A German ‘Band Of Brothers’ comes to BBC Two

BBC Two has acquired the 3×90-minute 1940’s set German drama, Generation War.

Generation War depicts the lives of five German friends from 1941-45; two brothers who become Wehrmacht soldiers, a singer, a nurse, and their Jewish friend. Described as a German ‘Band Of Brothers’, the series drew record ratings for ZDF, sparked a nationwide discussion about the role of ordinary Germans during the Second World War, and was called “…a turning point in German television” by Der Spiegel.

Berlin 1941. Highly-decorated officer Wilhelm is off to the eastern front with his younger brother Friedhelm, a sensitive dreamer more interested in books than warfare. Deeply in love with Wilhelm is Charlotte, a young nurse who feels her duty calling and agrees to serve in the Wehrmacht, also on the eastern front.

While talented singer Greta dreams of being another Marlene Dietrich, her Jewish boyfriend Viktor begins to realise that the lives of both him and his family will be in grave danger if they stay in Germany. As the war takes hold, none of the friends can imagine how the conflict will ultimately change not only them, but the rest of the world.

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition, BBC, commented: “Generation War has a truly epic sweep and emotionally compelling narrative – we are really delighted to bring this critically-acclaimed and thought-provoking series to BBC viewers.”

The series will be the first foreign language series premiere on BBC Two since 2001’s The Kingdom.

TeamWorx produced Generation War for ZDF and ORF in association with Beta Film.