ARD's successful telenovela – 20 years of "Storm of Love"

In the photo above: Fanny Schätzl (Johanna Graen) and Kilian Rudloff (Anthony Paul).

The first shot was taken on August 1, 2005, and the first episode aired on September 26 on Das Erste: Since then, “Sturm der Liebe” has established itself as a fixture on German television.

Two decades later, the telenovela produced by Bavaria Fiction an impressive record – and starts a new round with the 22nd season starting October 29, 2025.

4.400 episodes – success story from Bichlheim

With now over 4.400 broadcast episodesWith more than 347.000 written pages of script, around 12.200 kisses and 600 actors and actresses who brought the world around the fictional “Fürstenhof” to life, “Sturm der Liebe” is one of the most successful TV formats in Germany.

Originally, only 100 episodes were planned. Producer Peter Proske-Clayton is enthusiastic: "Today, two decades later, 'Sturm der Liebe' is an integral part of the German television landscape. The continued success and the enthusiasm of our fans motivate us to continue telling gripping stories that are in tune with the times!"

International success and millions of views 

The series not only delights domestic audiences, but has also been sold to 51 countries by Bavaria Media – including as “Tempesta d'amore” in Italy and “Le Tourbillon de l'Amour” in Belgium.

The format is also convincing digitally: 151 million views in 2024 in the ARD Mediathek demonstrate the continued strong interest – increasingly also among younger viewers.

Season 22 with Fanny and Kilian

At the start of the 22nd season, a new dream couple takes center stage: Fanny Schätzl (Johanna Graen), a down-to-earth gardener with a wounded soul, meets the charming chef Kilian Rudloff (Anthony Paul), who surprises her with his spontaneity and a perfectly prepared dessert.

But Kilian's family obligations put the new marriage to the test: He has to step in as a substitute groom for his brother Yannik so that Larissa can claim her inheritance. A challenge for Fanny, who after previous disappointments has to learn to trust again – even if her dream man marries someone else the next day.

“Storm of Love” remains a TV constant

With emotional depth, changing love couples and surprising twists, “Sturm der Liebe” remains an integral part of the German series landscape even after 20 years.

The new season, starting October 29, 2025, promises more romantic entanglements, suspense, and goosebump-inducing moments against the picturesque backdrop of the "Fürstenhof"...

Sierks Media / © Photo: ARD, Christof Arnold