German Broadcaster ZDF Adjusts Primetime Schedule Following Death of Regina Ziegler
The public-service network changed its evening lineup to honor the pioneering film and television producer who passed away at the age of 82.
German public broadcaster ZDF significantly altered its television schedule on Monday evening to honor influential film and television producer Regina Ziegler, who died in Berlin on Sunday at the age of 82. Ziegler founded her own production company in 1973, establishing herself as Germany's first independent female film producer and overseeing more than 500 productions over five decades.
The unexpected passing of the veteran producer deeply affected the German film industry. Public-service broadcasters ARD and ZDF, both of which collaborated extensively with Ziegler throughout her career, quickly moved to adapt their programming. ZDF revised its primetime schedule, replacing the previously planned crime thriller 'Der Geier – Blut und Zweifel' with the comedy 'Familie Bundschuh – Bundschuh gegen Bundschuh,' a successful series produced by Ziegler Film since 2015.
ZDF Intendant Norbert Himmler expressed deep sorrow in a press release issued on Sunday afternoon, stating that the network lost a close, longtime, and highly valued partner. 'Her artistic strength and unwavering optimism will be greatly missed,' Himmler said.
In addition to the primetime adjustments, ZDF announced plans to air further tributes throughout the week, including a late-night broadcast of the 1979-1980 feature film 'Fabian,' which marked Ziegler's first major project for the network and was directed by her late husband, Wolf Gremm. The weekly schedule will also feature scheduled broadcasts of the crime series 'Kommissarin Heller' and the historical drama 'Die Holzbaronin.'
Other networks also paid tribute to the late producer through their digital streaming libraries. WDR and ARD made productions like 'Martha Liebermann – Ein gestohlenes Leben' and 'Weißensee' available to viewers. ARD Program Director Christine Strobl praised Ziegler's lasting legacy, noting that she did not merely tell stories, but made them possible.
Prominent figures from the entertainment industry shared heartfelt tributes following the news of her death. Actress Christine Neubauer, who collaborated with Ziegler on more than 50 projects, reflected on their decades-long friendship and professional partnership. Neubauer described her mentor as a visionary and one of the strongest women she had ever encountered, noting that Ziegler consistently believed in her and supported her career through various challenges.
Ziegler's trailblazing career opened doors in a heavily male-dominated industry, earning her numerous accolades for her contributions to German cinema and television. Her enduring impact continues to resonate across the television and film landscape, as colleagues and broadcasters remember her immense creative footprint.