive lineup of German talent returns, including **Lars Eidinger** as tycoon **Alfred Nyssen**, **Christian Friedel** as police photographer **Reinhold Gräf**, and **Hannah Herzsprung** as **Helga Rath**, Gereon’s former love interest. The cast also features notable actors such as **Matthias Brandt** as police chief **August Benda** and **Fritzi Haberlandt** as the resourceful pension owner **Elisabeth Behnke**.
Global Impact and Musical Contributions
The series, which first premiered in **2017**, was initially recognized as the most expensive German-language production. Its unique blend of crime drama, historical re-creation, and vibrant 1920s aesthetics has garnered it a substantial international following, with distribution in over **140 territories** worldwide.
Adding to the series’ appeal is the involvement of British pop star **Bryan Ferry**, known for his work with **Roxy Music**. Ferry appears in several dance hall scenes and has reinterpreted some of his classic songs in the 1920s jazz style for the show’s soundtrack. His 2018 solo album, **Bitter-Sweet**, was significantly influenced by his collaboration with **Babylon Berlin**.
The final season of **Babylon Berlin** will premiere on the public channel **ARD** in Germany and will be available in the United States on the streaming platform **MHz Choice**. As it concludes, fans can expect a powerful exploration of a society on the brink of change, with characters who embody the complexities of a nation facing its darkest hour.