ZDF Studios has announced more than 40 international distribution deals across over 20 countries in 2026, licensing more than 500 hours of German scripted content. The agreements highlight the growing global demand for German drama, from established crime franchises to contemporary series targeting younger audiences.
The company revealed its latest sales achievements on October 13, during the opening day of MIPCOM 2026 in Cannes, demonstrating the continued international appeal of German television productions. The deals span broadcasters, streaming services, pay-TV operators and digital platforms, reinforcing the global reach of ZDF Studios’ scripted catalogue.
Which German Crime and Drama Series Are Driving International Sales?
Long-running crime franchise SOKO remains one of ZDF Studios’ strongest international performers, securing deals with 12 broadcasters across Europe. Buyers include YLE Finland, Walter Presents in the UK, Canal+ MOE, RTL Croatia and Talpa in the Netherlands.
The success of the franchise reflects sustained international interest in German crime dramas, particularly established series with recognizable characters and long-running storylines.
Meanwhile, popular drama brands Mountain Medic and Alpine Rescue have continued their international expansion, with agreements involving TV2 Denmark, Prima TV in the Czech Republic, TVS in Poland and Pop TV Slovenia.
Romantic drama franchises Rosamunde Pilcher and Inga Lindström have also maintained their international presence, attracting broadcasters including Mediaset Italy, Nova TV Bulgaria, Kanal 2 Estonia and TV3 Baltics.
In another significant agreement, Italian broadcaster RAI acquired a package of television movies featuring titles from the A Summer In and Cruise into Cloud Nine collections, alongside standalone romantic dramas.
How Is ZDF Studios Expanding Its Reach Among Younger Audiences?
Beyond its established television franchises, ZDF Studios is expanding the international reach of productions designed to appeal to younger viewers.
The award-winning vampire drama Love Sucks has secured distribution agreements with major broadcasters and platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Telekom, RTL Interactive, Disney Germany, Sky Switzerland, TV Prima in the Czech Republic, RTBF in Belgium and France Télévisions.
The series’ international sales demonstrate the company’s strategy of combining established television brands with contemporary scripted productions aimed at new generations of viewers.
What New German Drama Series Is ZDF Studios Showcasing at MIPCOM 2026?
Alongside its latest distribution deals, ZDF Studios is presenting two new scripted productions to international buyers at MIPCOM 2026.
High Valley (Die falsche Tochter), produced by Studio Zentral and LOAD Studios, is among the company’s new drama highlights.
Another title featured in its MIPCOM lineup is Shifters (Die Düsteren), a production from Network Movie and Studio Zentral.
Both projects form part of ZDF Studios’ efforts to introduce new German scripted content to international audiences while maintaining the commercial strength of its established franchises.
How Is ZDF Studios Strengthening Its International Distribution Network?
The company’s international sales extend beyond newly produced series. Classic German television titles, including The Black Forest Clinic, continue to attract interest from international buyers.
Additional agreements have been concluded in German-speaking markets with ORF, ORF III, SRF, Swiss One and Sky Switzerland.
ZDF Studios has also expanded its existing electronic sell-through and transactional video-on-demand (EST/TVOD) arrangement with Amazon. The agreement, which covers approximately 3,000 hours of programming in Germany and Austria, has been extended substantially into Switzerland, with further territories under consideration.
Tim Gerhartz, Chief Commercial Officer at ZDF Studios, emphasized the continued demand for established German television brands while pointing to growing international interest in series targeting younger viewers.
According to Gerhartz, the company’s MIPCOM strategy combines returning audience favourites with fresh scripted productions designed for international distribution.
With more than 500 hours licensed across over 20 countries in 2026, ZDF Studios’ latest deals underline the international market potential of German scripted television, spanning crime, romance, family drama and contemporary genre storytelling.
