Deutschland 83 proves hit in the foreign-language drama ratings

Deutschland 83 has become the UK’s highest rated foreign-language drama in television history, Channel 4 has announced.

After launching with 1.49 million viewers, the first episode has now consolidated with 2.5 million viewers, overtaking the launch of The Returned (9th June 2013) on Channel 4 which previously held the record with 2.2 million. The series forms part of Walter Presents, a brand new on-demand service showcasing the world’s best foreign-language drama.

The release of fully consolidated ratings for the launch episode of Deutschland 83 has shown that the German spy drama is now the highest rated foreign-language drama in UK TV history. – Channel 4

Set against the real events, culture wars and political realities of Germany in the 1980s, the drama is a stylish coming of age story, framed within a suspenseful thriller. The first series culminates with the true story of a nuclear stand-off in late 1983, caused by a NATO war game and botched intelligence on the East German side.

Created by husband and wife team Anna and Jörg Winger, Deutschland 83 is the first German- speaking drama to play on a mainstream stateside cable network.

Walter Presents will eventually host more than 600 hours of drama that will be available for box-set viewing on All 4, including the option to download episodes to watch on the go. – Channel 4