Wedotv, a global free ad-supported streaming network, has announced a partnership with Germany’s ZDF Studios to create and distribute a dedicated FAST channel for the acclaimed South African drama series Legacy.
ZDF Studios, which already manages the series’ global distribution, showcased it at the MIPCOM 2023 event.
While many companies are turning to platforms like YouTube to build intellectual property (IP) and present data to streaming services, creating the single IP channel—wedotv: Legacy—reflects a different approach. Rather than starting with data from digital platforms, this channel is built around a well-established title. Premiering in 2020 on South Africa’s M-Net, a division of MultiChoice (now part of Canal Plus), “Legacy” revolves around a family’s tumultuous succession battle and has garnered a devoted following both in South Africa and internationally. The series aims to attract new audiences by venturing into the digital domain.
As M-Net’s inaugural telenovela, “Legacy” showcases a fresh pathway to success by blending high production values with telenovela storytelling, reminiscent of Spanish hits like “The Vow” and “Sueños de Libertad.” The series doesn’t shy away from its melodramatic roots, enriched by the creativity of its producers and the world they’ve crafted. “Legacy” is the brainchild of South African production powerhouse Tshedza Pictures, renowned for its International Emmy-nominated series “The River” and founded by Gwydon Beynon and Phathu Makwarela.
Set against a backdrop of luxury, “Legacy” follows the Price family and their patriarch, Sebastian Price, who has transformed Legacy Investments into a billion-dollar empire. The opulent family mansion, characterised by its white marble and picturesque gardens, is where drama unfolds as Sebastian grapples with succession decisions. The show’s gripping start sees him make and then retract choices regarding his successor, leading to his murder and igniting a fierce succession war involving his bitter ex-wife and ruthless daughter, Felicity.
“Legacy” received several accolades, including the Best Telenovela award at the 2021 SAFTA Awards. It features a diverse cast of South African talent, including Dawid Minnaar, Sean-Marco Vorster, and the late Michelle Botes, who received significant acclaim for her performance.
The award-winning series (104×45′) immerses viewers in the cutthroat realm of investment billionaires, where wealth knows no bounds, rivalries are intense, and family allegiance is perilous. As long-hidden secrets surface, we’re on TV, and ZDF Studios have joined forces to bring “Legacy” to a wider audience.
Philipp Rotermund, CEO of wedotv, remarked, “When ZDF Studios approached us with the idea of a dedicated channel for ‘Legacy,’ we were eager to ensure it embodies the key elements for a successful single IP channel: quality, quantity, storytelling, and proven audience engagement. ‘Legacy’ excels in all these areas, making it highly engaging and binge-worthy—crucial for keeping viewers within the platform, which is essential for advertisers.”
Florian Streit, Director of Drama at ZDF Studios, added, “Launching a channel like wedotv: ‘Legacy’ has significant advantages due to its built-in fan base. Single IP channels thrive because they resonate with viewers, and ‘Legacy’ is a long-running series that consistently delivers exceptional quality across all episodes.”
