Fans of gripping thriller series can find a highlight of the genre on two streaming services. One season was even filmed in Germany, which was a premiere.
Which series is it about? We are talking about Homeland, a production by the US broadcaster Fox 21, which aired from 2011 to 2020.
In total, there are 98 episodes in eight seasons, with each episode lasting between 48 and 66 minutes. Homeland is not original material but an adaptation of the Israeli series Hatufim, which aired shortly before in 2010.
Thematically, the two productions are similar: It is about the world of agents and combating terrorism. In the case of the US version Homeland, a CIA agent with a mental illness is at the center.
Who can you trust?
What is Homeland about? The first season begins with agent Carrie Mathison, who is still working for the CIA. When a US soldier is freed from captivity and brought home, doubts remain about whether he is still loyal to his country.
Carrie has to deal with the question of whether the returnee might be a “sleeper,” i.e., an undercover spy for the opposing terrorists.
Based on this, Homeland tells about the challenges of intelligence agencies and very personal problems. Carrie is affected by bipolar disorder and must also take care of her own well-being amid intrigues, betrayals, and tough moral decisions.
For viewers here particularly exciting is season 5. Carrie now lives in Berlin and has quit her job at the CIA. This season deals a lot with themes such as cyberterrorism and surveillance.
The episodes of the fifth season were filmed at Studio Babelsberg, where foreign productions such as Inglourious Basterds are regularly produced. However, Homeland is a premiere: It was the first US series for which a season was completely filmed in Germany (via dw.com).
Is the series good? Upon its release, Homeland received rave reviews. Season 1 garnered Rotten Tomatoes with 100% positive critic reviews. The audience rated it just a little lower with 93%.
Over all eight seasons, Homeland achieves still 85%. This is remarkable for a series that has run this long. Critics particularly praise the performance of the actors, especially that of Claire Danes. She convincingly embodies Carrie and her mental issues.
The story and its many twists would keep viewers engaged and provide good thriller entertainment. All in all, the series is a “must-see,” as Brian Tallerico of Hollywood Chicago summarizes.
The seasons after the first could not generate quite as enthusiastic reactions, but the “low point” is still a good average with 78% in season 6.
Where can you watch Homeland? In Germany, thriller fans have two convenient options to enjoy the series. Both Disney+ and Netflix currently include all eight seasons in their subscription. Have you already seen Homeland? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments. If you like gaming, you should take a closer look at the following productions: According to you, there are 9 gaming series on Netflix that are better than Henry Cavill and The Witcher
