ZDF Studios Takes On Worldwide Distribution for Groundbreaking Documentary Black Death Patient Zero from Impossible Factual
Mainz, November 11th, 2025
ZDF Studios will be in charge of the worldwide distribution (excluding the USA and the UK) of the compelling new documentary series Black Death Patient Zero, produced by the award-winning UK-based production company Impossible Factual. Black Death Patient Zero is a co-production of ZDF/Arte, WNET and Hearst UK and has been pre-sold to Viasat.
This two-part special (2 x 60’) unravels one of history’s most enduring mysteries: the origin of the Black Death. Combining cutting-edge science, archaeology, and historical investigation, the series traces the deadly pandemic’s roots to a remote cemetery in Kyrgyzstan, where DNA analysis has revealed the earliest known victims of the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis. The discovery pushes the outbreak’s timeline back to 1338 and shifts its geographical origin from the Black Sea to Central Asia.
From the windswept plains of Kyrgyzstan to the devastated cities of medieval Europe, Black Death Patient Zero follows a trail of death and transformation. The series explores how the plague reshaped societies, economies, and belief systems, ultimately paving the way for the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment. It also draws parallels with earlier outbreaks, including the Justinianic Plague, and even traces the pathogen’s presence back to the Stone Age.
With exclusive access to leading scientists and historians, including Dr Philip Slavin and Professor Johannes Krause, and featuring stunning high-altitude visuals, dynamic animations, and super-high-definition cinematography, the series offers a visually rich and intellectually rigorous journey through time. Viewers will also gain rare insight into the work of aDNA laboratories and the cultural impact of the plague through art and literature, including Boccaccio’s Decameron and the paintings of Siena.
Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios, commented: “Black Death Patient Zero is a masterclass in historical storytelling and scientific revelation. It’s a privilege to bring this extraordinary series to global audiences, offering not only answers to centuries-old questions but also a deeper understanding of how pandemics shape our world.”
Jonathan Drake, CEO of Impossible Factual, added: “This project exemplifies our commitment to combining rigorous research with cinematic storytelling. The discovery of Patient Zero is a landmark moment in historical science, and we’re thrilled to partner with ZDF Studios to share it with viewers worldwide.”
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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 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).