New ARD Drama 'The Next Level' Explores Berlin's Hedonism and Gentrification

The six-part series fictionalizes a real-life tragedy while examining Berlin's cultural and political transformation.

'The Next Level' is a new ARD series inspired by a 2018 Spiegel report about an American tourist's death due to a drug overdose in Berlin's Berghain nightclub.
The show follows journalist Rosa Bernhard as she investigates the fictionalized tragedy, weaving in themes of hedonism, urban gentrification, and political corruption.
Set against Berlin's vibrant yet troubled backdrop, the series critiques the city's transformation into a global hub for tech investments and cultural tourism.
Critics highlight the show's ambitious scope and strong performances but note its reliance on clichés and uneven storytelling.
All six episodes of 'The Next Level' are now available on ARD Mediathek, with a television premiere scheduled for January 31 at 10:20 PM.