Launching on August 27, the expanded content offering will introduce a curated collection titled “ZDF Films and Series” on Disney+ with over 3,000 episodes and films by the end of the year; including the “SOKO” series
ZDF Studios and Disney+ have signed a multi-year licensing agreement that will bring thousands of hours of German-produced TV series and films to Disney+. From August 27, this collaboration will bring Disney+ customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland a curated collection of content called “ZDF Films and Series”, included in their subscription. By the end of the year, this collection will grow to over 3,000 episodes and films.
Even more variety on Disney+ with “ZDF Films and Series”
With this new collection, Disney+ expands its existing range of high-quality local content with selected ZDF programmes – licensed by ZDF Studios. The introduction of more German-language formats builds on an already successful set of locally produced originals on Disney+, such as ” The Interpreter of Silence”, “Sam – A Saxon”, and the highly anticipated upcoming series “Call my Agent Berlin”.
Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+, EMEA comments: “This deal marks an exciting new milestone built on our collaboration with leading European broadcasters. Disney+ has something for everyone, from global hits such as FX’s “The Bear” and blockbuster movies including Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” to iconic franchises like Pixar and Star Wars. We’ve long admired the distinctive storytelling of ZDF’s films and series, and we’re delighted to bring even more local content to Disney+ customers in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, offering an even richer variety of stories to enjoy.”
A clear commitment to local content
The new package includes classic series and family formats like the popular crime series “SOKO” with 149 episodes, “A Crime in Munich” (“München Mord”), “Murder Up North” (“Nord Nord Mord”), “Marie Brand and …” (“Marie Brand und …”) and “Wilsberg” as well as other established content for a wide audience. The content will be discoverable on Disney+ via the search function and is embedded in a recognizable ZDF branding.
Select new seasons available after TV broadcast
In the future, some new seasons of select ZDF series will also be part of the collection only months after the linear TV broadcast – in addition to ZDF’s streaming platform. The programme selection will be updated regularly with titles such as “The Old Fox” (“Der Alte”), “The Criminalist” (“Der Kriminalist”), “What a Team!” (“Ein starkes Team”) and “The Crimson Rivers” (“Die purpurnen Flüsse”). For Disney+ customers, this means they will have direct access to a library of high-quality ZDF content.
ZDF Studios and Disney+ have been working together since 2021 licensing popular series such as “Mountain Medic” (“Der Bergdoktor”) and “Alpine Rescue” (“Die Bergretter”). The new agreement brings more local productions to Disney+ customers.
Since the introduction of the subscription option with ads and the two other ad-free subscriptions (Standard and Premium), Disney+ offers more choice and flexibility than ever before. Starting at €5.99 per month, the streaming service offers something for everyone to stream. Disney+ includes exclusive films and TV series that cover a wide range of genres, including action-adventures, sci-fi, as well as dramas and comedies. Titles include the award-winning latest season of FXs “The Bear”, “Only Murders in the Building” and the highly anticipated upcoming series by Ryan Murphy “All’s Fair” with an all-star cast and blockbuster films and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
About Disney+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. Outside the U.S., it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers an unmatched collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
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.