The CEE region shares many similarities and trends in terms of content development, but often with a different context and approach. Señal News spoke with players from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia to gain insight into the future of an evolving and dynamic industry.
ÁKOS ERDŐS
CEO, PAPRIKA STUDIOS
“As we closely watch and also experience the market in eight countries of the CEE region, there are many similarities in the challenges but very different solutions to overcome them. We can see content budgets shrinking, but the number of hours to fill with content remains steady. That means that producers need to find more effective solutions to maintain the quality of the content. In addition, there is greater uncertainty in the surroundings, as well as within the industry itself, which puts commissioners and decision-makers in a significantly more challenging situation. Generally, this works against bold decisions and instead leaves us with the less-exciting, yet safer, choices, but not necessarily. I always emphasize that the more challenging it is, the more opportunities you have, especially if you are a passionate, trustworthy professional with the right skills and commitment. So, for those of you (or maybe us), it's getting more exciting.”
ALZBETA JANACKOVA
PRODUCER, PAPRIKA STUDIOS CZECHIA
“For most local commissioners, we observe a strong appetite for fiction content on the Czech market. We're in the middle of a pretty exciting moment in the Czech TV world. Things are changing; streaming is booming, audiences are far more selective, and the old ways of making TV are no longer necessary to work. As producers, we're being pushed, in a good way, to move beyond the safe, formulaic formats and create shows that are more ambitious, both narratively and visually. Stories that can stand alongside international content and still feel distinctly our own. Even public broadcasters like Czech TV are evolving slowly but surely. They're beginning to take risks on younger, fresher voices and edgier formats while still trying to keep that general appeal. It's a tricky balance, but you can feel the shift happening. A good example is that local players, such as Oneplay (Nova Group and O2), are investing heavily in original scripted series and challenging the dominance of traditional networks. That's shaking up the entire local industry. We have real competition and more opportunities to tell stories that wouldn't have flown a few years ago. The bar's higher, the formats are looser, and the audience is smarter. Honestly, that's what makes it exciting.”
GÁBOR PETŐ
HEAD OF ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION, PAPRIKA STUDIOS HUNGARY
“I see the Hungarian TV industry in a highly adaptive and opportunity-rich phase. While traditional broadcasters, such as RTL and TV2, still lead the linear space, the growing presence of streaming platforms, including local players like RTL+, is reshaping viewing habits and commissioning strategies. A key trend is the demand for scalable, cost-effective formats that enable high-volume production and foster strong audience engagement. One successful example is the most recent season of 'Való Világ' ('Big Brother' type of reality), produced by Paprika Studios for RTL+, which significantly boosted subscriptions by targeting younger viewers with binge-worthy, daily content. At the same time, premium reality formats like 'Árulók – Gyilkosság a kastélyban' ('The Traitors' Hungary) have brought new audiences, especially those who had previously chosen streaming-only content, back to linear television. These viewers, often in higher purchasing-power demographics, are now engaging with live broadcasts and social conversation around TV events. This dual-platform strategy is shaping the industry's overall direction, from hybrid development models to faster content cycles and greater format versatility. At Paprika Studios, we focus on blending creativity with agility to meet the evolving needs of both broadcasters and audiences in Hungary's unique media landscape."
KRISTOFFER RUS
HEAD OF PAPRIKA STUDIOS POLAND
"TV content production in Poland is evolving rapidly and can sometimes feel turbulent. Yet, the key point is that it's not standing still. This year, I've noticed a clear trend toward remakes of beloved films and series. It's a natural response; when the present feels too complex to capture, creators often look back to reimagine stories from the past with a hopefully fresh perspective."
ALICJA CZARNECKA
HEAD OF NON-FICTION PRODUCTION, PAPRIKA STUDIOS POLAND
“Polish television is currently at an interesting crossroads. Traditional broadcasting still has its loyal audience, but streaming platforms are increasingly shaping how we watch and choose content. It is encouraging to see growing confidence in local productions. Creators are bolder, experimenting more with form and storytelling, and viewers are responding positively to stories rooted in our own culture. When it comes to entertainment and reality formats, a noticeable balance is evident: on the one hand, familiar formats are making a comeback, evoking a sense of nostalgia; on the other hand, new ideas are emerging to meet the expectations of a younger, more discerning audience. Authenticity and emotional resonance are what matter most today, regardless of whether the format is classic or entirely new. Overall, it feels like an industry that respects its roots while staying open to change, which is a healthy direction for the future.”
ANCA IUREA
OPERATIONS OFFICER PAPRIKA ROMANIA
“We're pleased to see the growing interest from international broadcasters in locally produced content from Romania. A great example is 'Oamenii Legii' for AXN, alongside the two successful seasons, with a third on the way, of 'Vânătorii de Comori' for History Channel, a self-developed format that has performed around 50% above the slot average. These collaborations give us confidence that more international broadcasters and streamers will begin commissioning original local content in Romania. We're also encouraged by the increasing presence of major international formats in the Romanian market. Shows like 'The Traitors' are gaining traction, and it's clear that Romanian audiences are increasingly open to such content. Another area with strong growth potential is production services. Since the beginning of the year, we've received multiple inquiries from companies interested in filming in Romania. We're proud to offer not only a highly skilled professional team but also a stunning and versatile filming environment, ready to support any format, from reality shows to scripted series.”
ASTA MESKIENE
OFFICE MANAGER, PAPRIKA STUDIOS LITHUANIA
TV remains a vital way to spend time in Lithuania. On average, Lithuanians spend between 3 and 4 hours daily in front of the TV. The trends in television markets are challenging. The main changes are reflected in the country's television advertising market. A significant decline in demand has been evident since the summer of 2024, and for the first time in many years, TV channels have not sold all of their advertising space. Paprika Lithuania's shows have focused on producing content for the public broadcaster, which is less affected by commercial influence in its primary focus. Our most notable contribution is 'Gime ta Pacia Diena,' a non-scripted series that was re-commissioned for seven seasons. The format tells the life stories of three individuals, all born on the same date. The series explores their personal stories, backgrounds, achievements, and challenges and links their fates to significant and lesser-known events in Lithuanian and World history. In addition to television production, we specialize in film production services in Lithuania, with notable projects including 'Kalevala' and 'Villain of Villains.' We have a market that, after a turbulent period, has significant potential to bounce back, with various productions showing interest in collaborating with Paprika Lithuania for Fall 2025.”
VERONIKA JAKUBČOVÁ
PRODUCER, PAPRIKA STUDIOS SLOVAKIA
“The most exciting trend in the Slovak television production landscape is the increasing focus on high-profile fiction productions, which is led by the leading private broadcaster, TV Markiza, with the rest of the broadcasters following suit. The pursuit of high-quality storytelling and production value is yielding success for both locally developed original series and adaptations of well-known international formats.”
BORIS BEZIC
CREATIVE DIRECTOR FICTION, PAPRIKA STUDIOS SLOVENIA
“Slovenia is like an unpolished diamond tucked between Central and Eastern Europe, fully belonging to neither. We have the talent, the expertise, and plenty of evidence of what we're capable of, so it's no surprise that we often feel frustrated by the limitations of our budgets. Our audience is hungry for content, yet the Slovenian TV industry is barely managing to satisfy them. Not long ago, it felt like a breakthrough was just around the corner. However, we're taking a longer, more winding route. Nevertheless, with growing support from the Slovenian Film Centre, national public television RTV Slovenia, and the leading commercial media company Pro Plus, the future looks bright and promising. Even more so if we manage to spark more co-productions with countries and broadcasters across the region and beyond. So, dear reader, you are warmly invited to join us in polishing this diamond together.”
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