Apple TV+ Debuts Dark Comedy "Where's Wanda?" as First German Series

Apple TV+ is set to release its inaugural German-language series, "Where's Wanda?", on October 2, 2024. This dark comedy explores the story of a family's quest to find their missing teenage daughter, while uncovering the hidden secrets of their seemingly idyllic town.

The series, which marks Apple TV+'s expansion into German-language content, features a blend of established actors and fresh talent. Axel Stein portrays Dedo Klatt, the father of the missing Wanda, while Heike Makatsch takes on the role of mother Carlotta. Newcomer Leo Simon plays their teenage son Ole, with Lea Drinda cast as the eponymous Wanda.

Despite its somber premise, "Where's Wanda?" aims to elicit laughter through its colorful cast of characters and situations that border on the absurd. Axel Stein commented on this unique approach, stating, "We have a very difficult topic, the disappearance of Wanda. And yet, of course, we still try to deal with it with funny situations or funny people."

The plot follows the Klatt family as they employ unconventional methods in their search for Wanda, who vanishes during a town festival. Their efforts include using surveillance cameras purchased from the dark web to spy on their neighbors in the fictional German town of Sundersheim. This investigation leads to the discovery of various secrets, some criminal, hidden behind the town's pristine façades.

Heike Makatsch, known for her role in "Love Actually," drew parallels between the show's setting and real-life communities, noting, "Especially in a place that presents particularly well-kept lawns and particularly uniform houses and particularly pretty facades to the outside world, there must be something behind it that perhaps undermines this picture."

The series has been compared to the American TV show "Twin Peaks" for its eerie undertones and exploration of small-town secrets. This blend of mystery, humor, and drama aligns with Apple TV+'s strategy of offering diverse, high-quality content to its subscribers.

Apple TV+, which entered the streaming market in November 2019, has rapidly expanded its original content library. The platform, now available in over 100 countries, has gained recognition for series like "Ted Lasso" and films such as "CODA," which made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022, a first for a streaming service.

With an estimated 40 million subscribers by the end of 2022, Apple TV+ has continued to invest in international content, including non-English language shows like "Where's Wanda?". The service offers ad-free, 4K HDR content and is accessible on various devices, not limited to Apple products.

"Where's Wanda?" will follow a weekly release schedule, with the first two episodes debuting on October 2, 2024, and subsequent episodes airing through November 13, 2024. This approach allows viewers to engage with the series over time, building anticipation for each new installment.

As Apple TV+ continues to expand its global footprint, "Where's Wanda?" represents a significant step in the platform's commitment to producing diverse, international content. The series not only showcases German talent but also demonstrates Apple TV+'s willingness to explore complex themes through innovative storytelling approaches.

"That was the basic concept of the series, that we have a very difficult topic, the disappearance of Wanda. And yet, of course, we still try to deal with it with funny situations or funny people."

With its unique blend of dark subject matter and humor, "Where's Wanda?" is poised to captivate audiences and further establish Apple TV+ as a major player in the competitive streaming landscape.