Dear Child (2023)
A chilling German Netflix thriller about captivity, identity, and the secrets that survive in the dark.
Dear Child - Series Information
- Original Title: Liebes Kind
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Isabel Kleefeld, Julian Pörksen
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (48 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- First Air Date: September 7, 2023 (United States - TV-MA), September 7, 2023 (Germany - 16), September 7, 2023 (France - 16), September 7, 2023 (Mexico - C), September 7, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: Dear Child (UK), Liebes Kind (DE), Dear Child (KR), Dear Child (NL), Καλό μου Παιδί (GR), Depois Da Cabana (PT), Mi querida niña (CO), Elskede barn (NO)
- Production Countries: Germany
Dear Child - Plot
A mysterious woman's escape from her harrowing captivity points investigators toward the dark truth behind an unsolved disappearance 13 years earlier.
Dear Child - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of Dear Child unfold:
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Dear Child - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Isabel Kleefeld
- Julian Pörksen
Main Cast
- Kim Riedle
- Naila Schuberth
- Sammy Schrein
- Hans Löw
- Haley Louise Jones
- Justus von Dohnányi
- Julika Jenkins
- Nagmeh Alaei
- Eskindir Tesfay
- Birge Schade
Writers
- Isabel Kleefeld
- Julian Pörksen
Executive Producers
- Oliver Berben
Dear Child - FAQs
Is Dear Child based on a true story?
Dear Child is based on the bestselling 2019 German novel of the same name by Romy Hausmann. While the story is fictional, Hausmann drew on real psychological research into captivity and trauma to craft her chilling narrative, lending the series an unsettling sense of authenticity throughout its six episodes.
Who plays Hannah in Dear Child?
Hannah is played by Naila Schuberth, a young German actress who delivers one of the most talked-about performances in the series. Her portrayal of a child raised in complete isolation — eerily calm, hyper-obedient, and deeply unsettling — became a defining element of Dear Child's critical acclaim.
Is Dear Child worth watching on Netflix?
Absolutely. Dear Child became one of Netflix's most-watched non-English series of 2023, praised for its taut pacing, psychological depth, and standout performances — especially from Naila Schuberth. If you enjoy slow-burn crime thrillers with a deeply unsettling atmosphere, this six-episode limited series is essential viewing.
Where can you stream Dear Child?
Dear Child is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both options give you access to all six episodes of the limited series. Availability may vary slightly by region, so check your local Netflix library for the most up-to-date information.
What language is Dear Child filmed in?
Dear Child is filmed entirely in German, making it one of Netflix's standout German-language originals. The series is available with subtitles and dubbed audio tracks in multiple languages on the platform, allowing international audiences to experience the story in their preferred viewing format.
Who created and wrote Dear Child?
Dear Child was created and written by Isabel Kleefeld and Julian Pörksen, who adapted Romy Hausmann's novel for the screen. The duo crafted a tightly structured six-episode arc that preserves the novel's psychological tension while making smart structural choices suited to the limited series format.
How was Dear Child received by critics?
Dear Child earned strong critical praise upon its Netflix debut in September 2023. Reviewers highlighted its oppressive atmosphere, non-linear storytelling, and the extraordinary performance of child actress Naila Schuberth. The series quickly climbed Netflix's global charts, cementing its reputation as one of the year's finest crime thrillers.
What are similar shows to Dear Child?
If Dear Child gripped you, try Quicksand (2019), another Nordic crime limited series with a dark psychological edge, or Fool Me Once (2024) for similarly twisty thriller storytelling. Sleeping Dog (2023) and Suspect (2022) also deliver the same blend of mystery, trauma, and relentless tension that makes Dear Child so compelling.
More About Dear Child
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