Apple TV+ has officially announced the highly anticipated premiere date for its first German-language series, “Where’s Wanda?”. This groundbreaking series is set to debut globally on Wednesday, October 2, with the initial rollout including the first two episodes. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly, every Wednesday, culminating in the finale on November 13.
The series, which comprises eight episodes in total, is described as a dark comedy. “Where’s Wanda?” is a bold and inventive production brought to life by UFA Fiction, a notable production company under the Fremantle umbrella. The stellar cast features a host of celebrated and award-winning talents. International Emmy Award nominee Heike Makatsch and German Comedy Award winner Axel Stein lead the cast, portraying the central characters, Dedo and Carlotta Klatt. The line-up also includes award-winning actress Lea Drinda, who plays their missing daughter Wanda, newcomer Leo Simon, entrepreneur, actress, and author Nikeata Thompson, as well as presenter and actress Palina Rojinski. Additional notable cast members include Kostja Ullmann and rising star Harriet Herbig-Matten, with Devid Striesow, Jasmin Shakeri, and Joachim Król rounding out the ensemble.
The core narrative of “Where’s Wanda?” centers around the emotional and gripping story of the Klatt family. Dedo and Carlotta (played by Stein and Makatsch) are thrust into a harrowing journey as they search for their 17-year-old daughter Wanda, who has vanished without any clues months earlier. Despite extensive efforts, the police are unable to uncover any leads. Driven by frustration and despair, the family decides to take the investigation into their own hands. With the technical expertise of their son Ole (portrayed by Simon), they procure surveillance devices and embark on a bold adventure, masquerading as employees of an electrical company. Their quest to find Wanda unveils a series of startling revelations as they discover that their seemingly ordinary neighbors harbor unexpected secrets.
“Where’s Wanda?” is shaped by the creative vision of Oliver Lansley, a Royal Television Society nominee, who serves as the series’ creator, writer, and executive producer.
. Nataly Kudiabor and Sebastian Werninger, both of whom are multiple award-winning executive producers, collaborate with Lansley. Zoltan Spirandelli, who formulated the original story, co-creates the series alongside Lansley. Direction for the series comes from acclaimed and award-winning filmmakers Christian Ditter and Tobi Baumann, with Ditter also wearing the hat of executive producer.
Notably, the announcement of “Where’s Wanda?” also marks the launch of Apple TV+’s second German-language original series, KRANK Berlin, a gritty hospital drama headlined by Haley Louise Jones. This strategic move signifies Apple TV+’s commitment to global storytelling and bringing diverse narratives to a broad audience.
UFA Fiction’s involvement highlights the high production values and compelling storytelling synonymous with the company. The unique blend of dark humor and dramatic suspense in “Where’s Wanda?” promises to offer a viewing experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Apple TV+’s endorsement of this series underscores its intent to capture diverse markets and cater to international tastes.
Apple TV+ continues to expand its repertoire of global content, appealing to a wide-eyed viewership with varied linguistic backgrounds. By introducing series like “Where’s Wanda?”, the platform not only diversifies its content but also shines a spotlight on talented actors and creators from different parts of the world. The international rollout of such series reflects Apple TV+’s broader strategy to offer high-quality, localized content that resonates universally.
The global premiere on October 2 sets the stage for Apple TV+’s audiences to dive into the intense and intimate world of the Klatt family. Fans and new viewers alike can look forward to a compelling exploration of familial bonds, personal secrets, and the lengths one might go to uncover the truth.
As the curtains rise on “Where’s Wanda?”, viewers worldwide will embark on a thrilling journey marked by suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. This series is poised to be a notable addition to Apple TV+’s growing slate of international content, reinforcing the platform’s position as a purveyor of quality global entertainment.
