Germany’s ZDF Extends BBC Studios Partnership

BBC Studios and Germany’s ZDF have renewed their long-term strategic partnership to develop and co-produce content.

The multiyear deal extends co-development on scripted TV content, with ZDF and BBC Studios partnering to co-produce scripted titles across the BBC Studios’ content pipeline.

ZDF’s first co-production with AMC Network’s Acorn TV for The Chelsea Detective was instructed under the initial partnership with BBC Studios. A second season is in production.

Additionally, ZDF and BBC Studios will continue their collaboration co-producing factual shows across all genres, including the forthcoming landmarks Mammals and Asia from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit.

The new pact extends first option on presales and acquisitions across BBC Studios’ catalog of scripted and factual content that is available in Germany. Presales already confirmed include Kingdoms from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and first-run exclusives of Make Me Famous and Mood and free-TV premieres of This is Going to Hurt and The Outlaws for ZDFneo.

Nick Percy, president of global markets at BBC Studios, said, “The impact of the strategic partnership between BBC Studios’ and ZDF over the past few years has been remarkable, with award-winning titles like Frozen Planet II and new scripted commissions such as The Chelsea Detective only possible with that early backing. This renewal is a win for audiences not only in the U.K. and Germany but internationally as well, as partnerships like this with shared editorial values allow us to deliver more ambitious and premium quality programming.”

Dr. Nadine Bilke, chief content officer at ZDF, said, “We look back on an extremely fruitful cooperation with BBC Studios. Since 2019, we have been working together on high-quality and extraordinary productions that enrich the ZDF program and inspire viewers. We are delighted to be able to continue and further expand this cooperation with BBC Studios.”