ZDF Studios Brings Standout European Drama, Unscripted and Junior Hits to MIPCOM 2026
From premium co-productions and long-running global brands to innovative new formats, ZDF Studios unveils a slate built for international audiences.
MAINZ/CANNES, 30 September 2026
ZDF Studios will present a broad international line-up of premium drama, unscripted and junior programming at MIPCOM 2026, reinforcing its position as a leading distributor and co-production partner for high-quality European content. The slate combines established international brands, ambitious new productions and innovative formats designed for global audiences.
Among the drama highlights is Grand Hotel by the Sea (8 x 50'), the first romantic period drama ever produced in the Netherlands, produced by Big Blue for KRO-NCRV and VRT. Set on the Dutch coast between 1912 and 1919, the series follows ambitious hotel owner Sandra as she strives to build a luxury destination for Europe’s elite while challenging the conventions of her time. Alongside it are High Valley (6 x 45’), produced by Studio Zentral and LOAD Studios and centring on a gifted young show jumper whose rise in the elite equestrian world uncovers long-buried family secrets, Benidorm is Murder (6 x 60’), from BlackBox Multimedia and Clapperboard Studios for Channel 5, starring John Hannah and Carolina Bécquer, and combining British humour with classic procedural murder mystery storytelling, Shifters (6 x 45’), a high-concept mystery thriller from Network Movie and Studio Zentral in which sinister doppelgängers enter our world through a mysterious rift between dimensions, LEX (8 x 50’), the contemporary legal drama from De Mensen and DPG Media following a talented trainee solicitor navigating the realities of power and privilege, and Bust Up (6 x60’), produced by Lippy Pictures and MadeForFilm for Sky NZ and ZDF, in which two former lovers are reunited as police partners ten years after their breakup against the backdrop of rural New Zealand.
In unscripted, ZDF Studios leads with America’s Wars (3 x 50’), a historical documentary series produced by eco documentaries for ZDFinfo and ZDF Studios. Spanning 250 years of history, the series provides valuable context for understanding today's global political landscape. The slate is further strengthened by Tasmania’s Wild Treasures (2 x 50’), produced by Doclights in association with NDR and Arte, showcasing extraordinary endemic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes while highlighting vital conservation efforts, and The Body: What Is Life? (3 x 50’), the latest instalment of NHK’s internationally successful The Body franchise produced in association with ZDF, Arte and ZDF Studios, using cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art CGI to explore one of humanity’s oldest questions. Also featured is Neo Match Up (4 x 30’), a fast-paced studio game show and format from 1Take Films that challenges stereotypes and first impressions through a clever mix of humour, surprise and social relevance. The format has also been selected as one of only seven original concepts for presentation at the inaugural EBU Public Service Formats Showcase at MIPCOM on Tuesday 13 October from 14:30 to 15:30 in Auditorium A,, underlining its international market potential.
The junior slate is headed by Alea Aquarius (26 x 26’), a premium live-action fantasy adventure based on Tanya Stewner’s bestselling novel series. Produced by Red Balloon Film, the series combines fantasy, romance and environmental themes and follows Alea, an orphaned teenager who discovers she is among the last surviving members of an ancient underwater civilisation. Alongside this new franchise opportunity, the globally successful H2O – Just Add Water(78 x 26' + 3 x 90') brand celebrates its 20th anniversary. Sold in more than 160 territories worldwide, the award-winning franchise continues to captivate multi-generational audiences with both the original live-action series and its animated spin-off, H2O – Mermaid Adventures (26 x 26’). Additional highlights include 20 Dance Street (26 x 26’), produced by Cottonwood Media, ZDF and France Télévisions in partnership with the Opéra national de Paris and featuring innovative motion-capture dance performances, and The Lady Grace Mysteries (23 x 24’), a premium live-action adventure mystery from Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Group in co-production with ZDF, ZDF Studios and BBC. Set in the world of Queen Elizabeth I, the series follows fearless teen investigator Lady Grace Cavendish as she uncovers conspiracies and solves mysteries at the Tudor court. Following strong international interest in the first season, a second season is already in production and scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Tim Gerhartz, Chief Commercial Officer of ZDF Studios, said: "At MIPCOM 2026, we are proud to showcase the very best of German content alongside outstanding European co-productions. Our slate reflects the breadth and strength of our catalogue, spanning premium drama, factual programming, entertainment and family content, while combining trusted returning brands with exciting new opportunities for buyers worldwide. 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. That's what has defined ZDF Studios for more than 33 years and continues to drive our business today."
ZDF Studios’ stand is located at R7.D5 at the Palais des Festivals. The complete MIPCOM 2026 line-up and latest catalogues are available at www.zdf-studios.com.
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, tel.: +49 6131-9911130, email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com