Netflix orders first German original

Netflix has ordered its first original series from Germany, a mystery drama from the producer of critically acclaimed movie The Lives of Others.

Dark is billed as a mysterious saga that follows four families living in a small German town as their lives are thrown into disarray when two of their children suddenly disappear.

The 10-episode series will be produced by Endemol Shine Germany-backed prodco Wiedemann & Berg and will roll out to the US SVoD service’s subscribers worldwide in 2017.

Baran bo Odar (Who Am I?) will direct the series, which is penned by Jantje Friese. Producers are Quirin Berg, Max Wiedemann and Justyna Musch and production begins this year.

“Dark is an incredible German story that will appeal to a global audience,” said Erik Barmack, VP of international originals at Netflix.

“Bo and Jantje are creative talents that have developed great projects in both Berlin and Hollywood and we are thrilled to be working with them on our first original series entirely authored, shot and produced in Germany.”

The commission comes after streaming rival Amazon Prime Instant Video ordered its first original German-language series – Wanted – earlier this month.

Netflix is building up a string of local originals, including political drama Marseille for its French service. In the UK, it commissioned British monarchy drama The Crown while in Italy it has greenlit crime thriller Suburra. Its US originals portfolio includes House of Cards and Orange is the New Black.

The new order follows the streamer’s recent expansion into a further 130 territories.