France Télévisions acquires vampire drama "Love Sucks" from ZDF Studios

France Télévisions has secured the broadcast rights to "Love Sucks," a bold new vampire drama produced by Studios Zentral for ZDF and distributed internationally by ZDF Studios. The eight-part series, which has already earned critical recognition with the Bernd Burgemeister TV Production Award for Best Series at the Munich Film Festival, promises to inject new energy into the vampire genre with its gritty, emotionally charged storyline.

Mirela Nastase, Director of Drama at ZDF Studios, expressed her enthusiasm for the international sale: “Poignant, intense, brutal, captivating and romantic is how I would describe ‘Love Sucks.’ I’m delighted that audiences in France will have the opportunity to view this very unconventional love story.”

Morad Koufane, Director of International and Young Adult Drama at France Télévisions, highlighted the show’s innovative narrative: “A suspenseful and gripping drama. The storytelling breathes fresh air into the vampire genre and instils a rollercoaster of emotions.”

Lasse Scharpen, Managing Director of Studio Zentral and executive producer of the series, emphasized the project's creative origins: “When Marc presented us with his concept, a contemporary reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet mixed with the vampire genre, we had no hesitation in getting involved. This exciting and original take on the romantic tragedy was enhanced by Havana’s and Damian’s skillful portrayals of the star-crossed lovers.”

"Love Sucks" features Havana Joy as Zelda, a young fairground boxer raised in a family of vampire slayers, and Damian Hardung as Ben Von Griefenstein, a brooding immortal burdened by centuries of loneliness. Written by Marc O. Seng, known for his work on "Dark," and directed by Lea Becker and Andreas Prochaska, the series blends classic gothic motifs with a contemporary, neon-lit setting. The tension between the star-crossed lovers plays out against a backdrop of brutal family conflict and centuries-old enmity.

Zelda and Ben’s romance quickly becomes endangered when she discovers not only that he is a vampire, but that her own family is sworn to destroy his kind. What begins as a tender relationship evolves into a high-stakes drama driven by identity, loyalty, and betrayal, anchored by the powerful chemistry between the leads.

With "Love Sucks," France Télévisions continues to expand its commitment to young adult and genre programming, while ZDF Studios cements its reputation for globally relevant storytelling. The series’ arrival on French screens is expected to draw strong viewership, particularly among younger demographics looking for emotionally charged, genre-defying content.