Fans of the acclaimed HBO series True Detective are being urged to check out a German-language crime drama that has been described as one of the most riveting shows in recent years. The programme, known as Pagan Peak in English and Der Pass in its original language, aired three seasons between 2019 and 2023 and has garnered a strong following among thriller enthusiasts.
Social Media Recommendation
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), user @sonnysehra recommended the series to their 11,400 followers, stating: "If you liked the first season of TRUE DETECTIVE, you must watch the Austro-German noir show Pagan Peak (2019-2023). It's one of the most riveting, darkest, visually stunning, and underrated shows I've seen in ages. It's set in the Alps and about a ritualistic pagan serial killer."
Plot and Setting
Pagan Peak is a joint Austrian-German production set in the cross-border Alpine region. The story follows two detectives: German Ellie, played by Julia Jentsch, and Austrian Gedeon, portrayed by Nicholas Ofczarek, as they investigate a series of gruesome murders linked to pagan rituals. The series has been praised for its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and gripping narrative.
Critical Acclaim
The show holds a rating of eight out of 10 on IMDb. One reviewer described it as "True Detective mixed with The Bridge," referencing the 2011 Danish-Swedish crime series that co-creator Philipp Stennert has cited as an inspiration. Another viewer commented: "This one is a bit of a slow burner in the beginning, but quickly gains steam. Has everything a good thriller needs: multi-layered protagonists, a little bit of mystery, great score and decent writing. Really nice surprise and a great series for the winter months."
A different reviewer added: "Spectacular camera work, beautiful nature setting, a thrilling story and brilliant characters. Watched the whole series with my wife and we both thought it was excellent." Another fan noted: "I enjoyed this series from start to beginning. The acting is great, I love that they did not try to cover the Austrian accent. The story is intriguing and surprises more than once. Overall a 10 because normally I find series from the genre rather dull - this one however got me hooked!"
Music by Hans Zimmer
The series features a score by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, known for his work on The Lion King, Gladiator, Interstellar, Inception, and the Pirates of the Caribbean and Dark Knight series. Zimmer won Academy Awards for The Lion King in 1994 and Dune in 2021.
Availability
The first season of Pagan Peak is available to purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV. All three seasons are also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
While the series has been widely praised, some viewers have noted that it contains scenes of dead animals, which one viewer described as "disgusting, unnecessary, and upsetting." Overall, however, the show has been recommended as a must-watch for fans of dark thrillers.
