Observed Signal · Jun 9, 2026 · Award · Source: DWDL · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
HBO Max Exec Anke Greifeneder Wins Disruptor Award
Anke Greifeneder, Vice President Original Productions GSA & France at Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO Max), received the Deadline German TV Disruptor Award at the Seriencamp in Cologne. In a fireside chat hosted by Max Goldbart, Greifeneder discussed HBO Max's programming strategy for Germany — focusing on character-driven, edgy local IP — and previewed upcoming projects including a '4 Blocks' prequel (expected end of 2026) and a German-language adaptation 'Struwwelpeter' by Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar (expected mid-2027). She emphasized taking creative risks, seeking young creative voices, and building regionally grounded series with international appeal. The article was published on DWDL.de on 2026-06-09.
Coverage of HBO Max's German programming strategy and award recognition is of limited direct relevance to AdTech; it may matter to advertisers and CTV buyers monitoring streaming content slate but does not report on ad monetization or platform-level ad products.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Anke Greifeneder is Vice President Original Productions GSA & France at Warner Bros. Discovery with a focus on HBO Max German productions.
- Greifeneder received the Deadline German TV Disruptor Award at the Seriencamp in Cologne; the presentation included a fireside chat hosted by Max Goldbart.
- HBO Max plans a '4 Blocks' prequel expected to air end of 2026 and a German-language adaptation 'Struwwelpeter' by Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar expected mid-2027.
- Greifeneder stated HBO Max's German slate will prioritise 'character-driven and edgy' formats and is actively seeking younger creative voices (Generation Z to Alpha).
- The article was published by Jan Freitag on DWDL.de on 2026-06-09.
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Anke Greifeneder Wins Deadline German TV Disruptor Award
Anke Greifeneder, Vice President Original Productions for HBO Max in the German-speaking region, was honoured with the German TV Disruptor Award by Deadline.com during the opening of the Seriencamp festival in Cologne. The award — presented by Deadline editor Max Goldbart — recognises individuals who have set significant impulses in the German television and streaming industry. Greifeneder, previously involved in developing early German pay-TV series at TNT Serie/TNT Comedy, was praised for her influence on German series production and mentioned ongoing projects such as the prequel “4 Blocks Zero.” The article notes Deadline’s three‑year media partnership with Seriencamp and references prior awardees Annette Hess and Philipp Käßbohrer.
HBO Max now bookable via Deutsche Telekom MagentaTV
Deutsche Telekom now offers HBO Max as an add-on to its MagentaTV platform. Customers can choose from six subscription options, ranging from one month to twelve months, with a price advantage for the annual plan. The launch coincides with the release of the German original production '4 Blocks Zero' on HBO Max. Telekom's TV chief Arnim Butzen highlighted the addition of a major streaming service to MagentaTV's lineup, while Matthias Heinze, SVP Commercial at Warner Bros. Discovery GSA, emphasized the partnership's goal to make premium streaming more accessible. HBO Max has been available in Germany since the beginning of the year and combines content from HBO, Warner Bros., DC Universe, and Discovery.
Disney Germany ramps up content and rebrands TV channel
The Walt Disney Company is intensifying its presence in Germany with a renewed slate of local programming for Disney+ and a rebranding of its free-to-air channel. After a long gap in German originals, Disney+ will launch three local shows in quick succession—the dystopian vampire series City of Blood (Sept 16), the reality soap Yacht Deals Monaco (two weeks later) and the historical dramedy Vienna Game (in November). The article notes the departure of Benjamina Mirnik-Voges, VP Original Productions for Disney+ in the German-speaking region, whose role remains unfilled. At the Screenforce Festival, Disney announced that the Disney Channel will be renamed Disney TV by year-end to position the linear channel as a broader showcase for paid Disney+ content and to unlock additional advertising budgets via Disney Advertising in Germany while keeping restrictions around children's programming.
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