“Hunters,” backed by “Bad Boys” directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and “Harvest,” the latest from Oscar-nominated Martin Zandvliet (“Land of Mine”) both feature on a third slate of series presented at Series ManiA on Wednesday by New8, a collaboration of Northwestern Europe public broadcasters’ supporting co-production and distribution across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway. Other series come from Lemming Films, a co-producer on two-time Oscar nominated “The Secret Agent,” and “Still Breathing,” from “Occupied” writer Karianne Lund.
Extended earlier this year, New8 members include SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), RÚV (Iceland), NRK (Norway), VRT (Flanders/Belgium), NPO (the Netherlands) and ZDF (Germany).
“The unveiling highlights the strength of the collaboration and its continued commitment to sustainably co-producing high-quality drama rooted in shared public service values. That ambition is reflected in the breadth and diversity of the titles presented, all of which aim to nurture creative excellence while offering producers and creatives a stable and reliable financing framework,” New8 said in a statement.
“With the launch of Slate 3, we are doubling down on our commitment to stories that serve as a cornerstone for democracy. In a fragmented world, high-quality drama has the unique power to offer shared perspectives and spark the reflections we need to understand one another,” added Marianne Furevold, head of drama at Norway’s NRK, “After all, there is something wonderfully human about knowing that while we may speak different languages, we are all holding our breath at the very same plot twist. Through New8, we are not just co-producing content; we are reinforcing the human bonds that unite us across borders, ensuring that public service media remains a vital force for unity and insight.”
Sebastiaan Leeman, Head of Drama at NPO, commented: “New8 has proven to be a valuable addition to the European drama landscape, providing a wide range of critically acclaimed high quality drama for European viewers. Our partnership is truly unique and demonstrates the power of European broadcasters joining forces. We look forward to bringing the series of slate 3 to our audiences, with even more high end productions and stories that address culturally and socially relevant themes. All partners have renewed their commitment to New8 for three more years, and we will further strengthen our collaboration going forward.”
A closer look at New8’s Slate 3 new projects:
“Harvest” (DR, Denmark, 7 x 45 minutes)
Produced by DR Drama, an original series written and directed by Oscar nominated Martin Zandvliet (“Land of Mine”) and produced by Rikke Tørholm Kofoed (“Prisoner”). In a modern Danish farming family, the patriarch Gorm unexpectedly chooses to pass the family farm to his youngest daughter, Astrid. This causes a rift within the family, particularly angering the eldest son, Erik, who feels deeply betrayed.
“Hunters,” (VRT, Belgium, 6 x 52 minutes)
Produced by Versus, Los Morros and Caviar, in coproduction with RTBF. Written by Mathieu Mortelmans, Domenica La Porta and Chloe Devicq, directed by Mathieu Mortelmans. A deep dive into the lives of Belgian SWAT teams as the threat of the 2016 Brussels’ attacks kept growing. Based on the eponymous book by Lionel D. & Annemie Bulté, a six-part psychological action thriller produced by top production companies Versus (“Our Children”), Los Morros and Caviar (“Dead End”). A pioneering VRT-RTBF collaboration after “1985” and “Breendonk.”
“Push,” Season 2 (ZDF, Germany, 10 x 30 minutes)
Produced by Bantry Bay Productions, created by Luisa Hardenberg, written by Luisa Hardenberg, Anne Katharina Roicke and Johannes Rothe and directed by Pia Hellenthal and Joya Thome.
The second season of Push, narrating th pressured lives of three midwives – Nalan, Anna, and Greta – babies, overwhelmed parents, and the life-changing experience of giving birth. Here, says the synopsis, Nalan struggles with her unfulfilled desire for a child and with her relationship. Anna navigates single life and menopause. And Greta wrestles with the challenges of her dream job and her feelings for Dr. Mohn.
“Red Light Empire” (NPO, The Netherlands, 6 x 52 minutes)
Produced by Lemming Film, behind an extraordinary slate of international co-productions such as, recently, two-time Oscar nominated “The Secret Agent.” Here, Lemming teams with VPRO, on a series written by Michael Leendertse and Sarah Oringa, directed by Tim Oliehoek. In “Red Light Empire,” a neighborhood of Amsterdam that the authorities cannot get under control, a Jewish war orphan seizes his chance to build an empire of drugs, sex, and gambling that will not only shape the city’s global reputation but also define the modern Netherlands.
“Recipes For a Nervous Breakdown,” (ZDF, Germany, 8 x 30 minutes)
Presented at Berlin’s 2025 Co-Pro Series, and produced by Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures, in co-production with Studio Zentral, written by Sophie White, directed by Cathy Brady & Rachel Carey.Based on White’s novel and personal experience, chef Claire and her small team are just about to get their cooking channel on social media off the ground when Claire takes an ecstasy pill at a party and suffers from a severe psychotic episode.
“Shadow of Guilt” (SVT, Sweden, 6 x 45 minutes)
Produced by Creative Society, written by Jimmy Nivrén Olsson and Jessika Jankert, A standalone series based on Camilla Läckberg’s “Fjällbacka” universe, directed by Lisa Farzaneh.
The synopsis: “When the remains of Erica’s childhood best friend, who disappeared more than 20 years ago, are discovered, the cold case is reopened. Erica’s husband Patrik leads the investigation, but Erica’s distrust of the original police work, conducted by his mentor Gösta, creates deep fractures in their marriage. Driven by long-buried guilt, Erica launches her own parallel search for the truth, risking the exposure of painful secrets, shattered relationships, and the blurring of truth and obsession. This is not just a murder mystery: It is a story about guilt, memory, and the lifelong consequences of silence.”
“Still Breathing,” (NRK, Norway, 8 x 42 minutes)
Produced by Banijay’s Rubicon Television, created and written byKarianne Lund, directed by Eirik Svensson. Brought to market by DR Sales last year, the record of the quiet heroism of young doctors pushed to the limit in one of the world’s richest nations. “The story of Petra (26), fresh out of medical school, who has just begun her internship at a mid-sized Norwegian hospital. Together with her fellow interns Joakim, Sam, and Kissy, she is thrown into a job with long days, vulnerable patients, and complex medical cases. Petra strives to be the best doctor for her patients, but as demands and expectations from society and hospital management clash, determining what’s “best” grows increasingly challenging.”
“The Crashing,” (YLE, Finland, 6 x 50 minutes)
Produced by Bufo, written and directed by Anna Äärelä. A car crash caused by a hunter brings together the lives of four strangers. As they unravel the mystery behind the accident, they come together in a way they would never have imagined.
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