From the creators of Kleo comes a dark 1899 Berlin murder mystery that’s swapping royal palaces for cobbled crime scenes. As The Empress prepares to close out its story with a final season later this year, Netflix isn’t wasting time finding what comes next. Enter Dolly — a gritty new German period mystery that’s already begun filming, and it’s shaping up to be a very different kind of historical drama.
Table of Contents
What Dolly Is About
Set in Berlin, 1899, Dolly follows the rebellious Dolly Pinkus after she narrowly escapes a serial killer — only to find the authorities unwilling to properly investigate. Refusing to let it go, she takes matters into her own hands, teaming up with her best friend Mieze and a young police inspector named Carl to track down the perpetrator themselves. Think less palace intrigue, more true-crime suspense set against 19th-century Berlin’s darker corners.
Dolly: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Setting | Berlin, 1899 |
| Episode Count | 6 episodes |
| Creators | Hanno Hackfort, Richard Kropf, Bob Konrad (HaRiBo) |
| Previous Hit by Creators | Kleo |
| Production Company | BetaBerlin Productions |
| Expected Release | Late 2027 |
Who’s Behind the Camera
The series comes from HaRiBo — the creative trio behind Netflix’s hit assassin thriller Kleo — who serve as creators, showrunners, and lead writers alongside Malina Nwabuonwor. Directing duties are split between Isabel Braak and Mia Spengler, while a dedicated period-specific crew, including production designer Isabel von Forster and costume designer Gabriela Reumer, is working to authentically recreate turn-of-the-century Berlin.
The Cast
While specific character assignments beyond Dolly, Mieze, and Carl haven’t been confirmed yet, the ensemble includes a mix of recognizable German television talent: Derya Akyol, Samirah Breuer, Max Hubacher, Merlin Rose (previously seen in The Empress), Andreas Lust, and Odine Johne, among others.
Where Things Stand
Netflix confirmed production officially began on August 31, 2026. The team has already wrapped a major filming block in Görlitz — a town known for its remarkably preserved historic architecture, ideal for the show’s late 19th-century setting. Production has now shifted to the Berlin-Brandenburg region, where filming will continue through winter.
Why This Matters for Netflix’s Period Drama Slate
With The Empress wrapping up, Netflix clearly sees an opportunity to keep German-language historical drama alive on the platform — but with a notably different tone. Trading royal courts for gritty crime investigation suggests Netflix is betting on genre-blending to keep the format fresh rather than repeating a winning formula.
Given the winter shoot and the heavy post-production demands of period pieces, a late 2027 release seems most likely.
For more Netflix production updates and premiere news, visit technosports.co.in.
FAQs
What is Dolly about?
It follows Dolly Pinkus as she investigates a serial killer in 1899 Berlin after surviving an attack herself.
When will Dolly release on Netflix?
No official date yet, but given the ongoing winter shoot, a late 2027 release is expected.
