news / European Showrunner Think Tank 2026
SHOWRUNNING IN EUROPE – SPOTLIGHT ON KATHARINA EYSSEN
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
The latest edition of the European Showrunner Think Tank at TV Drama Vision in Gothenburg, the leading Nordic conference and marketplace dedicated to drama series!
This year we were delighted to welcome Katharina Eyssen, the acclaimed German writer and showrunner behind the Emmy award-winning hit series »The Empress«, whose third season is currently in production.
Celebrated for her nuanced character work and rich, emotionally layered storytelling, Eyssen has reimagined one of Europe’s most iconic historical figures for a global audience. »The Empress« quickly became one of Netflix’s most successful German-language series, praised for its cinematic scope, contemporary sensibility, and compelling portrayal of Empress Elisabeth’s world.
In this year’s masterclass, Eyssen explored the evolving craft of showrunning through the lens of historical drama. She reflected on the creative and logistical challenges of bringing a period world to life, the collaborative processes behind large-scale productions, and how she maintains a clear artistic vision while steering a series across multiple seasons. Her insights offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complex, high stakes role of showrunning in Europe today.
Presented in partnership with Göteborg Film Festival's »TV Drama Vision«.
Speaker: Katharina Eyssen | writer, showrunner | »The Empress« | Germany
Moderator: Marike Muselaers | VP International Financing & Coproductions at Nordisk Film Production (Denmark/Norway/Sweden) | Netherlands
You can view the recording of the session down below.