European broadcasters ready two-part historical drama miniseries Agnes

Agnes is a story of spiritual awakening and personal transformation

Czech TV, Slovak TV and NDR/Arte in Germany are on board historical drama miniseries Agnes, set in 13th-century Central Europe, which is being distributed by ZDF Studios (ZDFS).

The series is produced by Karla Stojáková and Pavel Berčík (Film Kolektiv/Axman Production), co-developed and co-written by German director Dagmar Knöpfel and directed by Czech director Lenka Wimmerová, with a script by Czech writer Tereza Brdečková.

The two-parter tells the story of Princess Agnes of Bohemia, a royal born into a world of political alliances and dynastic expectations. Defying her fate, Agnes renounces marriage and power to enter a convent and dedicate her life to helping the poor and sick.

Her journey is one of spiritual awakening, political defiance, and personal transformation, making her a timeless symbol of freedom, compassion and women’s empowerment, ZDFS said.

The miniseries explores themes of gender equality, social justice and moral courage, drawing parallels between medieval and modern struggles. Agnes of Bohemia, canonised just before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, remains a revered figure in both religious and feminist circles.

Shot in Czech, the production features a cast including Eliška Křenková as Agnes, Jaroslav Plesl as inquisitor Marburg or Marián Mitaš as Emperor Friedrich.

Mirela Nastase, director of drama at ZDFS, said: “Agnes is a deeply moving and visually stunning series that brings to life the story of a woman far ahead of her time. Her courage, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice resonate powerfully today. We are thrilled to bring this exceptional project to international audiences.”

Stojáková said: “With Agnes, we wanted to tell a story that has long been missing from our screens – a story of courage, compassion, and conviction from a female perspective.

“While many historical dramas focus on male heroes, Agnes is different. The story of a unique female heroine protagonist based on the real historical character. It offers a poetic yet unflinching look at the Middle Ages through the eyes of a woman who dared to defy the roles imposed on her.

“Agnes of Bohemia’s journey, from royal pawn to visionary leader, is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to live a meaningful, socially engaged life. Her story is not only historically significant, but urgently relevant today.”