Berlin ER, also known as KRANK Berlin, is a 2025 German medical drama that premiered on Apple TV+ on February 26. The series offers a gritty, realistic look at the understaffing crisis in emergency rooms and its impact on both the medical system and the personal lives of doctors, nurses, and EMTs.
Starring Haley Louise Jones as Dr. Zanna Parker and Slavko Popadic as Dr. Ben Weber, the show explores the emotional and physical toll on medical staff as they struggle to provide care in high-pressure situations. With intense emergencies, ethical dilemmas, and personal conflicts, Berlin ER has drawn critical acclaim for its authenticity and powerful performances.
Berlin ER Age Rating
Berlin ER is rated TV-MA for strong language, intense medical emergencies, and mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences aged 17 and up, but some older teens may watch with parental discretion. Below is a breakdown of its content.
Violence & Medical Intensity
Berlin ER features graphic medical procedures, including trauma cases, surgeries, and life-threatening injuries. Viewers will see patients in distress, severe bleeding, resuscitations, and emotional deaths, making the medical emergencies feel intense and realistic. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting high-stakes, life-or-death situations, which may be distressing for sensitive viewers.
Language
Strong language is frequently used throughout the show, with characters expressing frustration and urgency using profanity such as “fk,” “st,” and “dn.”** Given the high-pressure environment of the ER, medical professionals often resort to harsh or aggressive language, reflecting the emotional toll of their demanding work.
Sexual Content
The series also includes romantic and sexual tension between characters, adding to the workplace drama. There are a few implied sex scenes, though nudity is minimal or remains off-screen. The show also features discussions about relationships and workplace affairs, highlighting the personal challenges that medical staff face while navigating their professional lives.
Drugs & Substance Use
Berlin ER portrays the harsh realities of drug use. Characters are seen struggling with addiction, using prescription drugs, alcohol, and stimulants to cope with the overwhelming pressure of life-or-death decisions. The aftereffects are deeply felt—some experience hallucinations, erratic behavior, and emotional breakdowns, while others risk their careers, relationships, and even patient safety. The show provides a realistic and cautionary look at the devastating cycle of drug dependence, emphasizing the physical, psychological, and professional consequences that follow. A subplot explores substance abuse among medical staff due to stress.
Is Berlin ER Suitable for Teens?
While Berlin ER provides an eye-opening look at the medical field, its intense themes and graphic content make it more suitable for mature teens (16+) with parental guidance.
- Realistic portrayal of emergency medicine and hospital struggles.
- Strong performances and meaningful storytelling.
- Graphic medical scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.
- Mature themes, including stress-related substance use and workplace drama.
For teens aged 16-17, parents may want to preview a few episodes or discuss its heavy themes before allowing them to watch.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the Trailer: Get a sense of the show’s intensity before deciding.
- Discuss the Themes: Talk about healthcare challenges, stress management, and real-life medical struggles.
- Monitor Sensitivity Levels: If your teen is easily disturbed by graphic injuries or emotional deaths, this show may be too intense.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Berlin ER?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for strong language, medical intensity, and mature themes.
Q: How violent is Berlin ER?
A: It contains graphic medical scenes, blood, emergency surgeries, and distressing situations.
Q: Does the show have sexual content?
A: There are romantic subplots and implied sex scenes but no explicit nudity.
Q: Is Berlin ER appropriate for teens?
A: It is best for mature teens (16+) due to intense medical scenes and strong language.
Q: Where can I watch Berlin ER?
A: Berlin ER is streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, with new episodes released weekly.
With its intense medical drama, emotional depth, and raw realism, Berlin ER is a powerful but mature series. Older teens with an interest in healthcare may find it engaging, but younger viewers should watch with caution due to its heavy themes and intense medical content.