Nina Etspüler
BBC Studios Germany is expanding into the comedy and reality genres with the launch of a dedicated label based in Munich. The new division, part of BBC Studios Germany, will be led by acclaimed format expert Nina Etspüler, who will join the company on January 1, 2026. This strategic move builds on BBC Studios Germany’s strong position in scripted and entertainment programming, responding to the rising demand for comedy and reality content in the German TV and streaming market.
In her new role as Producer and Executive producer, Etspüler, whose career includes senior roles at Leonine Studios, Red Arrow Studios, Florida TV, and ProSiebenSat.1, will work closely with the BBC Studios Germany team in Cologne to establish and grow the new label. The initial focus will be on adapting successful BBC formats for the German market and developing original IP for broadcasters and streaming platforms, while also forging new relationships with creative talent and on-air personalities.
Phil Schmid, Managing Director, BBC Studios Germany, said: “Nina Etspüler is one of the most respected and creative leaders in our industry. She brings exceptional experience in development, production, and format adaptation, as well as an outstanding network spanning broadcasters, streaming services, artists, and creatives. This is a perfect strategic fit for our ambitions in Germany and an equally strong match on a personal level. With Nina joining in January 2026, alongside our fantastic Entertainment team led by Markus Templin and our growing Fiction division under Eva Holtmann, we look forward with confidence and excitement to the next chapter of BBC Studios Germany’s growth.”
Nina Etspüler commented: “My time at Leonine Studios was exciting and formative. I’m proud to have built Madame Zheng Production into an established player in the fields of reality, factual entertainment, and reportage, together with my co-managing director Tina Wagner and a fantastic team. At I&U TV, we were able to produce great comedy formats such as the Grimme Award-winning ‘The Teddy Teclebrhan Show’, Heinz Strunk’s ‘Last Exit Schinkenstraße’, and currently ‘Sträter’s Problem Zones’. Now I’m looking forward to a role with a more international focus at BBC Studios Germany. Together, we aim to develop and adapt innovative comedy and reality formats for the German market and continue the success story of BBC Studios in Germany.”
Etspüler joined Leonine in 2021 and oversaw an increase across genres at the German firm, expanding the output of unscripted label Madame Zheng Production (fka Odeon Entertainment) and producing comedies such as "The Teddy Teclebrhan Show" and "Sträter’s Problem Zones" through I&U TV. She was previously group creative director at Red Arrow Studios and also worked at its parent company, ProSiebenSat.1, as well as Florida TV. Etspüler’s exit from Leonine comes 18 months after the company was combined with Mediawan, with both companies backed by US-based private equity firm KKR.