Series synopsis
Etty is a French drama television series that premiered on ARTE on May 21, 2026. It ended on May 28, 2026. It was created by Hagai Levi. It stars Julia Windischbauer, Sebastian Koch, Leopold Witte and Gijs Naber.
In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, twenty-seven-year-old Jewish Etty Hillesum begins therapy. What starts as personal exploration becomes a spiritual awakening, documented in her diaries. Guided by psycho-chirologist Julius Spier, her mentor and lover, she undergoes a radical inner transformation. She’ll discover that even when all is taken, one can remain free within.
Premise
In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, twenty-seven-year-old Jewish Etty Hillesum begins therapy. What starts as personal exploration becomes a spiritual awakening, documented in her diaries. Guided by psycho-chirologist Julius Spier, her mentor and lover, she undergoes a radical inner transformation. She’ll discover that even when all is taken, one can remain free within.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Julia Windischbauer as Etty Hillesum
- Sebastian Koch as Julius Spier
- Leopold Witte as Han Wegerif
- Gijs Naber as Klaas Smellik
- Claire Bender as Lizzie Levy
- Evgenia Dodina as Riva Hillesum
- Bart Klever as Van Donker
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | May 21, 2026 | May 28, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Small Slice of Chaos While Etty faces the growing threat of fascism, she remains determined to pursue her writing ambitions. When she meets the therapist Julius Spier, the two quickly form an intense and life-changing bond. |
May 21, 2026 |
| 2 |
The Girl Who Couldn’t Kneel As Etty’s brother Mischa appears to be missing, the Hillesum family sets out to search for him. Meanwhile, her relationship with therapist Julius Spier leaves her confused, but inspires her to begin writing a diary. |
May 21, 2026 |
| 3 |
My Darkest Middle Ages Etty’s mental state improves as she continues writing her diary. In Amsterdam, “No entry for Jews” signs begin to appear. She is expelled from the university, while Spier falls into the hands of the Gestapo. |
May 21, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ARTE |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 21, 2026 |
| Last aired | May 28, 2026 |
| Status | ended |