Barbarians (2020)

A German historical epic on Netflix dramatizing the legendary Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where three lives collide to defy the Roman Empire.

Barbarians - Series Information

  • Original Title: Barbaren
  • First Air Year: 2020
  • Last Air Year: 2022
  • Created by: Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf et al.
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-MA
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: German
  • Spoken Languages: German, Latin
  • First Air Date: October 23, 2020 (United States - TV-MA), October 23, 2020 (Germany - 16), October 23, 2020 (Brazil - 18), October 23, 2020 (South Korea - 19)
  • Networks: Netflix
  • Alternative Titles: Barbarians (US), ศึกบาร์เบเรียน (TH), Bárbaros (BR)
  • Production Companies: Gaumont
  • Production Countries: Germany

Barbarians - Plot

Three people's fates are interwoven in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D., during which Germanic warriors halt the spread of the Roman Empire.

Barbarians - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the clash of empires unfold:

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Barbarians - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Arne Nolting
  • Jan Martin Scharf
  • Andreas Heckmann

Main Cast

  • Laurence Rupp
  • Jeanne Goursaud
  • David Schütter
  • Gaetano Aronica
  • Bernhard Schütz
  • Eva Verena Müller
  • Florian Schmidtke
  • Jeremy Miliker
  • Bence Ferenczi
  • Sophie Rois

Barbarians - FAQs

Is Barbarians based on a true story?

Yes. Barbarians is rooted in real history. The series dramatizes the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D., where Germanic chieftain Arminius — raised as a Roman officer — led a coalition of tribes that annihilated three Roman legions under General Publius Quinctilius Varus, halting Rome's eastward expansion permanently.

Where can you stream Barbarians?

Barbarians is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both seasons of the series are accessible to subscribers in supported regions through the Netflix platform.

Who are the main actors in Barbarians?

The principal cast includes Laurence Rupp as Arminius, Jeanne Goursaud as Thusnelda, and David Schütter as Folkwin Wolfspeer. Supporting roles are filled by Gaetano Aronica as Varus, Bernhard Schütz as Segestes, Eva Verena Müller, Florian Schmidtke, Jeremy Miliker, Bence Ferenczi, and Sophie Rois.

Is Barbarians cancelled or renewed for Season 3?

Barbarians has been cancelled. Netflix ended the series after two seasons, with Season 2 — titled Barbarians II — releasing in 2022. No Season 3 is in development, making the twelve-episode run the complete story of the series.

What language is Barbarians filmed in?

Barbarians is primarily filmed in German, with Latin also spoken throughout the series to authentically represent Roman characters and settings. This bilingual approach adds historical texture and distinguishes the Germanic and Roman worlds portrayed in the show.

How many seasons and episodes does Barbarians have?

Barbarians consists of two seasons and twelve episodes in total. Season 1 contains six episodes and Season 2 — subtitled Barbarians II — also contains six episodes. Both seasons are available to watch in full on Netflix.

How was Barbarians received by critics?

Barbarians earned generally positive reviews, with critics praising its visceral battle sequences, strong performances, and atmospheric production design. The series was lauded for its commitment to historical authenticity, including its use of German and Latin dialogue, though some reviewers noted uneven pacing in its quieter dramatic moments.

What is the content rating for Barbarians?

Barbarians is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating the series is intended for mature audiences only. It contains graphic violence, intense battle sequences, and adult themes consistent with its historical war drama setting. Viewer discretion is advised.

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