ZDF Studios to Distribute Landmark Documentary “Troy: The Schliemann Legacy” Worldwide
Two-part series marks 150 years since Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of Troy, blending cutting-edge science with epic storytelling to unravel history’s greatest mystery.
Mainz, December 8th, 2025
ZDF Studios is delighted to announce that it has secured the international distribution rights for the two-part documentary series Troy: The Schliemann Legacy, produced by the award-winning UK-based production company Impossible Factual and co-produced by ZDF and Arte.
This visually stunning and intellectually compelling series commemorates 150 years since Heinrich Schliemann claimed to have discovered the legendary city of Troy. It explores the enduring tension between myth and reality, applying modern scientific techniques to age-old questions about Homer’s epics and the collapse of the Bronze Age world.
Across two one-hour episodes, audiences will travel from the windswept hill of Hissarlik in Türkiye to the palaces of Mycenaean Greece and the archives of the Hittite Empire, uncovering new evidence and revisiting old controversies. From Schliemann’s dramatic excavations to modern genome analysis and geoarchaeology, Troy: The Schliemann Legacy brings history and legend face to face.
Schliemann’s dramatic excavations ignited a race to uncover lost civilizations across the Aegean. The first episode revisits his discoveries and the pioneers who followed, immersing viewers in the glittering Bronze Age world that inspired Homer’s tales of gods and heroes. From climate change to marauding Sea Peoples, episode two investigates the real-world context behind the Trojan War and the birth of the Heroic Age.
Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing and successful partnership with impossible factual. Their ability to combine rigorous research with compelling storytelling makesTroy: The Schliemann Legacy a truly exceptional series. We are excited to bring this fascinating exploration of history and myth to audiences worldwide.”
Jonathan Drake, CEO of Impossible Factual, commented: “Schliemann’s quest for Troy sparked a revolution in archaeology and inspired generations of explorers. This series revisits that legacy with fresh eyes, cutting-edge science, and a passion for uncovering the truth behind epic tales. We are thrilled to collaborate with ZDF Studios to share this story on a global stage.”
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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 in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom 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, D-55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, E-mail: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com
About Impossible Factual
Impossible Factual is a multi-award-winning, UK-based independent television production company set up in 2013 by Managing Director Jonathan Drake and Creative Director Steve Maher. Adam Luria became the company’s Head of Documentary in 2021. With unrivalled production experience in delivering innovative and ambitious projects for both commercial and public service networks across the UK, North America and Europe, Impossible Factual continues to break new ground in history, science, natural history, true crime and drama documentary programming.
Productions include: T-REX AUTOPSY, LIVE! (National Geographic), Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning film GREEN BOOK: GUIDE TO FREEDOM (Smithsonian), critically acclaimed investigative history single THE WOMAN IN THE IRON COFFIN (WNET/DRG), epic blue-chip science and ancient history series THE SECRETS TO CIVILISATION (CuriosityStream), critically acclaimed true crime series ‘YORKSHIRE RIPPER: THE SECRET MURDERS (ITV, ITV GLOBAL), and technically groundbreaking WW2 colourisation and restoration series LIBERATION: D-DAY TO BERLIN (Paramount/NGCi). They have also recently produced BLACK DEATH PATIENT ZERO (ARTE/WNET/ZDF) and returnable formatted series: HISTORY: THE INTERESING BITS (Curiosity/National Geographic), and SCARY TALES OF NEW YORK (Curiosity/Sky History), archaeology/science specials THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CRUCIFIXION (WNET/Arte/BBC) and THE LOST SCROLLS OF HERCULANEUM (WNET/FranceTV/Channel 5), and hit special QUEEN VICTORIA; SECRET MARRIAGE, SECRET CHILD, (Channel 4).