ZDF Studios is putting crime storytelling front and center at the Series Mania Forum 2026, arriving in Lille with a slate heavily anchored in gripping investigations, complex characters, and dark undercurrents beneath seemingly idyllic settings.
Leading the line-up is Bust Up, a character-driven crime drama set in New Zealand, where two former lovers are unexpectedly reunited as police partners, blending emotional tension with classic buddy-cop dynamics.
The slate continues with Benidorm is Murder, a sharp detective series that peels back the glossy surface of a Spanish holiday hotspot to reveal secrets, deception and hidden crimes. Also standing out is High Season, an international thriller that dives into the criminal underworld of a luxury coastal destination, where a single murder exposes networks of corruption, trafficking and power.
While the broader catalogue also includes period and romantic titles, it is the strong emphasis on crime narratives that defines ZDF Studios’ presence this year, highlighting the company’s focus on globally resonant, high-stakes storytelling that travels across borders.
Source: Episode Magazine
