Sky Deutschland will no longer create its own original drama and will pull out of scripted originals from 2024.
Staff were informed of the plans by Sky Deutschland CEO Devesh Raj on Thursday, in a memo first seen by the US entertainment trade Variety. Shows already in production, such as post-apocalypse drama Helgoland 513 and the fourth season of Das Boot, will finish filming, however it seems unlikely that titles currently under development will proceed.
The team at Sky Deutschland have also been responsible for critically acclaimed dramas Babylon Berlin and Munich Games.
In October last year it emerged Sky Deutschland’s US parent company Comcast was considering a sale for the German business, valuing the unit at around €1 billion. Canal+ is one name that has been linked with a possible acquisition.
Meanwhile, the Sky Deutschland decision looks unlikely to impact on the slate of shows coming out of the UK, including Gangs of London, Dreamland, I Hate Suzie and Breeders.
Sky becomes the latest broadcaster to reduce its commitment to originals. In July last year HBO said it would halt production in several European countries, including in Central Europe and Eastern Europe.
There has also been pullback in the United States as streamers face growing competition and the impact of the Cost of Living crisis.
