ZDF Studios is heading to MIPCOM 2026 with a broad slate spanning European drama, factual entertainment, formats and children’s programming, combining new international titles with established franchises.
Among the company’s drama offerings is Grand Hotel by the Sea (8 x 50’), a period drama from the Netherlands set between 1912 and 1919. Produced by Big Blue for KRO-NCRV and VRT, the series follows hotel owner Sandra as she attempts to turn her property on the Dutch coast into a luxury destination while challenging the social conventions of the period.
The drama slate also includes High Valley (6 x 45’), centred on a young show jumper whose success in the competitive equestrian world brings unresolved family secrets to the surface, and Benidorm is Murder (6 x 60’), a crime series from BlackBox Multimedia and Clapperboard Studios for Channel 5 starring John Hannah and Carolina Bécquer. Other titles include the mystery thriller Shifters (6 x 45’), legal drama LEX (8 x 50’) and New Zealand-set crime drama Bust Up (6 x 60’), starring Rupert Everett, Hunter Page-Lochard and Kat Stewart.
Factual, Formats and New Junior Titles
On the unscripted side, ZDF Studios is presenting America’s Wars (3 x 50’), a historical documentary series covering 250 years of U.S. history. The slate also features Tasmania’s Wild Treasures (2 x 50’), focused on the island’s distinctive wildlife and conservation work, and The Body: What Is Life? (3 x 50’), the latest entry in NHK’s international The Body franchise.
ZDF Studios will also bring Neo Match Up (4 x 30’) to Cannes. The studio game show challenges contestants’ assumptions about one another through a combination of humour, surprise and social themes. The format is among seven concepts selected for the inaugural EBU Public Service Formats Showcase at MIPCOM on October 13.
For younger audiences, the company is highlighting Alea Aquarius (26 x 26’), a live-action fantasy adventure based on Tanya Stewner’s bestselling books. The series follows an orphaned teenager who discovers a connection to an ancient underwater civilisation.
ZDF Studios is also marking the 20th anniversary of H2O – Just Add Water, which has been sold in more than 160 territories. The brand includes the original 78 x 26’ live-action series, three 90-minute specials and the animated H2O – Mermaid Adventures.
The junior offering is rounded out by dance series 20 Dance Street (26 x 26’) and period mystery The Lady Grace Mysteries (23 x 24’). The latter follows teenage investigator Lady Grace Cavendish as she investigates conspiracies at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, with a second season currently in production for delivery in 2027.
“Beyond distribution, we work closely with producers, broadcasters and platforms as a development, financing and co-production partner, helping outstanding creative ideas grow into internationally successful brands,” said Tim Gerhartz, Chief Commercial Officer of ZDF Studios.
ZDF Studios will be located at R7.D5 at the Palais des Festivals during MIPCOM 2026.
