If you are searching for the Best new German TV shows, look no further than Die Augenzeugen. This gripping four-part miniseries, known in English as The Eyewitness, is not just a high-stakes crime thriller; it features a thrilling Secret Gay Romance at its very heart. Die Augenzeugen explores what happens when two teenage boys, Jan and Lukas, accidentally witness a brutal murder while exploring their burgeoning love in a quiet cabin. This powerful drama quickly cements its place as one of the essential German Gay Series of the year.
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Short Overview
Die Augenzeugen (The Eyewitnesses) is a thrilling four-part German miniseries that premiered in late 2024. At its core, it features a gripping story centered around a Secret Gay Romance.
The plot revolves around two teenage boys, Jan and Lukas, who are beginning to explore their feelings for each other. They decide to escape to a quiet cabin for some private time together. However, their romantic moment takes a terrifying turn when they accidentally witness a horrific triple murder committed by an influential gang member.
Faced with this shocking situation, Jan and Lukas must make a difficult decision: should they inform the police and risk exposing their secret relationship, or should they stay silent and put themselves in danger of being discovered by the killer? The tension escalates even more because Jan’s aunt is the police chief in charge of the murder investigation, adding a whole new layer of suspense to the story!
Note: If you like German TV shows with gay themes, you should also read our article about the Krass Klassenfahrt – Die neue Generation.
Main Characters (Focus on LGBTQ+ Characters)
The show’s emotional heart is the relationship between the two main characters:
Jan Severing (played by Philip Günsch)
Jan is an eyewitness. He is very conflicted. He is scared of the killer, but he is even more afraid that his aunt, who is the police chief, will find out about his sexual orientation and his secret relationship with Lukas.
Lukas Watzinger (played by Marven Gabriel Suarez-Brinkert)
Jan’s secret boyfriend is also an eyewitness. As the story unfolds, he and Jan share fear and secrecy. Their efforts to protect their love drive the entire thriller plot.
Helen Severing (played by Nicolette Krebitz)
Jan’s aunt is the lead police investigator. Her strong desire to find the killer brings her closer to discovering her nephew’s secret, which puts both boys in danger.
The Eyewitness Reviews
People really enjoy this series because it creates a dark and captivating atmosphere while telling a thrilling crime story mixed with a heartfelt personal journey. The show, made in Germany, has received a lot of praise for its quality and thoughtful writing.
This is where German storytelling truly excels! The connection between the characters Jan and Lukas feels intense and real. It’s their authentic relationship that makes viewers cheer for them and genuinely feel the heavy burden of their secrets. The series flows smoothly, with events that naturally lead to surprising twists, making it feel both realistic and exciting.
Why Should You Watch It
If you’re looking for one of the German Gay Series that perfectly combines thriller and romance, this is a must-watch.
- It’s More Than Just a Thriller: You get the excitement of a thrilling crime story, combined with a heartfelt journey about two young men as they deal with their fears, discover who they are, and experience their first love.
- Authentic Chemistry: The actors do a great job of making their connection feel real, and that’s really important for how emotional the story is.
- A Taste of German TV Excellence: The production quality and nuanced performances show exactly how well German writers and directors can handle serious, modern topics. It easily makes the list of Best new German TV shows.
Where to Watch
In Germany (and many parts of Europe)
You can watch the complete four-part miniseries for free on the ARD Mediathek. This is excellent news because ARD is a public broadcaster in Germany, and they often provide shows at no cost for a short period of time. (Note: Streaming is available until at least May 1, 2026).
Original Broadcast
It originally premiered on ServusTV.
For International Viewers
If you are in another European country, check your local streaming services. If you can’t find it locally, you may need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access the ARD Mediathek, as streaming rights generally only allow access from Germany and not the rest of Europe.
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Feature photo credits: ©ardmediathek.de
