ZDF Studios to globally distribute "Dear Vivi"

ZDF confirmed plans to distribute "Dear Vivi," Originally titled "Gestern waren wir noch Kinder," the title has broke records in the ZDFmediathek, German broadcaster ZDF's online media library.  "We are delighted at the enormous success of ‘Dear Vivi’ and are pleased to present it in Lille as one of our Series Mania highlights. It is a series which connects with all generations, the young in particular, and is the focus of many discussions and viewing recommendations,"Sebastian Krekeler, Director Drama at ZDF Studios said.

The seven episodes of "Dear Vivi" have so far reached almost 21 million views, or three million views per episode. This makes the program the most-viewed series in the ZDFmediathek to date and by far the most successful German streaming offer in the current year. An average of 5.6 million people tuned in on TV, giving the series a market share of 20 percent and making it the prime time winner on all three broadcast days. The series has also gained record TikTok followers and fan edits: over 23K followers and half a million likes within three weeks of its launch.

Written and produced by Natalie Scharf, the part crime thriller, part drama follows a seemingly perfect German family, whose world falls to pieces when the father suddenly kills his wife in the heat of the moment and ends up in custody awaiting trial. The family’s oldest daughter Vivi tries to take on responsibility for her two younger siblings while the father Peter in custody attempts to explain the lead-up to this terrible crime by means of flashbacks.  

The series stars Torben Liebrecht, Julia Beautx, Maria Simon, Damian Hardung, Julius Nitschkoff, Ulrich Tukur, and also includes Karoline Eichhorn, Milena Tscharntke and Rieke Seja. It is directed by Nina Wolfrum. Corinna Marx and Bastian Wagner represent ZDF's editorial team in charge. "‘Dear Vivi’ does not only generate interest thanks to its highly talented cast, but above all due to its nerve-racking storyline, big secrets and unexpected cliffhanger," Krekeler said. "This also makes it an immensely attractive production for our international customers.’"