Coming exclusively to SBS: Counterpart, a bi-lingual spy drama set in Berlin

SBS can announce internationally-acclaimed Counterpart will premiere exclusively on SBS and SBS On Demand. The 10-part bi-lingual spy drama, set in Berlin and co-produced by Studio Babelsberg, starts Saturday, June 16.

Source: SBS

The lavish production follows Howard Silk, a lowly cog in the bureaucratic machinery of the German capital. Silk is played by Oscar Winner J.K. Simmons (Whiplash, Spider Man).

In an exquisite twist, Simmons also plays Prime, his near identical counterpart and the only man he can trust in this captivating world of espionage, intrigue and government conspiracies.

Arbeitet seit 30 Jahren für eine bürokratische UN-Agentur in Berlin: Howard Silk (J.K. Simmons) Source: SBS

The show explores themes of identity, fate and lost love, posing the eternal question, "What if our lives could have been different?"

Key German roles are played by Mido Hamada (Cyrus), Liv Lisa Fries (Greta) and Christiane Paul (Mira).

Studio Babelsberg: Die Dreharbeiten zu Counterpart fanden in Berlin und - zu einem kleineren Teil - in Los Angeles statt Source: SBS

Counterpart has already received a glowing reception from international audiences and critics alike, with a “Certified Fresh” rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

SBS will preview the first episode of Counterpart at 10.30pm AEST Saturday, 16 June, following the France v Australia FIFA World Cup match.

The complete first season will air at 10:30pm Wednesdays from 8 August. However, the full season will be available on SBS On Demand from 16 June.