ZDF Studios Launches International Distribution of New Premium Drama Series “High Valley”
Juli Zeh’s Television Series Debut Set in the World of Professional Equestrian Sport
Mainz, 22 September 2026
ZDF Studios is launching worldwide sales of the new ZDF premium drama series High Valley (6 x 45'). The original scripts were written by bestselling author Juli Zeh (together with Lukas Becker), one of Germany’s most internationally successful contemporary authors. Her novels have been translated into 35 languages, received numerous awards and been published worldwide. Zeh’s works combine compelling entertainment with sharp observations of social conflicts and human relationships.
Making her television series debut, Zeh also serves as Creative Producer. The six-part event drama is produced by Studio Zentral, a subsidiary of ZDF Studios, in co-production with Load Studios. The series is directed by Christian Zübert. The lead cast includes Lili Epply, Joshua Hupfauer, Karoline Eichhorn and Heino Ferch. The producers are Georg Ramme, Lucas Schmidt and Lasse Scharpen, with Hannes Höhn serving as Executive Producer.
Set against the striking backdrop of a renowned equestrian centre, High Valley tells a story of passion, ambition, family ties and the search for one’s identity. At its centre is the talented show jumper Ina Hansen, who seeks a fresh start at the traditional Hohenfelden equestrian facility following a consequential falling-out with her mentor. There, she encounters a community shaped by economic pressures, personal dependencies and long-kept secrets. As Ina struggles for her sporting future, evidence mounts that she is connected to the owner, Cora, through a deadly secret. How far is she willing to go to achieve her dreams?
With its authentic portrayal of professional equestrian sport, High Valley offers a rare insight into a fascinating world caught between prestige, performance pressure and tradition. The series combines emotional, character-driven storytelling with compelling family secrets and universal themes such as belonging, self-determination and the question of what family truly means.
Sebastian Krekeler, Director Drama, ZDF Studios: "With High Valley, we are expanding our international drama portfolio with a series that has a clearly distinctive profile. The combination of an exclusive and rarely explored world, strong emotional stakes, Juli Zeh’s creative vision and her profound knowledge of equestrian sport creates a premium drama with significant international appeal. We are convinced that the series will captivate audiences well beyond the German-speaking market."
Lucas Schmidt, Producer, Studio Zentral: "With High Valley, we wanted to create a drama that combines major emotional themes with a unique and rarely portrayed world. At its heart lies the question of identity and belonging, set within the fascinating yet uncompromising world of equestrian sport. Together with bestselling author Juli Zeh, we have created a multi-layered series that uniquely brings together suspense, family drama and character-driven storytelling. We are delighted that ZDF Studios will handle the international distribution of High Valley."
---
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