Helge Köhne, head of content sales, frames the slate as a demonstration of 'breadth of genre-led content' with 'recognizable talent' and 'strong broadcast performance,' positioning Bavaria as the go-to distributor for global audiences seeking universal themes.
While the PR team pushes the 'feel-good' angle, the real drama is in the numbers: 'Mordach' pulled 5.7 million viewers, and 'Home-Made Christmas' hit a 17.7% market share. Insiders know these aren't just cozy shows; they are statistical juggernauts that networks are desperate to replicate internationally.
1. 'Mordach' premiered on ARD reaching 5.7 million viewers. 2. 'Home-Made Christmas' achieved a 17.7% market share on ARD. 3. 'Throughout the Years' Part 2 is planned for Christmas 2026, with Part 3 in development.
Bavaria isn't just selling shows; they're selling guaranteed ratings. If you're at Mipcom and ignore this slate, you're missing the German TV gold rush.
Let’s cut to the chase: Bavaria Media Intl. is bringing the heat to Mipcom. The distribution arm of Bavaria Film Group has unveiled a massive slate of scripted shows, and if you think German TV is just about dry documentaries, you haven’t been paying attention. The lineup is split between gritty crime thrillers and tear-jerking family dramas, but don't let the 'feel-good' label fool you.
These are high-stakes properties with verified audience dominance that international buyers are going to fight over. The crime section is where the real teeth are. 'Mordach,' a cross-genre thriller starring Mehmet Kurtuluş and Gesine Cukrowski, isn't just a show; it's a phenomenon.
When a BKA undercover agent becomes the prime suspect in a murder he can't remember, the plot gets messy, but the ratings got clean. It hit 5.7 million viewers on its ARD premiere. That is not a rounding error; that is a statement.
Joining it is 'Cold Case Diaries,' featuring Edin Hasanović as Chief Inspector Hamza Kulina alongside Melika Foroutan. This German Film Television Award-nominated series reopens unsolved cases in Frankfurt, and with a new season of 2 x 90-minute episodes coproduced by Hessischer Rundfunk and Degeto, it’s clear Bavaria is doubling down on the 'relentless duo' trope that works so well. On the flip side, we have the holiday heavyweights that are practically printing money for ARD.
'Home-Made Christmas' starring Horst Krause is the definition of comfort viewing, but look at the stats: 5 million viewers and a 17.7% market share. That is massive. Then there’s 'Throughout the Years,' a star-studded Christmas romance featuring Charly Hübner and Maria Simon.
The first installment grabbed 3.92 million viewers and, crucially, an 11.3% share among the 14-49 demographic. Part 2 is already planned for Christmas 2026, and Part 3 is in development. When a franchise has that kind of momentum, it’s not just a show; it’s a calendar event.
Rounding out the package are titles like 'Dark Motives,' starring Claudia Michelsen, which tackles social divides along the River Elbe, and 'Fanny’s Extraordinary World,' featuring Dieter Hallervorden as a charming fraudster who wins over his autistic granddaughter. Even the newer entries like 'A Place Called Fatherhood' and 'Hearts Along the Baltic Sea' are designed for multigenerational appeal. Helge Köhne, head of content sales, says the slate demonstrates 'breadth of genre-led content ready for this year’s market.' Translation: They have the receipts, the stars, and the audience share.
If you’re a broadcaster looking for proven hits without the guesswork, this is the booth to visit. Bavaria isn't just coming to Mipcom; they're coming to collect.
