Observed Signal · May 8, 2026 · Production Start · Source: DWDL · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
ZDF and BBC Start Production of 'Hamburg Days' Series
ZDF and the BBC have begun filming the six-part drama series "Hamburg Days," which portrays the Beatles' early years in Hamburg and their relationship with a young German art scene. The series was conceived by Benjamin Benedict and is based on Klaus Voormann's autobiography; Voormann serves as an exclusive consultant. The main cast includes Rhys Mannion (John Lennon), Ellis Murphy (Paul McCartney) and Harvey Brett (George Harrison). Scripts are by Jamie Carragher, direction is by Christian Schwochow and Laura Lackmann, and music is produced by BAFTA-winning David Holmes. Production companies attached are W&B Television and Turbine Studios, with ZDF, BBC and AGC Television participating. No release date has been announced.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ZDF and the BBC are co-producing a six-part drama titled "Hamburg Days" about the Beatles' early years in Hamburg.
- Filming for "Hamburg Days" has started (production is underway).
- Cast: Rhys Mannion as John Lennon; Ellis Murphy as Paul McCartney; Harvey Brett as George Harrison; Louis Landau as Stu Sutcliffe; Patrick Gilmore as Pete Best; Luna Jordan as Astrid Kirchherr; Casper von Bülow as Klaus Voormann; Laura Tonke as Nielsa Kirchherr.
- Creative team: series idea by Benjamin Benedict; scripts by Jamie Carragher; directed by Christian Schwochow and Laura Lackmann; music by BAFTA-winning producer David Holmes; Klaus Voormann is an exclusive consultant.
- Producers / companies: produced by W&B Television and Turbine Studios; broadcasters/partners include ZDF, BBC and AGC Television. No broadcast/release date announced.
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ZDF and BBC Resume Filming on 'Hamburg Days'
The ZDF and the BBC have confirmed that filming has resumed on their co‑production 'Hamburg Days', a six‑episode series about the Beatles' early years. Production had been paused after the unexpected death of actress Luna Jordan, who was to play photographer Astrid Kirchherr; the role will now be taken by Lea Drinda. Shooting is currently in Hamburg and will continue in Munich and Liverpool, with filming expected to run through the end of August. The series was created from an idea by Benjamin Benedict, is based in part on the autobiography of German musician and artist Klaus Voormann, and lists Christian Schwochow as showrunner and Jamie Carragher as head writer. Producers include W&B Television and Turbine Studios.
ZDF to Air Miniseries 'Munich Beats' in August
ZDF announced broadcast and streaming dates for the four-part miniseries "München Beats," produced by Network Movie. The series will be available on ZDF's on-demand service from 7 August 2026; linear TV will air two episodes each on 26 and 27 August at 20:15. Set in 1990s Munich and inspired by the real-life transformation of the Pfanni factory site into Kunstpark Ost, the drama follows characters drawn into the emerging techno and club scene. Writers Christian Schnalke, Stefani Straka and Julie Fellmann penned the scripts and Mimi Kezele directed. The article also notes ZDF's scheduling for season five of "Doppelhaushälfte," streaming from 14 August and linear from 25 August on ZDFneo.
ZDF/BBC Series Pauses Filming After Luna Jordan's Death
Filming of the ZDF/BBC drama series "Hamburg Days" has been temporarily suspended following the sudden death of actress Luna Jordan, who was 25. Production companies W&B Television and Turbine Studios told news agency dpa they have paused work to prioritise the wellbeing of cast and crew while they consider how and when to resume. Jordan had already shot several days for the role of Astrid Kirchherr but had not completed the part. The series — showrun by Christian Schwochow and head-written by Jamie Carragher and based in part on Klaus Voormann's autobiography — features a cast including Rhys Mannion, Ellis Murphy and others. ZDF confirmed the temporary stop and expressed condolences to Jordan’s family.
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