March 25, 2026
From psychological thrillers to emotional family drama: New8 unveils new titles at Series Mania
Eight broadcasters. Eight new stories. And one shared ambition for European drama. After VRT and seven other public broadcasters announced earlier this year that they are extending their successful co‑production model, the partners now unveil the latest slate of drama titles, marking three years of close collaboration.
At the prestigious Series Mania in Lille, New8 - the European drama collaboration uniting SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), RÚV (Iceland), NRK (Norway), VRT (Flanders/Belgium), NPO (The Netherlands) and ZDF (Germany) - presented eight new scripted projects. The announcement highlights the strength of the collaboration and the continued commitment to sustainably co-producing high-quality drama rooted in shared public service values.
VRT introduces psycological drama Hunters
VRT's new series, Hunters, tells the story of an elite special intervention unit as a wave of terror sweeps across Europe, pushing them to their absolute limits. As pressure mounts, their confidence and certainties start to falter. When a psychologist steps in to help, one question rises to the surface: is vulnerability a weakness, or a hidden strength?
The series is directed by Mathieu Mortelmans and based on the book Terrorist Hunter - In the Heart of the Special Units by Lionel D. and Annemie Bulté. It is developed with close attention to historical accuracy. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are its artistic producers, known for Hollywood hits Bad Boys for Life (2020) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), along with the drama Rebel (2022).
Wim Janssen, Head of Drama at VRT: “With Hunters, we create drama that tells us something about yesterday's world and, in doing so, about today's as well. Much like series such as 1985 and Breendonk. We reveal who is behind the masks of the squad team: trained to stop violence, yet at the same time people of flesh and blood. Their story reflects a world that is growing increasingly harsh and raises a question that concerns us all: is there still room for humanity and vulnerability - and can we learn from that? Thanks to New8, this question also resonates internationally.”
Hunters is a production of Versus, Los Morros and Caviar, for VRT and in coproduction with RTBF. Fremantle handles the international distribution. The series is supported by the Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government, VAF, Screen Flanders, Screen Brussels, Creative Europe Development Slate, HBO MAX and the distributor Fremantle. Written by Mathieu Mortelmans, Domenica La Porta and Chloe Devicq, directed by Mathieu Mortelmans.
Hunters is the third drama production by VRT in the New8 collaboration. It is preceded by This is not a murder mystery, a visually stunning whodunit, and the historical drama Breendonk, which will be broadcast on VRT later in 2026.
Shared perspectives and reflections
New8's 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.
Marianne Furevold, Head of Drama at NRK: "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. 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."
The new titles:
Harvest
(DR, Denmark)
Produced by DR Drama, original series written and directed by Martin Zandvliet.
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. Can the family overcome their internal strife and unite to ensure the farm's prosperity and the future of the family?
Red Light Empire
(NPO/VPRO, The Netherlands)
Produced by Lemming Film, written by Michael Leendertse and Sarah Offringa, directed by Tim Oliehoek.
In 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)
Produced by Deadpan Pictures, in coproduction with Studio Zentral, written by Sophie White, directed by Cathy Brady & Rachel Carey.
Chef Claire and her small team are just about to get their cooking channel on TikTok off the ground when Claire takes an ecstasy tablet at a party and suffers a severe psychotic episode.
Shadow of Guilt
(SVT, Sweden)
Produced by Creative Society, written by Jimmy Nivrén Olsson and Jessika Jankert, standalone series based on Camilla Läckbergs Fjällbacka-universe, directed by Lisa Farzaneh.
When the remains of Erica's childhood best friend, who disappeared more than twenty 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)
Produced by Rubicon Television, created and written by Karianne Lund, directed by Eirik Svensson.
"LIS" tells 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)
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.
PUSH, Season 2
(ZDF, Germany)
Produced by Bantry Bay Productions, created by Luisa Hardenberg, written by Luisa Hardenberg, Anne Katharina Roicke and Johannes Rothe, directed by Pia Hellenthal and Joya Thome.
The second season of PUSH once again tells stories of babies, overwhelmed parents, and the life-changing experience of giving birth. And of three midwives: 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.
Read more about the New8-collaboration here.
