Der Schwarm

Children squeal with delight on a whale-watching ship off Vancouver Island. A humpback whale has just jumped out of the water and showered them with spray before diving back down. But seconds later, the situation spirals out of control. Mysterious events in which nature appears to be taking its revenge on humankind are becoming more frequent on all five continents. Can scientists find a solution before the Earth is doomed? Published in 2004, Frank Schätzing’s bestselling book provides the basis for one of the most ambitious series in European television history. Under the aegis of showrunner Frank Doelger, directors Barbara Eder, Luke Watson and Philipp Stölzl have created a world-encompassing mystery series that is more than just a spectacularly illustrated thought experiment. At its centre is a group of researchers who find themselves facing not just a threat, but also the ignorance and greed of the authorities, politicians and corporations. The series’ message could not be more timely.