Broadcasting network ZDF alters its scheduled programming.
The German broadcaster, ZDF, has announced changes to its Sunday programming for the upcoming 2025/26 TV season, aiming to boost the attractiveness of its offerings. The new strategy will see a pivot towards strengthening fiction while fine-tuning documentary content formats.
In line with this shift, "Die Rosenheim-Cops" will remain in the ZDF's Sunday lineup, while reruns of "Besseresser" and "Der Alte" old episodes will air on the 17:15 time slot. On the other hand, the docu-format "ZDF.reportage" will air on Saturdays, not Sundays, after "Länderspiegel". Some documentaries like "plan b" and "planet e." will now air in the afternoon.
The decision to air "ZDF.reportage" on Saturdays is part of an effort to address declining viewer numbers and reposition the format. The broadcaster hopes that these changes will help boost viewer numbers. In June, "ZDF.reportage" attracted 0.88 million viewers, falling short of expectations.
To further optimize the content of its docu-formats, "Terra Xplore" is set to return with more airtime and a revamped concept. The programme, which recently only reached a market share of 7.2 percent, will aim to improve viewer engagement and ratings.
The strategic push to enhance program offerings is supported by executive leadership changes at ZDF Studios. Tim Gerhartz has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer of ZDF Studios, starting October 2025. In his role, he will lead and develop the Distribution unit with a focus on co-productions and licensing, aiming to strengthen fiction and documentary content delivery internationally and within ZDF’s channels.
The role highlights a strategic push to leverage attractive programming for customers and partners, which likely extends to optimizing documentary formats to increase viewer engagement. Though no direct statement was found specifically naming “docu-formats impact” or “viewer numbers” in the ZDF strategy, the information on ZDF Studios and this management appointment points to an organizational focus on enhancing program offerings, which would logically include fiction and documentary content optimization intended to boost audience reach and retention.
In summary, ZDF’s 2025/26 programming strategy features a pivot towards strengthening fiction while fine-tuning documentary content formats, supported by executive leadership aimed at improving content distribution and co-production, which together are intended to optimize viewer numbers and content appeal. The broadcaster aims to address low ratings for its docu-formats and boost viewer numbers with these changes.
In accordance with the new programming strategy, the docu-format "ZDF.reportage" will be moved to Saturdays, aiming to attract more viewers and boost ratings. To optimize the content of its docu-formats, "Terra Xplore" is set to return with more airtime and a revamped concept, with an emphasis on improving viewer engagement and ratings.
