Apple TV+ has launched a gripping new medical drama that hooks viewers from the get-go and keeps them on tenterhooks until its thrilling conclusion.
Picture the emotional stakes and well-rounded characters of Grey’s Anatomy or ER, but filmed with the raw intensity and heart-pounding pace of The Bear and Boiling Point.
The drama is unyielding, featuring some truly distressing moments. However, the storyline is so rich and personal that even those with a weak stomach will feel compelled to see it through to the end.
We’re talking about the brand new German drama Berlin ER, which premiered today (Wednesday, 26th February) with its first two episodes on Apple TV+.
Haley Louise Jones takes centre stage as Dr Zanna Parker, a medical professional who leaves her life in Munich behind to take charge of a chaotic and underfunded hospital in the heart of Berlin.
‘Exhilarating’ new drama could be ‘the best hospital series ever’ (Image: APPLE)
Her initial attempts at reform are met with resistance from her prickly staff, but she eventually forms an alliance with Dr Ben Weber (played by Slavko Popadić), a brilliant yet notoriously unpredictable surgeon.
The series explores every facet of the medical profession, including standout moments with two paramedics, newcomer Olivia Kropf (Samirah Breuer) and her seasoned mentor Olaf Hendel (Bernhard Schütz).
Showrunner Samuel Jefferson, a former A&E doctor himself, also addresses pressing issues facing modern medicine, from hypochondria to immigration and the dire state of understaffed and overcrowded emergency rooms.
But don’t just take our word for it – despite flying under the radar for some critics, Berlin ER is already garnering glowing reviews. The Wall Street Journal hailed the series as “riveting”, posing the question: “is the German-language Berlin ER the best hospital series ever?” Although they couldn’t provide a definitive answer, the reviewer devoured all eight episodes in just two days, drawing comparisons to iconic shows like M*A*S*H and Lars Von Trier’s The Kingdom – a far cry from your average hospital drama.
Ben and Zanna strike up a shaky alliance (Image: APPLE)
Berlin ER also received a four-star review from Filmhounds, who dubbed the first episode a “masterwork in direction”. They concluded: “Berlin ER promises a visceral and captivating series about the demanding work of the medical sector.
“It engages you from the offset with its claustrophobic and frantic filming and throws drama and thrills at you from every angle.
“While its central narrative may be familiar to some, it doesn’t suffer from fatigue thanks to its honest and characterful script.”
LeisureByte was equally impressed, writing: “I found myself absolutely hooked on the stories and the characters, especially because Slavko Popadić and Haley Louise Jones are fantastic as Ben and Zanna respectively.
Critics agree the series is a “masterwork” and absolutely “riveting” (Image: APPLE)
“Berlin ER is surprisingly fantastic and an emotional rollercoaster ride.
“It’s exhilarating and triggering in all the right ways and although it’s not a comedic take on the phenomenon that is the ER, it’s definitely one that will get to you.”
Devotees of intense and emotive storytelling shouldn’t overlook this unconventional and compelling spin on the medical drama genre, but be prepared for an abundance of blood, sweat and tears.
Berlin ER continues Wednesdays on Apple TV+.