Streaming Powerhouses: A New Era for German Television

The recent deal between RTL Deutschland and ZDF Studios has sent shockwaves through the global streaming market. The agreement, which includes nearly 1,000 episodes of popular German shows like Wilsberg, Der Bergdoktor, and Das Traumschiff, is a significant coup for RTL+, solidifying its position as a leading German private broadcaster and streaming service. But what if this deal is just the beginning of a larger trend? What if other German broadcasters are poised to join the streaming fray, altering the global landscape? The deal, which will see RTL+ launch a range of new shows, including unscripted series in September and dramas in October, is already generating excitement among fans of the included series. However, what about viewers looking for more family-friendly fare? The package won't be complete until November, when Das Traumschiff and other family-friendly shows make their debut. Could this be a deliberate strategy to cater to different audience segments, or is it simply a coincidence? The partnership between RTL+ and ZDF Studios raises important questions about the future of German television. Will other broadcasters follow suit, or will RTL+ remain the only major player in the German streaming market? What might be the consequences for established streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime? The deal may be huge, but it's just the beginning for RTL+ and ZDF Studios. As Markus Schäfer, spokesman for the management of ZDF Studios, emphasized, "In the future, series fans will have an additional opportunity to enjoy their favorite series from ZDF, the market leader among German television channels for twelve years, around the clock on RTL+. " But what about the impact on the global streaming market? What might be the consequences for emerging markets, where streaming services are still developing?