Netflix's German-language series Dark has been praised by television fans as 'better' than Game of Thrones, with some arguing it could be one of the greatest shows 'ever made'. The science fiction mystery thriller, which ran for three seasons between 2017 and 2020, has sparked a lively debate on Reddit about which series viewers should watch first.
Fans debate Dark vs Game of Thrones
When a Reddit user asked whether to watch Dark or Game of Thrones first, the response was striking, with fans declaring that Dark was not just comparable to the HBO giant, but outright 'better'. The original poster wrote: "I want to start a new series, which should I watch? Dark or Game of Thrones? First, let me make it clear I am not comparing them, and yes, I'll be watching both of them. However, I was confused about which one I should watch first."
One viewer said: "Dark will give you better satisfaction when you finish the whole series." Another was even more emphatic, writing: "Dark first for sure! It's the best show I've seen in the last decade, and I watch a lot of TV. Please seek out the original German version with subtitles, not the English dub." A third went further still: "Dark is the best TV show of the last 20 years."
What is Dark about?
Dark centres on four interconnected families living in the fictional German town of Winden. When a child goes missing, the community is plunged into a desperate search for answers — one that gradually reveals a deeply unsettling time travel conspiracy spanning multiple generations. Themes of fate, free will, and the cyclical nature of time run throughout, lending the show a philosophical weight that sets it apart from most mainstream drama.
Dark earned widespread critical praise for virtually every aspect of its craft, from its performances and direction to its writing, visual style, and haunting musical score. In 2021, the BBC ranked it the 58th greatest television series of the 21st century. The series stars a large ensemble cast, led by Louis Hofmann, who plays Jonas Kahnwald. Because of the time travel storyline, multiple actors play the same characters at different stages of their lives.
What to know before watching Dark
There is one important caveat worth bearing in mind before you dive in, however. This is not a series to put on in the background while you're scrolling through your phone. The narrative is extraordinarily intricate, and if you're watching with subtitles, as many fans strongly recommend, your full and undivided attention is essential.
As one viewer put it: "Dark is great, but you need full attention with the subtitles if you don't speak the language." Another added: "I would recommend watching Dark. Whenever you do, though, know that this is not a series that you can half-watch while scrolling on your phone, so be prepared to concentrate, and even then, it may take a rewatch as there are a lot of moving parts within it." Dark is available to stream now on Netflix.
