The German distributor will arrive in Cannes with a slate that brings together original productions, European co-productions and formats targeting international markets, while reinforcing its role as a development, financing and co-production partner.
ZDF Studios will present a selection of drama, factual, entertainment and junior titles at MIPCOM 2026, combining new European productions with established international franchises.
The German distributor will arrive in Cannes with a slate that brings together original productions, European co-productions and formats targeting international markets, while reinforcing its role as a development, financing and co-production partner.
Among its drama highlights is Grand Hotel by the Sea (8 x 50’), the first romantic period drama produced in the Netherlands. Produced by Big Blue for KRO-NCRV and VRT, the series is set on the Dutch coast between 1912 and 1919 and follows Sandra, an ambitious hotel owner determined to turn her property into a luxury destination for Europe’s elite.
The drama offering also includes High Valley (6 x 45’), from Studio Zentral and LOAD Studios, about a gifted young show jumper whose rise through the international equestrian circuit 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 Shifters (6 x 45’), a mystery thriller from Network Movie and Studio Zentral about sinister doppelgängers entering our world through a mysterious rift between dimensions.
Rounding out the fiction slate are LEX (8 x 50’), a contemporary legal drama from De Mensen and DPG Media, and Bust Up (6 x 60’), produced by Lippy Pictures and MadeForFilm for Sky NZ and ZDF. The latter follows two former lovers who are reunited as police partners ten years after their breakup in rural New Zealand.
In factual, ZDF Studios will highlight America’s Wars (3 x 50’), a historical documentary series produced by eco documentaries for ZDFinfo and ZDF Studios. The series spans 250 years of US history and explores the context behind events that have shaped today’s global political landscape.
The factual offering also includes Tasmania’s Wild Treasures (2 x 50’), produced by Doclights in association with NDR and Arte, which explores Tasmania’s endemic wildlife and landscapes while highlighting conservation efforts; and The Body: What Is Life? (3 x 50’), the latest instalment of NHK’s international The Body franchise, produced in association with ZDF, Arte and ZDF Studios.
In entertainment, the company will present Neo Match Up (4 x 30’), a studio game show and format from 1Take Films that challenges stereotypes and first impressions through humor, surprise and socially relevant themes.
The format has also been selected as one of seven concepts for the inaugural EBU Public Service Formats Showcase, taking place at Mipcom on October 13.
On the junior side, ZDF Studios will bring Alea Aquarius (26 x 26’), a premium live-action series based on Tanya Stewner’s bestselling book franchise. Produced by Red Balloon Film, the series combines fantasy, romance and environmental themes and follows Alea, an orphaned teenager who discovers she is part of an ancient underwater civilization.
The company will also spotlight H2O – Just Add Water (78 x 26’ + 3 x 90’), which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. The franchise has been sold in more than 160 territories and includes the original live-action series and the animated spin-off H2O – Mermaid Adventures (26 x 26’).
Other junior 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 motion-capture dance performances; and The Lady Grace Mysteries (23 x 24’), a live-action mystery adventure from Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Group, co-produced with ZDF, ZDF Studios and BBC.
Set at the court of Elizabeth I, The Lady Grace Mysteries follows Lady Grace Cavendish, a young investigator who 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 is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Tim Gerhartz, Chief Commercial Officer of ZDF Studios, said the company’s Mipcom offering combines German content with European co-productions across drama, factual, entertainment and family programming.
Beyond distribution, ZDF Studios also works with producers, broadcasters and platforms as a development, financing and co-production partner.
ZDF Studios will be located at stand R7.D5 at the Palais des Festivals during Mipcom 2026.
