Ku’damm 77 takes centre stage as ZDF Studios reveals MIPCOM highlights
A compelling mix of drama, unscripted formats and junior content set to captivate global buyers in Cannes
Mainz, 1 October 2025
From 1977 Berlin to Indonesia’s volcanic shores, ZDF Studios brings a vibrant, internationally focused slate of premium content to MIPCOM Cannes 2025 – anchored by the world premiere of the epic family saga Ku’damm 77 and an impressive line-up that spans drama, junior and unscripted programming.
ZDF Studios arrives with a catalogue that speaks to the power of premium storytelling, cultural resonance and international reach.
Leading ZDF Studios’ Drama slate is the World Premiere Screening of Ku’damm 77 (3x90’ or 6x45’), taking place in the presence of cast and crew on Tuesday, 14 October at 18:00 in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. Building on the global success of Ku’damm 56, 59 and 63 – which aired in over 30 countries and earned an International Emmy nomination – the new chapter returns to a divided Berlin, now set in 1977, and explores tradition, identity and rebellion. Produced by UFA Fiction for ZDF, Ku’damm 77 was created by Annette Hess and directed by Maurice Hübner.
Also joining the drama roster is The Puzzle Lady (3x90’ or 6x60’), a charming and cerebral mystery, produced by Factual Fiction and December Films, starring BAFTA-winner Phyllis Logan as a crossword-loving amateur sleuth whose quiet village hides more than clues.
Weiss & Morales (4×90’ or 8×45’) delivers high-stakes crime with a cross-cultural twist, pairing a German BKA agent with a Spanish Civil Guard sergeant in the sun-drenched Canary Islands. The series is produced by RTVE, Portocabo, Nadcon, ZDF and ZDF Studios.
Following the box-office hit Top End Wedding comes the romantic family series Top End Bub (8x30’), which offers a fresh take on love and family, centered on Lauren – an Indigenous lawyer who returns to Australia’s Northern Territory to raise her orphaned niece – a vivid blend of romance, culture and community. Created and written by Joshua Tyler and Miranda Tapsell, the series is produced by Goalpost Pictures and filmed in Australia’s Northern Territory and Adelaide.
ZDF Studios’ Junior offering opens with the high-end period detective series The Lady Grace Mysteries (20×24’), set at the glittering court of Queen Elizabeth I and adapted from the bestselling children’s novels. Produced by Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Group, in co-production with ZDF, ZDF Studios and the BBC and pre-sold to France Télévisions, the series follows the daring adventures of Grace, a teenage noblewoman who fearlessly solves mysteries. It is distributed worldwide by ZDF Studios and Federation Kids & Family.
Magic Moves Kids (8×22’ or 4×45’) is a groundbreaking format and ready-made that shows a new way of empowering children with hemiparesis. Ten kids take part in a two-week program combining intensive motor skills therapy with the art of magic, guided by Germany’s top magicians, the Ehrlich Brothers, and a specialized medical team. Produced by CONTENT LADEN from the ZDF Studios group in association with ZDF Studios for ZDF.
Returning live-action favourite Hoodie (156×11’) from VRT/Ketnet & Hotel Hungaria now continues its superhero adventures in Brussels in the third season, while SHOWLAB’s Klincus (26×22’) enchants with animated tales of nature, invention and friendship.
The Unscripted line-up spans ancient history, cosmic exploration and musical journeys. Pharaohs at War (4x50’), produced by Pernel Media in association with RMC Story, Histoire TV and ZDF Studios, recreates legendary Egyptian battles with cinematic intensity. Featuring expert testimony, breathtaking CGI and dynamic imagery, each episode unveils archaeological discoveries made at the sites where history was made.
Into the Universe (8x50’) dives deep into the mysteries of space, from dark matter to alien life. The series is produced by Go Button Media in association with Super Channel and ZDF Studios. Indonesia’s Volcanic Islands (3x50’, produced by Doclights in association with NDR, Arte, Terra Mater and NHK, showcases rare wildlife and urgent conservation efforts, using impressive modern filming techniques, while the CONTENT LADEN production Song Trip (5x45’ ready-made, with a second season in production or format rights available) sends pop and rock stars around the globe to reimagine their hits with local artists — blending rhythm, culture and connection.
Dr. Markus Schäfer, President and CEO of ZDF Studios: “ZDF Studios' slate for MIPCOM Cannes 2025 underscores our unwavering dedication to premium storytelling with global appeal. From high-end drama to innovative formats and family entertainment, our catalogue is crafted to inspire international collaboration and captivate audiences worldwide.”
ZDF Studios’ booth is located at R7.D 5 of the Palais des Festivals. The complete line-up and latest catalogues are available on www.zdf-studios.com at https://www.zdf-studios.com/en/download-catalogues.
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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 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