When Secrets Go Viral: The ARD Series 'Schattenseite' - New German Thriller 'Schattenseite' Debuts on ARD, Exploring Online Anonymity's Dark Side
A new German thriller series, 'Schattenseite', has debuted on ARD's media library, with TV broadcast set for October 26 on the First channel following 'Tatort'. Based on a novel by YouTuber Jonas Ems, the series explores the dark side of online anonymity and its real-world consequences.
The six-episode series, directed by Özgür Yildirim and Alison Kuhn in Berlin and Brandenburg, delves into themes such as bullying, drug abuse, and toxic relationships. It follows a group of teenagers whose private lives are exposed through anonymous online threats, similar to the plotlines in 'Gossip Girl' and 'Pretty Little Liars'.
Ems, who started his internet career at 13, co-wrote the script and hopes 'Schattenseite' will educate viewers about the dangers of sharing personal data online. The series begins with a teenager's funeral, where students receive push notifications revealing private chats, videos, and photos if a certain number of clicks is reached.
'Schattenseite' brings a fresh format and cast to the German series landscape, addressing themes relevant to Generation Z. It is available now in the ARD media library and will air on television on October 26, focusing less on mental consequences and more on uncovering who was behind the online threats.
