Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Parody gets lost in translation; smoking, innuendo, curses.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
German Genius
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GERMAN GENIUS is the story of a successful German actor and comedian who's looking for his next big project. Kida Ramadan plays himself, an actor who has just wrapped up his last season of 4 Blocks, in which he played crime ring boss Toni Hamady. Tired of playing the same type of role, he's struggling to find a new and worthwhile project. So, when Ricky Gervais unexpectedly tweets about about his work, Ramadan decides that he wants to adapt the British hit series Extras in Germany. It's a big risk and there's lots of setbacks, but he has to believe that it will all work out.
Is It Any Good?
The German parody loosely follows the Extras formula by offering an interesting back story while featuring appearances by well-known German actors. The stakes rise as Kida Ramadan's idea evolves into a complicated and more expensive project, and at times the series feels like it's getting a little dark. It's all presented with dry wit, but the problem with German Genius is the fact that much of this humor gets lost in the English translation. This leaves folks unfamiliar with German or German popular culture knowing that it's supposed to be smart and funny, but unable to truly understand or appreciate the nuances. But those familiar with Kida Khodr Ramadan's work, and who are familiar with Germany's entertainment community, will be able to appreciate it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about TV series that are produced in one country and adapted for viewers of another. What helps a TV show to become popular in another country, community, or culture? What TV shows from the United States have failed to achieve success in other countries?
How is German Genius trying to appeal to international audiences? Or is it? What are some of the similarities between the series and Extras?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 5, 2023
- Cast : Kida Khodr Ramadan , Ricky Gervais , Detlev Buck
- Network : Max
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 4, 2023
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