In case you requested me again in January 2023 what my most anticipated present of the yr was, the reply was straightforward: Babylon Berlin season 4. There have been a number of causes it was on the high of my checklist, from the best way the present constructed an excellent and grounded thriller in its earlier seasons to the best way it traced the crumbling Weimar Republic. Annoyingly, it was additionally my most anticipated present of 2022, and 2021 earlier than that.

But right here we’re staring down one other yr, one other preview, one other checklist of most enjoyable TV exhibits to return and the place is season 4? Very like Rihanna’s subsequent album, we’re continually browsing the excessive of questioning, anticipating a drop at any second. Not like the long-awaited ninth album from Robyn Fenty, Babylon Berlin is, perplexingly… already out? It’s simply not out right here.

[Ed. note: We’re writing from the U.S., so our use of “here” means “the U.S., where we ache with anticipation and self-absorption.” If you’re somewhere this isn’t true, we are, sincerely, so jealous.]

In a day and age when a lot is so accessible, the truth that Babylon Berlin season 4 has been launched — in full — in Germany however not within the U.S. appears tantalizing and perplexing. The thriller is one that’s worthy of the inquisitiveness of Gereon (Volker Bruch) and Charlotte (Liv Lisa Fries). Like their adventures within the late Twenties Weimar Republic, there appeared to be an apparent injustice because of some bureaucratic nonsense that may very well be righted.

However the reply — frankly like a lot of the corruption Gereon and Charlotte uncover in Babylon Berlin — is way extra mundane. And sadly, for these of us who’re looking forward to Babylon Berlin to all of a sudden get that “New Episode” tile on Netflix, the scenario is simply as precarious.

So did Netflix cancel Babylon Berlin or one thing?

No! That’s a part of the factor! Not solely has Babylon Berlin season 4 aired — once more, with all of the American entitlement I can muster: In! Full! — it’s already been greenlit for season 5.

Alright then, what’s the holdup?

Picture: Netflix

Story as outdated as time, or not less than so long as time has been streaming: Company rights.

Babylon Berlin is a co-production between ARD Degeto (a German free TV community) and Sky Deutschland, a Comcast subsidiary and satellite tv for pc TV supplier. The licensing settlement permits Sky to air the present first, because it did in fall 2022, then ARD will get the rights later earlier than it lives on each channels’ platforms. That is in fact simply how rights work in Germany; within the dozens of different territories the rights undergo totally different networks, like within the U.S. the place it goes by way of Netflix.

However this yr there was a plot twist: Sky introduced it was shuttering its German scripted originals arm. Whereas seasons that have been already in manufacturing can be allowed to complete (like Das Boot season 4 or Helgoland 513), there can be no newly commissioned exhibits.

Fortunately, Babylon Berlin escaped the reaper’s scythe right here, with ARD and producing companions X Filme and Beta Movie committing to a fifth season. Of their assertion, they particularly referred to as out the present’s worldwide success, having aired in 140 territories along with tens of millions of views on ARD. They didn’t specify how the Sky portion of the funds can be lined, however sources instructed Deadline Sky wasn’t the “principal associate” on the manufacturing anyway. Both approach, new Babylon Berlin is the target right here.

So when is the Babylon Berlin season 4 launch date within the U.S.?

Picture: Netflix

The reply is sophisticated. As greatest as we will inform, Babylon Berlin received’t come to the U.S. till after it airs on ARD. As of Might of this yr, it was coming to the channel on Oct. 1, which ought to hopefully imply the Netflix rights can be secured someday after that.

Whether or not that can be instantly or later within the fall, and even the winter, and even (ugh) 2024, nobody’s positive but. Netflix didn’t reply to Polygon’s request for touch upon whether or not there was a date within the works. At any time when it does, it would possible drop the best way Babylon Berlin has plopped on Netflix up to now, which is to say in full and with out ceremony.

Both approach: Right here’s to probably the most anticipated present of the yr — no matter yr that occurs to be.

The primary three seasons of Babylon Berlin are streaming within the U.S. on Netflix.