The Swarm poster

The Swarm

"The tide has turned."

TV Show TV-14 2023 45m/ep 6.4 /10 Ended
ZDF A ZDF Original
Created by Frank Schätzing

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

Alexander Karim

Dr. Sigur Johanson

Cécile de France

Cécile de France

Dr. Cécile Roche

Leonie Benesch

Leonie Benesch

Charlie Wagner

Joshua Odjick

Joshua Odjick

Leon Anawak

Takehiro Hira

Takehiro Hira

Riku Sato

Krista Kosonen

Krista Kosonen

Tina Lund

Rosabell Laurenti Sellers

Rosabell Laurenti Sellers

Alicia Delaware

Barbara Sukowa

Barbara Sukowa

Prof. Katherina Lehmann

Oliver Masucci

Oliver Masucci

Jasper Alban

Klaas Heufer-Umlauf

Klaas Heufer-Umlauf

Luther Roscovitz

Created by: Frank Schätzing

Seasons (1 season, 8 episodes)

Miniseries

Miniseries

8 episodes - 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

The Swarm is available to stream on Max.

Yes, The Swarm is available to stream on Max.

The Swarm has 1 season with a total of 8 episodes.

With a rating of 6.4/10 from 156 viewers, The Swarm is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

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 Ar...

The Swarm stars Alexander Karim, Cécile de France, Leonie Benesch, Joshua Odjick, and Takehiro Hira.

The Swarm was created by Frank Schätzing.

The Swarm was released on March 06, 2023.

The Swarm is a Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, and Mystery series.

No. The Swarm is a fictional TV series about scientists confronting a deadly intelligent life force in the oceans.

The Swarm has 8 episodes across 1 season. It's a single-season series.

There is only one season and the series is listed as ended. There are no announced plans for a second season.

Alexander Karim plays Dr. Sigur Johanson. Dr. Johanson is one of the scientists featured in the series.