Development
In February 2023, Sky Germany Vice President Tobias Rosen announced at the Berlin Film Festival that two original German-language drama series had been commissioned, among them was KraNK Berlin, a dark comedy eight-part series set at the fictional Neukölln Hospital. [6] [7] The title, an abbreviation of Krankenhaus Neukölln, was a pun on the German word krank, meaning sick or weird. [8] However, in June of the same year, Sky Germany announced that it would be ceasing production on all new scripted original Sky series in 2024, citing the rising costs of producing dramas and difficulties cutting through the many international streaming giants. [9] [10]
Since the show was not officially cancelled, co-producers Real Film and Violet Pictures were able to keep the rights for the series and explore alternative buyers. [11] Two months later, they found the show's new home at ZDF. [12] Beta Film also boarded the production in January 2024, prior to the Berlinale Series Market showcase, an initiative which showcases new serials to international professionals. [13] In June 2024, it was announced that Apple TV+ had boarded the show alongside ZDF and would have exclusive global rights. [1]
In September 2025, it was announced that the show had been renewed for a second series, with a release date estimate not yet announced. [3]
Writing
To create the show, Jefferson drew upon his experience as a doctor working in an emergency department in London. [8] Despite the differences between England and Germany, Jefferson found that doctors in both countries faced similar difficulties, including long hours, arduous stress, and low wages. Jefferson also sought to address the capitalization of the health system in England, which rewards doctors for pressuring patients into unnecessary procedures so the hospital can profit, and was surprised to learn that Germany faced the same issue despite the country's good healthcare reputation. [8]
Jefferson has cited British black comedy drama Trainspotting and iconic American medical drama ER as major references while creating KRANK Berlin. [6]
Filming
The cast took ER internships or training in order to learn the various attitudes and skills displayed by emergency room workers. [14] The extras included real nurses and hospital staff, and a medical advisor was on set to ensure accuracy. [15]
Filming for Berlin ER began in the fall of 2024, on location at the SEZ in Berlin, a former East German sports and recreation center. [8] [16] [17] The filming for the first series wrapped in December 2024. [16]
