Picture Credits: Netflix
Netflix has revealed its comprehensive slate of German-language productions for 2026. From the return of the global hit The Empress and Crooks to a new spy thriller series and high-profile documentaries about Lukas Podolski and Michael Schumacher, here is your guide to the new movies and series coming from the “DACH” region this year.
“The successes of recent years show how truly diverse entertainment today can be,” Katja Hofem, Netflix Vice President Content DACH, said at a presentation in Berlin tonight. “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.”
This is just the latest slate reveal from Netflix, with more to come, including more overnight, the Nordics, and India in the coming weeks. You can go back and see our coverage of the upcoming titles from Japan, Spain, Italy, and more via our Coming Soon section. For the complete list of upcoming titles coming in 2026, check out our 2026 release schedule calendar.
Here is the breakdown of the titles announced, categorized by series, films, and non-fiction reality and docs.
New German Series Coming to Netflix in 2026
Unfamiliar (Season 1)
Genre: Spy Thriller | Release Date: February 5, 2026
Hidden in the heart of Berlin, ex-spies Simon and Meret run a safe house. When a buried threat resurfaces, they are forced to hide from assassins, Russian agents, the BND, and ex-lovers—all while trying to keep their marriage together. Susanne Wolff and Felix Kramer lead the cast in this high-stakes thriller.
Crap Happens
Genre: Comedy / Coming-of-Age | Release Date: February 26, 2026
Toni (Fatoni) always wanted to leave his hometown of “Kacken” to become a famous rapper. Instead, he’s a pizza baker in Berlin. When his mother dies, he returns home to find an unexpected career opportunity, a younger stepfather (Dimitrij Schaad), a talking baby duck named Tupac, and a 13-year-old son he never knew existed.
Crooks (Season 2)
Genre: Crime / Action | Release Date: Coming Soon
Charly (Frederick Lau) and Joseph (Christoph Krutzler) are back. Charly’s peaceful life is shattered when old “acquaintances” force him into a coin heist. When the plan goes south and a shootout ensues, the two unlikely friends must flee across three national borders, battling clans from Berlin, Vienna, and Marseille to save Charly’s family.
Murder Mindfully (Season 2)
Genre: Dark Comedy / Crime | Release Date: May 28, 2026
Picture Credit: Netflix
Björn Diemel (Tom Schilling) has seemingly mastered mindfulness, running his own business and managing mafia clans. But despite the harmony, inner turmoil plagues him. His coach reveals that his “inner child” is the root of the problem. Now, Björn must heal old wounds while dealing with helicopter parents, police investigators, and blackmail.
In addition to the release date and first looks, we learned that Netflix is already moving forward with season 3 of the show.
The Trap
Genre: Thriller | Release Date: Coming Soon
Based on the novel by Melanie Raabe, this thriller stars Friederike Becht as successful author Lisa Konrad, who hasn’t left her house in ten years since witnessing her sister’s murder. When she believes she sees the killer on TV, she sets a trap—using herself as bait.
The Empress (Season 3)
Genre: Historical Drama | Release Date: End of 2026
The Empress Season 3. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
The saga continues. Emperor Franz returns from the Sardinian War traumatized, while Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau) fights for her marriage and the empire. Facing resistance at court and declining health, she leaves Vienna for an unexpected adventure. This six-part finale promises a fateful acquaintance that will change the future of Europe forever.
Love & Chaos (Working Title)
Genre: Drama | Release Date: Coming Soon
LIEBE UND ANARCHIE. Anne Schäfer; Ludwig Simon. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Sophie, a married management consultant, is tasked with modernizing a traditional Hamburg publishing house. She enters a provocative game with a young IT technician, Max, challenging social conventions and throwing the company—and her personal life—into chaos. Anne Schäfer and Ludwig Simon are amongst the cast.
New German Films Coming to Netflix in 2026
23 000 Lives
Genre: Drama | Release Date: Coming Soon
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Inspired by true events, this film tells the story of young people who buy an old fishing vessel to rescue refugees in the Mediterranean. Starring Louis Hofmann (Dark) and Mala Emde, the group saves 23,000 lives, but their mission soon puts their understanding of law and justice to a severe test.
Eat Pray Bark
Genre: Comedy | Release Date: April 1, 2026
Five eccentric dog owners, including a dog-hating politician and a bickering couple, seek help from a legendary trainer in the Tyrolean mountains. It quickly becomes clear that it’s not the dogs who need training, but the owners. Stars Alexandra Maria Lara and Devid Striesow.
The Birthday Gift
Genre: Comedy | Release Date: Coming Soon
A perfectly planned birthday party for a son turns into a nightmare for single mother Marlene (Jeanne Goursaud). Between a rowdy brother (Edin Hasanović), an eccentric father (Heiner Lauterbach), and a very special gift, the celebration descends into hilarious chaos.
My Best Friend, His Girlfriend & Me
Genre: Comedy | Release Date: Coming Soon
Best friends Olli and Matze live and work together. They plan a big world trip, but things get complicated when Matze falls in love with Rebecca. Starring Kostja Ullmann, Janina Uhse, and David Kross.
Non-Fiction
Shirin
Genre: Documentary | Release Date: Coming Soon
Picture Credit: Getty Images
Superstar Shirin David invites viewers on a personal journey as she prepares for her ‘Smart but Blonde’ arena tour, revealing the woman behind the fame.
Poldi
Genre: Documentary | Release Date: Coming Soon
A look at the life of football legend Lukas Podolski. From child of immigrants to World Champion and businessman, this documentary follows him towards the end of his career.
Kaulitz & Kaulitz (Season 3)
Genre: Reality | Release Date: Coming Soon
The twins are back. Bill and Tom Kaulitz open their doors again, taking viewers from Hollywood to a road trip through rural USA in this intimate reality series.
Schumacher ‘94
Genre: Documentary | Release Date: Coming Soon
Marking the turning point in Formula 1 history, this documentary revisits the dramatic 1994 season. It features insights from Corinna Schumacher on the beginning of her love story with Michael.
Too Hot to Handle: Germany (Season 3 – Couples Edition)
Genre: Reality | Release Date: Coming Soon
The dating show returns with a twist: Couples Edition. Netflix sends commitment-phobic couples to a tropical paradise to test if their connection is real or just physical.
Die Zarrellas
Genre: Docu-Soap | Release Date: Coming Soon
Jana Ina and Giovanni Zarrella offer a glimpse into their German-Italian-Brazilian family life as they balance show business with family responsibilities.
