The Swarm
"The tide has turned."
A ZDF Original
Global waters begin to exhibit strange, alarming events that defy explanation and threaten humanity itself. Mysterious signals, unusual sea life behavior, and sudden environmental anomalies push scientists from different countries into a high stake mission. A team of researchers travels to the... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About The Swarm
Global waters begin to exhibit strange, alarming events that defy explanation and threaten humanity itself. Mysterious signals, unusual sea life behavior, and sudden environmental anomalies push scientists from different countries into a high stake mission. A team of researchers travels to the Arctic depths to study these disturbances, hoping to uncover a pattern behind the chaos. What they uncover is not merely a threat but a form of intelligent life that seems to respond to human actions in ways that are both chilling and incomprehensible. As the clues mount, the investigators must navigate political pressure, personal fear, and the weight of uncertainty while a creeping sense of extinction looms over the planet. No easy answers are offered, only escalating risks.
The Swarm is a 2023 drama created by Frank Schät zing, adapted from his best selling novel The Swarm. It features an international ensemble led by Alexander Karim, Cécile de France, Leonie Benesch, Joshua Odjick and Takehiro Hira.
Reception so far points to an ambitious blend of thriller tension and science informed storytelling. Critics note its exploration of ecological collapse and the ethics of discovery while juggling a multinational cast and a sprawling plot. The show earns a 6.4 out of 10 from viewers, signaling a mixed audience.
As a high profile adaptation of a landmark eco thriller, the show prompts discussions about ocean science and environmental responsibility in popular culture. Its international cast and cross border production illustrate a growing appetite for globe spanning genre storytelling and a willingness to invest in big scale ecological dramas.
There are no major awards or nominations for this series at this time. While the ambitious premise and performances have attracted attention, formal recognition in major awards has yet to be noted. The show stands out for attempting a concept rich international production and a provocative ecological premise.
Details
- Release Date
- March 06, 2023
- Episode Length
- 45m
- Rating
- TV-14
- User Ratings
- 156 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 8
- Network
- ZDF
- Status
- Ended
- Genres
- Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery
- Country
- Germany
- Studio
- Intaglio Films +4 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Alexander Karim
Dr. Sigur Johanson
Cécile de France
Dr. Cécile Roche
Leonie Benesch
Charlie Wagner
Joshua Odjick
Leon Anawak
Takehiro Hira
Riku Sato
Krista Kosonen
Tina Lund
Rosabell Laurenti Sellers
Alicia Delaware
Barbara Sukowa
Prof. Katherina Lehmann
Oliver Masucci
Jasper Alban
Klaas Heufer-Umlauf
Luther Roscovitz
Created by: Frank Schätzing
Seasons (1 season, 8 episodes)
Miniseries
8 episodes - 2023