Spy Thriller "Unfamiliar": Berlin's Most Important Locations - Netflix's Unfamiliar Exposes Berlin's Spy Underworld with Record-Breaking Success
The Netflix series Unfamiliar has drawn in 15 million viewers since its February debut. It has also topped charts in 35 countries, bringing Berlin's gritty spy underworld to a global audience. The show's authenticity stems from close collaboration with Germany's foreign intelligence agency, the BND.
Filming took place across Berlin, with the BND's headquarters at Chausseestraße 96 playing a central role. This vast intelligence complex, one of the largest of its kind, appears on screen for the first time in a major series. Netflix and the BND worked together from early stages, ensuring the portrayal remained credible.
The NAG building in Treptow-Köpenick also features as a setting for tense political meetings. One storyline follows a character with murky allegiances, adding to the show's shadowy atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Oberbaum Bridge over the River Spree ties into plots linked to Cold War-era secrets.
Other key locations include Washingtonplatz and the Cube Berlin, both woven into the series' narrative. The city itself becomes a character, its stark landscapes reinforcing the show's bleak, suspenseful tone. Behind the scenes, the production team consulted real BND agents to keep operations smooth during shoots.
With its mix of real-world intelligence settings and fictional intrigue, Unfamiliar has put Berlin's spy culture in the spotlight. The series' success reflects its blend of authenticity and dramatic storytelling. Viewers worldwide now see the city—and its hidden layers—through a fresh lens.
