Netflix’s latest German drama series, “Unfamiliar,” has quickly risen to the top of its most-watched non-English-language shows following its release last week. The six-episode series presents a twisty spy thriller that delves deeper into a compelling family narrative. It features the married couple and former agents, Meret and Simon Schäfer, portrayed by Susanne Wolff and Felix Kramer, as they navigate the dangers of running a secret safe house in Berlin. The plot thickens with a flashback to a mission that went awry, revealing an unexpected connection to their daughter and a menacing Russian intelligence officer determined to eliminate them.
Sabine de Mardt, the head of Gaumont Germany, explained that “Unfamiliar” stands out not only for its thrilling storyline but also for its strong family dynamic. She elaborated that while the show starts as a spy thriller, it ultimately transitions into a poignant family story intertwined with espionage themes. In today’s turbulent world, the themes of uncertainty and familial ties resonate deeply with audiences, making the series particularly relevant.
In a landmark moment for German television, “Unfamiliar” is the first fictional series to film at the headquarters of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) in Berlin. De Mardt emphasized the significance of this collaboration, revealing that achieving such authenticity required extensive planning and coordination.
The title “Unfamiliar” carries meaningful implications, intertwining concepts of family and deception, which become increasingly relevant as the plot unfolds. Without giving away any spoilers, de Mardt remains optimistic that audiences will embrace the series, paving the way for potential additional seasons.
Looking ahead, Gaumont’s German division has exciting projects in the pipeline, including a new adaptation of “Heidi” set to begin filming in April. This modern retelling will explore the beloved story of an orphan girl who grows up in the Swiss mountains, presenting her as slightly older and facing typical adolescent challenges while embarking on adventures with her friend Peter. This contemporary retelling will be available on Switzerland’s SRF and Germany’s RTL+, aiming for release by 2027, coinciding with the bicentennial of author Johanna Spyri’s birth.
Furthermore, Gaumont is developing an updated adaptation of “The Wandering Harlot,” based on the book by Iny Lorentz. This story about a 15th-century woman seeking vengeance after being rejected by society had previously enjoyed success on German and Swiss television. The revamped version is still in the early stages of collaboration, focusing on modern perspectives and the empowerment of women.
Despite the promising projects, de Mardt highlighted the challenges facing the German TV production industry, such as declining ad revenues for commercial broadcasters and the recent halting of drama commissions by Sky. While streaming platforms, now complemented by HBO Max, are commissioning some German content, the volume remains limited.
De Mardt, who is actively involved in the Producers Association, reiterated the need for stability in funding models to ensure long-term planning in the industry. She noted the ongoing consolidation trend reflected in her previous employer’s sale to major players like Netflix and Paramount and anticipates continued mergers and acquisitions within the German market.
Encouragingly, despite these challenges, de Mardt voiced a positive outlook for the future of the industry, emphasizing the necessity for adaptation and the possibilities that lie ahead in an ever-changing environment.