Scripted

Gestern waren wir noch Kinder internationally known as Dear Vivi has set new records in the ZDFmediathek, German broadcaster ZDF's online media library. The seven episodes 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.

Sebastian Krekeler, Director Drama at ZDF Studios: ‘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. ‘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. This also makes it an immensely attractive production for our international customers.’

The series, written and produced by Natalie Scharf, is part crime thriller, part drama and tells the tragic story of 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. This thriller-drama crossover unfolds on two different time frames: 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.

Leading actors are Torben Liebrecht, Julia Beautx, Maria Simon, Damian Hardung, Julius Nitschkoff, Ulrich Tukur along with Karoline Eichhorn, Milena Tscharntke and Rieke Seja. The series is directed by Nina Wolfrum. Corinna Marx and Bastian Wagner are the ZDF editorial team in charge.