ZDF Studios to co-produce and globally distribute Netflix's "Surviving Summer"

ZDF Studios confirmed the start of production for global Netflix TV series, "Surviving Summer." “We were so thrilled with the response around the world to the first season of Surviving Summer on Netflix and couldn't be more excited to be commencing shoot on the second season," Joanna Werner, Producer of Surviving Summer said. "Our fabulous cast have just finished their intensive surf training camp and are ready to go, along with some exciting new cast members.  We have a brilliant crew assembled on the Surf Coast and the sun is shining here in Anglesea - here's to a great shoot!”

"Surviving Summer" is created by Joanna Werner and Josh Mapleston and produced by Werner Film Productions for ZDF Studios and Netflix. ZDF Studios is in charge of the worldwide distribution outside Netflix' rights. The title showcases popular beaches and stunning surf coast found along the Great  Ocean Road on Wadawurrung Country in Victoria.“After the tremendous worldwide success of the first season, we are excited to see 'Surviving Summer 'now going into its second season," Katharina Pietzsch, Director Junior, ZDF Studios said. "We congratulate our long-standing partners Joanna Werner and Netflix on this fantastic series and cannot wait to make it available to young audiences around the globe.”

The series received production support from Vic Screen. Following its release in June 2022, the first season amassed over 20 million hours viewed globally in its first two weeks and reached the top 10 shows in over 42 countries around the world on Netflix, including Australia, USA, Canada, UK, Brazil and countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. Fans engaged across social platforms with #survivingsummer racking up over 52.4 million on TikTock. 

"Surviving Summer" season 2 will be directed again by Sian Davies, along with Christian Van Vuuren. The second season follows Summer Torres, when she returns to Shorehaven and stuns her Aussie mates with her newfound surf skills. As she pursues her surfing dream, she’ll contend with romances, a new coahc, and rival sufers. 

Season 2 sees the return of Sky Katz as Summer, Kai Lewins as Ari Gibson, João Gabriel Marinho as Marlon Sousa, Savannah La Rain as Bodhi Mercer and reigning Open Women’s Queensland Surf Champion Lilliana ‘Lil’ Bowrey as Poppy Tetanui. This season, Olympia Valance will join the cast as Elo, Annabel Wolfe as Wren and Josh MacQueen as Baxter. “It’s so rewarding to see audiences around the world embrace Australian storytelling," Que Minh Luu, Director of Content, ANZ said. "We’re stoked to be back in the waters with Werner Productions to ride the next wave of this brilliant Aussie teen series.”