Melissa McCarthy as Genie in a Bottle - Melissa McCarthy as Genie in a Bottle
A fresh take on a classic comedy is coming to German screens this December. The Genie, a reboot of the 1991 British TV film Bernard and the Genie, will premiere on SAT.1 on December 22 at 10:55 PM. The film stars Paapa Essiedu as Bernard, a struggling office worker whose life takes a magical turn when he meets a wish-granting genie.
The story follows Bernard, an overworked employee who constantly misses important family moments. After failing to attend his daughter’s birthday, his strained relationship with his family worsens. His boss, Mr. Flaxman—played by Alan Cumming—piles on more work, eventually leading to Bernard losing his job.
Desperate for change, Bernard stumbles upon a genie named Flora, brought to life by Melissa McCarthy. Flora offers to grant all his wishes, setting off a chain of events that could either fix his life or make things even more chaotic. The screenplay comes from Richard Curtis, the New Zealand-born writer behind beloved romantic comedies like *Four Weddings and a Funeral* and *Love Actually*. Sam Boyd directs the film. This holiday season, SAT.1 will also air *Bibi Blocksberg - Das große Hexentreffen*, a reboot directed by Gregor Schnitzler. Scheduled for theatrical release on December 11, 2025, it will later premiere on the same channel on December 22 at 22:55, featuring a mix of witches, demons, and the iconic Bernhard Blocksberg.
The Genie blends humour and heart, offering a modern twist on a well-loved tale. With a mix of comedy and fantasy, the film aims to entertain audiences during the festive period. Viewers can catch it on SAT.1 later this month, followed by another magical reboot in the coming year.
