"ARD-Durablen's 'Storm of Love' has reached its 20th anniversary"
In the world of German television, few series have managed to maintain a consistent presence and captivate audiences for two decades like "Sturm der Liebe." First filmed on August 1, 2005, and premiering on Das Erste on September 26, 2005, the telenovela has become a staple of German television, establishing itself as a very successful German production [1].
The show has maintained a continuous run since its debut, producing over 4,400 episodes that have contributed to its longevity and steady presence on German television. This long-running status implies strong domestic audience interest, with the show's celebration of 20 years indicating a consistently successful viewership [1].
"Sturm der Liebe" has also found international appeal, with the series broadcast in 51 countries worldwide. Among these countries are Italy, where it is known as "Tempesta d'amore," and Belgium, where it is called "Le Tourbillon de l'Amour" [1].
The success formula of "Sturm der Liebe" involves a clear dramaturgy: each season begins with a new dream couple, who must overcome numerous obstacles on their way to the grand dream wedding. Sepp Schauer, who plays Alfons Sonnbichler in the series, describes the success concept as something that appeals to people of all ages [1].
The series is set in a hotel, providing a living microcosm for various interactions. Over the years, around 600 actors have been involved in "Sturm der Liebe," with some characters, like Fanny Schätzl (Johanna Graen) and Hildegard (Antje Hagen), being part of the series since its beginning [1].
Sepp Schauer, who never anticipated his role would last for 20 years, is one of the series' long-standing cast members. The series initially offered an emotional, fictional alternative to afternoon programming dominated by court shows and talk formats [1].
In 2011, a dramatic event occurred in the series when a bomb exploded, causing the "Fürstenhof" hotel to catch fire. This event was primarily due to the switch from SD to HD, which required prettier sets, and the discontinuation of "Marienhof" freeing up a large studio [1].
In 2024, "Sturm der Liebe" was streamed 151 million times in the ARD Mediathek. The series averaged 878,000 viewers in the first half of 2025, with a market share of 10.6% [1].
As the series enters its 22nd season, expected to air from late October, it will feature the down-to-earth gardener Fanny Schätzl (Johanna Graen) and the charismatic chef Kilian Rudloff (Anthony Paul) [1].
References: [1] "Sturm der Liebe: 20 Jahre Sehnsucht und Erfolg" (German article) - https://www.ardmediathek.de/sturm-der-liebe-20-jaehrige-geschichte-der-ard-telenovela-100.html
The steady presence of "Sturm der Liebe" on German television for two decades, coupled with its international broadcast in 51 countries, places it as a significant player in the movies-and-tv entertainment industry. This long-running series, which has contributed over 4,400 episodes to the world of entertainment, continues to captivate audiences domestically and internationally.
