Introduction
German television has stepped into a golden age, delivering productions that rival the biggest shows from Hollywood and beyond. From time-travel mysteries to historical dramas and thrilling crime sagas, these new German TV series are captivating audiences worldwide. Thanks to platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+, you now have instant access to the most popular German shows. In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 modern German series that combine high ratings, global recognition, and unforgettable storytelling. If you’re searching for the best German series 2025, this guide is your ultimate watchlist.
Top 10 Modern German Series
1) Dark (2017–2020)
Rating: 8.7/10 on IMDb
Genre: Sci-Fi / Mystery
Produced: 2017–2020
Creators: Baran bo Odar & Jantje Friese
Stars: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Oliver Masucci
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary 🎬
The groundbreaking series Dark takes you into the eerie town of Winden, where the disappearance of two children unravels a time-travel conspiracy spanning generations. It is often considered the best German drama series, with its complex narrative, haunting atmosphere, and emotional depth. If you want to start with one of the most popular German shows, Dark is the perfect entry point into the Top 10 modern German series.
2) Babylon Berlin (2017–present)
Rating: Highly acclaimed worldwide
Genre: Historical Drama / Noir
Produced: 2017–ongoing
Stars: Volker Bruch, Liv Lisa Fries
Where to Watch: Sky, Netflix (in selected regions)
Summary 📽
Set in late 1920s Berlin, Babylon Berlin captures the political chaos, crime, and glamour of the Weimar Republic. Its production design and cinematic quality make it one of the most popular German shows internationally. As a new German TV series that continues to grow, it holds its place as a timeless gem and one of the best German drama series of our era.
3) Cassandra (2025)
Rating: 100% Rotten Tomatoes (Season 1)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Psychological Thriller
Produced: 2025
Stars: Lavinia Wilson, Mina Tander, Franz Hartwig
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary 🤖
The new German TV series Cassandra brings a chilling story about an old 1970s smart home brought back to life. What starts as helpful AI soon spirals into control and manipulation. With its sharp critique of technology and gripping suspense, it’s already ranked among the best German series 2025. Cassandra shows how German creators are reinventing sci-fi, making it one of the boldest entries in the Top 10 modern German series.
4) Kleo (2022–present)
Rating: Winner of prestigious German awards
Genre: Action / Dark Comedy / Spy Thriller
Produced: 2022–ongoing
Star: Jella Haase
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary 🎯
Kleo tells the story of a former East German assassin betrayed by her own agency. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she hunts down those responsible in a revenge-driven adventure. This stylish, funny, and fast-paced show has become one of the most popular German shows on Netflix. If you love action and wit, Kleo is a must-see in the Top 10 modern German series.
5) Maxton Hall — The World Between Us (2024–present)
Rating: Among Prime Video’s top non-English hits
Genre: Romance / Drama
Produced: 2024–ongoing
Stars: Harriet Herbig-Matten, Damian Hardung
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Summary 💞
In Maxton Hall — The World Between Us, Ruby, a scholarship student, collides with James, a wealthy heir. Their emotional journey explores love, ambition, and social barriers. This romantic drama quickly climbed into the most popular German shows list and is now considered one of the best German series 2025 for fans of heartfelt stories.
6) The Swarm (Der Schwarm) (2023)
Rating: Known as Germany’s most expensive production
Genre: Sci-Fi / Eco-Thriller
Produced: 2023
Stars: Leonie Benesch, Cécile de France
Where to Watch: ZDF / Viaplay
Summary 🌊
The Swarm reveals a mysterious intelligence lurking in the ocean, responding to humanity’s environmental destruction. With epic visuals and a global cast, it has earned its spot among the Best 10 modern German series. If you want the best German drama series that also warns about climate change, The Swarm is a gripping choice.
7) Dear Child (Liebes Kind) (2023)
Rating: International Emmy Award Winner
Genre: Crime / Thriller
Produced: 2023
Stars: Kim Riedle, Naila Schuberth
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary 🧩
Based on Romy Hausmann’s bestseller, Dear Child follows a woman who escapes captivity, revealing shocking secrets about her past. It’s a chilling entry into the most popular German shows and stands tall as one of the Top German drama series. A brilliant pick if you’re diving into new German TV series with international acclaim.
8) Where’s Wanda? (2024–present)
Rating: Strong reviews and a season 2 confirmed
Genre: Dark Comedy / Family Crime
Produced: 2024–ongoing
Stars: Heike Makatsch, Axel Stein
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Summary 🕵️♀️
In Where’s Wanda?, a family embarks on a desperate search for their missing daughter. Blending mystery with humor, it delivers a fresh take on crime drama. This new German TV series already ranks among the Best 10 modern German series for its originality and character-driven storylines.
9) The Black Forest Murders (2025)
Rating: Critically praised for realism
Genre: True Crime / Police Procedural
Produced: 2025
Stars: Nina Kunzendorf, Tilman Strauß
Where to Watch: ARD / BBC
Summary 🧠
The Black Forest Murders dramatizes real investigations from southern Germany. With its slow-burn storytelling and attention to forensic detail, it stands out as one of the best German series 2025. If you enjoy realistic crime stories, this show will keep you hooked as part of the Best 10 modern German series.
10) How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019–2025)
Rating: Huge international success
Genre: Comedy / Crime / Coming-of-Age
Produced: 2019–2025
Stars: Maximilian Mundt, Lena Klenke, Danilo Kamperidis
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary 💻
The hilarious yet gripping series How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) follows a teen who launches an online drug business to win back his ex. Combining satire, modern tech, and youthful chaos, it became one of the most popular German shows globally. As a bold mix of comedy and crime, it remains a fan favorite in the Best 10 modern German series.
Why These Are the Best German Series 2025
- They cover multiple genres: sci-fi, romance, history, and true crime.
- Streaming availability on Netflix, Prime, and Apple TV+ makes them accessible.
- Awards and critical acclaim ensure they rank among the most popular German shows.
FAQs
Q: What is the best German drama series right now?
A: Dark, Babylon Berlin, and Dear Child are leading choices in the Best modern German series.
Q: Which new German TV series are trending in 2025?
A: Cassandra and The Black Forest Murders are highly recommended for this year.
Q: Are these series available with subtitles?
A: Yes, most are available with English and even Arabic subtitles on Netflix and Prime Video.
Q: What’s the most popular German show internationally?
A: Dark remains the global leader, but Kleo and How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) are not far behind.
Conclusion
From the haunting puzzles of Dark to the high-budget spectacle of The Swarm, these Best 10 modern German series highlight the brilliance of German storytelling. Whether you’re after mystery, romance, or crime drama, you’ll find the most popular German shows waiting for you to stream. If you’re ready to explore the Top German series 2025, start with two or three titles from this list—you won’t regret it.
👉 Now it’s your turn: Which of these new German TV series will you watch first? Share your choice and let’s see which one becomes your favorite!
