Markets

Disney+ has selected Series Mania as the global launch platform for its highly anticipated new drama “The Testaments”, which will open the 2026 edition with a world premiere screening in Lille.. Showrunner Bruce Miller — known for “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Eureka” — will attend alongside members of the creative team.

2026 Editorial Trends
In a contracting market marked by fewer commissions, shorter formats and reduced episode orders, 2026 signals a shift toward tighter editorial positioning and high-impact storytelling.
This year’s selection highlights:
• Greater narrative precision and contained storytelling
• Strong engagement with political and societal instability
• Increased cross-border European collaboration
• Europe’s consolidation as a key production hub for global platforms

Among the dominant thematic currents, the rise of fascism stands out as a recurring focus. Through historical revisitations and speculative fiction, creators examine how individuals respond to authoritarianism — whether through resistance, collaboration or exile.

Several titles also explore masculinities in crisis or transformation, while foregrounding complex female protagonists and narratives of collective and individual struggle. At the same time, genre and comedy provide tonal counterpoints, using absurdity and humor as tools of critique.

International Momentum
The 2026 edition underscores sustained strength across key European territories:
• United Kingdom: Two series in International Competition and three in International Panorama Competition
• Flemish Belgium: Two series in International Panorama Competition
• Poland: Two series in International Panorama Competition
• Juries And Awards

The International Competition Jury will award the Grand Prize, Best Script, Best Actress and Best Actor. The International Panorama Competition Jury will be chaired by acclaimed French graphic novelist Pénélope Bagieu and includes Italian director and screenwriter Enrico Maria Artale, Norwegian producer Synnøve Hørsdal, French comedian and filmmaker Thomas Ngijol, and Czech producer Kamila Zlatusková. The jury will present awards for Best Series, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Actor.

A Student Jury will also award a Best Series Prize, while an International Press Jury will present the French Competition awards for Best Series, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Original Score in partnership with SACEM.

Series Mania Forum: Industry At A Crossroads
Against a backdrop of market fragility and rapid structural transformation, the Series Mania Forum will convene more than 5,000 industry professionals — including producers, broadcasters, platforms, investors and creative talent — from 75 countries.

Through high-level keynotes from major players including Fremantle, Disney and Showtime, alongside panels, pitching sessions and residencies, the Forum continues to drive international cooperation across development, co-production, financing and distribution.

Key initiatives include:
• Co-Pro Pitching Sessions featuring 15 projects seeking international financing, with a €50,000 development award
• Shoot The Book, connecting producers with literary properties for adaptation
• Buyers Upfront and Coming Next From, focused on content acquisition strategies
• The Forum will conclude with the Lille Dialogues, an international summit addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges under the 2026 theme, The New Alliances.
• Korea will serve as the inaugural Country of Honour.