It is very likely that no other series on public television is as much talked about and written about as the ZDF production “Der Schwarm”. No wonder that author Frank Schätzing’s novel was a great success in 2004. Even while reading, one wondered when this story would finally be made into a film and in 2023 it was time – even in series! Even if Schätzing himself is not particularly enthusiastic about the adaptation, “Der Schwarm” is currently running very successfully, both on linear TV and in the media library. The reason for this is simple: the subject of the series is not only incredibly interesting, but also quite topical.
In the sci-fi series The Swarm, humanity is on the verge of collapse and can only be saved with the help of researchers who can think outside the box and dare to try new things. The world faces the onslaught of an unknown life form, which comes not from outer space but from the deep sea. If you want to know how much reality there is in this exciting fiction, you have to think outside the box of the series…
Are the disasters in “The Swarm” realistic?
Deadly whale attacks, an invasion of dangerous pink crabs, gigantic tsunamis and deadly worms on the seabed – in the series, an initially undefined swarm is responsible for all these dramatic catastrophes, making mischief in the vastness of the sea. In the course of the broadcast, scientists have already more or less answered whether the mentioned phenomena are possible or not.
But of course “The Swarm” is not about the individual deadly elements that the choppy sea brings, but also about the environmental destruction, the climate crisis and the consequences we are already seeing – in reality! – go feel. So it is definitely worth taking a look at the current state of ocean research. You don’t need a degree for this and if you don’t feel like rummaging through books, you can get super practical information here! And in the ZDF media library.
››“The Swarm” and all relevant documentaries in the ZDF media library
In addition to “The Swarm” series, there are numerous exciting documentaries about the series itself, about the seas and their intelligent creatures, about the dramatic consequences of the climate crisis for the oceans and about scientists* who are involved and trying to save our world.
The popular “Terra X” series has several documentaries with information that fit “The Swarm” into its repertoire. Particularly interesting: “How dangerous are whales?” and “threats at sea”. There are also articles about swarm behavior in general, which can also help you understand the series and the book. Meanwhile in the documentary “Plan B: SOS Ocean. Help for an endangered habitat”. All these contributions should help to look at the series with completely different eyes again.
If you would like to learn more about the series production of “The Swarm” for yourself, you will find numerous “Behind the Scenes” clips and an in-depth interview with producer Frank Doelger, who was also involved in “Game Of Thrones”.