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ZDF Cancels 'Die Maiwald' After Two Episodes

Weaker audience shares among 14–49‑year‑olds prompted ZDF to cancel the series, commissioning four new 'Einfach Elli' films in response.

Overview

  • ZDF confirmed it will not commission a second season of Die Maiwald and thanked the production team for the two 90‑minute films that aired.
  • The broadcaster said the decision followed a head‑to‑head ratings comparison with sister series Einfach Elli, which delivered higher total viewers and stronger young‑viewer shares.
  • Die Maiwald drew roughly 3.0 million viewers for the first film and 2.87 million for the second, with market shares of about 6.1% and 4.1% in the key 14–49 age group.
  • Einfach Elli has been renewed for a follow‑up run of four films that are in production, giving that format a larger place in ZDF’s Thursday home‑genre slot.
  • The two Die Maiwald films remain available in the ZDF‑Mediathek; the series was produced by Polyphon Film and starred Doris Schretzmayer as veterinarian Johanna Maiwald in the Salzburger Land.