Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, which has been absolutely breaking records on Prime Video as the most successful international series launch in the platform’s history.
Maxton Hall premiered on May 9, 2024, with 6 episodes in its first season, each running approximately 45-50 minutes on Prime Video. Season 2 of Prime Video’s Maxton Hall – The World Between Us will premiere Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, continuing this captivating German drama series.
Based on the bestselling novel “Save Me” by Mona Kasten, this series masterfully captures the tension between social classes in an elite private school setting. The show brilliantly balances forbidden romance with themes of privilege, ambition, and the courage to fight for what you believe in, creating a viewing experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The series premiered on May 9, 2024, and had the most successful series launch of any non-American Prime Original ever. Maxton Hall became the most popular series on Prime Video worldwide shortly after its release, ranking #1 in the charts in over 120 regions.
The story follows Ruby Bell
The story follows Ruby Bell, a brilliant scholarship student at the prestigious Maxton Hall Private School, who accidentally witnesses a explosive secret that could shake the very foundations of the elite institution. When Ruby unwillingly witnesses an explosive secret at Maxton Hall Private School, arrogant millionaire heir James Beaufort is forced to confront the quick-witted scholarship student, much to his chagrin: He is determined to silence Ruby.
What begins as a clash between two completely different worlds transforms into an unexpected and passionate connection. The series explores themes of power, privilege, and the courage to stand up for what’s right, all while navigating the complexities of forbidden love in an environment where social status defines everything.
Main Character A: Ruby Bell’s Journey
Harriet Herbig-Matten delivers a powerhouse performance as Ruby Bell, a determined young woman who refuses to be intimidated by the wealthy elite surrounding her. Ruby’s character arc beautifully portrays the strength it takes to maintain your principles when faced with overwhelming pressure and temptation.
Her evolution throughout the series is remarkable, from a scholarship student simply trying to survive in an unwelcoming environment to someone who becomes the catalyst for change. Herbig-Matten brings authenticity and fire to every scene, making Ruby’s fierce independence and vulnerability equally compelling. Her chemistry with the cast, particularly in confrontational scenes, showcases her range as an actress.
Main Character B: James Beaufort’s Transformation
Damian Hardung stars as James Beaufort, the arrogant millionaire heir who initially sees Ruby as nothing more than a problem to be solved. James represents everything Ruby despises about privilege and entitlement, yet Hardung manages to make him surprisingly complex and sympathetic.
Their passionate exchange of blows surprisingly ignites a spark between them, and James’s journey from antagonist to love interest is masterfully handled. Hardung portrays James’s internal conflict between his upbringing and his growing feelings for Ruby with nuance and depth. The transformation feels earned rather than forced, making their eventual connection all the more powerful.
Love Against All Odds
The first season builds to an emotional crescendo where Ruby and James must decide whether their connection is worth fighting against the entire social system that keeps them apart. The climax forces both characters to confront not just their feelings for each other, but their own identities and what they’re willing to sacrifice for love.
The series doesn’t shy away from the real consequences of their choices, showing how their relationship affects not just them but everyone around them. The emotional payoff is intense and satisfying, setting up perfectly for the continuation of their story in the upcoming second season.
Success on Prime Video
Maxton Hall became the most popular series on Prime Video worldwide shortly after its release, ranking #1 in the charts in over 120 regions. The series has garnered massive social media attention with more than 85 million TikTok posts since the show’s release, proving its cultural impact extends far beyond traditional viewership metrics. The show’s success lies in its perfect blend of elite school drama, forbidden romance, and social commentary, all wrapped in stunning cinematography and compelling performances. Maxton Hall – The World Between Us has established itself as Prime Video’s international crown jewel, demonstrating the global appetite for well-crafted German television drama.
If you love elite school dramas with intense forbidden romance and social class tension, Maxton Hall is the perfect series to binge on Prime Video.
A record-breaking international sensation that proves love can transcend social boundaries, making it essential viewing for anyone who enjoys passionate romance with meaningful social commentary.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 6 (Season 1), Season 2 coming November 7, 2025
Platform: Prime Video
Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Young Adult
Protagonists: Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten), James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) Supporting Cast: Sonja Weißer, Fedja van Huêt, Ben Felipe, Runa Greiner