New documentary series about HSV's promotion to the Bundesliga

Hamburger SV has finally made it: After seven years in the second division, the traditional club is back in the Bundesliga.

To mark the emotional comeback of the former Bundesliga dinosaur, ZDF is presenting a six-part documentary series titled "Always Hamburg – Hope. Pain. Connection."

The exclusive look behind the scenes is available from Friday, August 22, 2025, at the start of the new Bundesliga season available on the ZDF streaming portal.

A roller coaster ride in six acts

Produced by OMR Frames, the 190-minute documentary series tells the moving and dramatic story of HSV's rise to power.

From the derby defeat against FC St. Pauli in December 2023 to the celebrated 6-1 home win against SSV Ulm in May 2025 – the camera is always there. Up close, emotional, and unvarnished.

ZDF sports director Yorck Polus says of the production: "HSV's dramatic and lengthy rise to power brings with it everything that makes sports documentaries attractive: authentic insights into professional sports, close interaction with the protagonists, real football in all its facets."

Rise with a double happy ending

The return to the Bundesliga was celebrated twice in Hamburg: The HSV women's team also made the leap into the 1st league.

The club will thus write two success stories in 2025 – documented up close in “Always Hamburg”.

Prominent voices and powerful images

The documentary shows exclusive scenes and conversations with HSV decision-makers, including:

◉ Stefan Kuntz, European Champion of 1996 and new Sports Director since May 2024,
◉ Merlin Polzin, head coach since November 2024,
◉ Klaus-Michael Kühne, investor and shareholder of HSV Fußball AG and
◉ Former coach Tim Walter and his successor Steffen Baumgart.

Whether heated discussions on the board, emotional speeches in the locker room or the fateful turning points on the pitch – the documentary shows the full spectrum of professional football.

Conclusion

“Always Hamburg” is an emotional contemporary document about hope, setbacks and the unshakeable bond between city, club and fans.

For all HSV supporters and football fans, this is a must-attend event for the Bundesliga kick-off in 2025.

Sierks Media / © Photo: ZDF