Netflix Unveils Record-Breaking 2026 German-Language Lineup at “What Next?” Berlin Event
Netflix is significantly expanding its reality and documentary offerings.
RMN Stars OTT Desk
New Delhi | January 29, 2026
During a star-studded event in Berlin, Netflix announced its most ambitious slate of German-speaking productions to date for 2026. The presentation, titled “What Next?”, featured more than 300 invited guests and showcased a diverse range of films, series, and non-fiction projects intended to demonstrate strong local storytelling at a high level.
Scripted Highlights: Drama and Thrillers
A major centerpiece of the upcoming slate is the film 23,000 Lives, which is inspired by the true story of a group of young people who launched a sea rescue mission for refugees in the Mediterranean. In terms of returning hits, the streaming service confirmed the third and final season of the international hit The Empress for late 2026, as well as a second season of the series Murder Mindfully arriving May 28. Netflix also revealed that Murder Mindfully has already been officially greenlit for a third season. Other highly anticipated scripted titles include the thriller The Trap and the spy drama Unfamiliar, which is set to premiere on February 5.
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Non-Fiction and Celebrity Documentaries
Netflix is significantly expanding its reality and documentary offerings, highlighted by a new docu-follow series featuring celebrity couple Jana Ina and Giovanni Zarrella. The platform also announced several high-profile documentaries, including Schumacher ’94, which recounts Michael Schumacher’s legendary and dramatic 1994 Formula 1 season, and Poldi, a feature following the career of world champion footballer Lukas Podolski. Popular reality franchises will also return, with third seasons announced for Love is Blind: Germany, Kaulitz & Kaulitz, and Too Hot to Handle: Germany.
Comedy and Creative Strategy
The 2026 lineup includes various comedies, such as Eat Pray Bark, which stars Alexandra Maria Lara and premieres April 1, and the star-studded The Birthday Gift. Katja Hofem, Netflix Vice President Content DACH, stated that this record-breaking year is the result of years of development and close collaboration with local producers to provide a greater variety of entertainment than ever before.
