The BBC has officially approved a brand-new six-part drama series called Hamburg Days, and it’s all about The Beatles before they became the world’s biggest band. Many people know The Beatles from their hit songs and global fame, but Hamburg Days takes us back to the very beginning — between 1960 and 1962 — when the young group was still learning, struggling, and shaping their identity.
Where It All Began
Before fame, The Beatles spent long nights performing in the rough clubs of Hamburg, Germany. These shows were intense — loud crowds, smoky rooms, and hours of nonstop playing. But this tough environment pushed the band to get better. Their sound became tighter, their confidence grew, and they started to develop the musical chemistry that would one day make them legends.
Inspired by Real Memories
The series is inspired by the autobiography of Klaus Voormann, a musician and artist who knew The Beatles personally during their Hamburg days. He’s also working as a consultant on the show, helping make sure the story feels real and honest.
The creative team behind the series includes:
Benjamin Benedict – developer
Jamie Carragher – head writer
Christian Schwochow – showrunner
Mat Whitecross – director known for music-related films
Their goal is to bring viewers into the gritty, energetic world of Hamburg’s St. Pauli district — the place that shaped The Beatles’ raw talent into something extraordinary.
Why This Story Matters
According to Sue Deeks of the BBC, the series tells “the fascinating story of how, in just two years, a young band from Liverpool sharpened their skills in Hamburg before becoming an overnight success.”
Hamburg Days will highlight the friendships, challenges, late-night gigs, and artistic influences — including photographer Astrid Kirchherr — that helped the band find their voice and style.
A Big Moment for Beatles Fans
This series comes at a time when Beatles projects are gaining new attention. There is also a four-part film series planned for 2028, directed by Sam Mendes, with each film focusing on a different band member. While those films will explore individual stories, Hamburg Days focuses on the group as a whole — before fame, before Beatlemania, before the world knew their name.
For fans, this series promises a warm, honest, and emotional look at how four young musicians became the most legendary band in history.