Beta's “The Swarm” garners seven million linear viewers on ZDF

ZDF recently celebrated the seven million linear viewer mark for its Frank Doelger’s Berlinale entry and primetime winner, "The Swarm." The title is scheduled to be introduced throughout Europe and global scale in the upcoming months. 

"The Swarm" is produced by Schwarm TV Productions GmbH & Co KG, a joint venture between Intaglio Films and ndF IP for ZDF, France Télévisions, Rai Fiction, Viaplay Group, Hulu Japan, ORF, SRF, in co-production with Bravado Fiction and Beside Production, in co-operation with ATHOS KG. produced by Frank Doelger and Eric Welbers,  the title is based on Frank Schätzing’s international bestseller, which has been published worldwide and translated into 27 languages. Beta Film and ZDF Studios have agreed to distribute it.

The thriller series premiered Monday night on ZDF, garnering success and drawing a linear audience of 6.8 million, while already having garnered over ten million views within the first twelve days on ZDF’s digital platform. The title acquired a TV market share of 24.4 % overall and 11.7 % in the younger target group (14-49 years), winning the prime time in both viewer segments. "The Swarm" also premiered on Austria’s ORF, winning primetime as well with a market share of up to 23%.

The eight-hour series starring Alexander Karim, Cécile de France, Leonie Benesch, Barbara Sukowa and Takuya Kimura, chronicles the struggle of humankind against an unknown enemy that lives in the depths of the sea. When the reckless treatment of the oceans threatens the natural habitat of this mysterious collective, it strikes back.