This year’s Series Mania was introduced to a new kind of police procedural on Wednesday, one that blends scenic backdrops, cross-cultural tension and a surprising amount of heart.
“Weiss & Morales,” a Spanish-German co-production from RTVE and ZDF, showcased its vibrant tone and compelling characters in a sneak peek and panel hosted by Variety, featuring lead actors Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Katia Fellin, ZDF commissioner Laura Mae Harding and RTVE director of film and fiction José Pastor.
Set against the striking volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, the series follows Nina Weiss (Fellin), a German BKA investigator, who unexpectedly partners with local Civil Guard Sergeant Raúl Morales (Silvestre) to solve crimes among locals and the German expat community. Each episode features a new case, but the true heart of the show lies in the evolving relationship between its central characters and the vibrant world around them.
A Friendship Over Fireworks
At the core of “Weiss & Morales” is the refreshing choice to avoid stereotypical sexual tension in favor of emotional depth and friendship. Silvestre praised this creative risk.
“They didn’t want the approach between me and Nina to be sexually driven… It’s about empathy and getting a nice friendship,” he said. “That is risky from a production standpoint because desire, sex, or violence are often safe bets. But this feels more real to me—and more engaging as a viewer.”
Fellin echoed this sentiment, explaining that their characters clash not over passion, but over methods and worldviews.
“At the beginning, she seems like the proper German, very by-the-book,” Fellin explained. “She believes in proof, in black-and-white. But through Raúl, she learns to read people, to trust intuition.”
This “odd couple” chemistry becomes a major source of charm and sometimes comedy in the show, with Silvestre admitting, “At the beginning, she drives [my character] crazy. But we realize in the end that working together, we make the perfect one.”
Characters Rooted in Reality
Both lead actors stressed the grounded nature of their roles. Nina Weiss, as described by Fellin, is shaped by her multicultural past and upbringing in a hippie commune on La Gomera. Though she now lives a rigid and structured life, her roots are freer and more unconventional.
“She learned to think out of the box,” said Fellin. “She’s in a male-dominated profession, and she had to work harder to be taken seriously. Her methods are precise, almost mathematical. But emotionally, she’s still learning to open up.”
Silvestre, too, connected deeply with Raúl Morales, describing him as a product of life’s “grey zone.”
“What I admire about the producers is they’re not into showing decorated drama,” he said. “They embrace complexity. And I love playing someone who represents real people with real problems, someone whose emotional range includes showing vulnerability.”
He added that embracing his character’s “feminine energy” was a powerful and timely choice, especially in an era when social media pressures young people to conform to rigid identities.
“It’s nice to be sincere about the energy we have inside, which is both.”
A New Model for Co-Production
The show represents a new gold standard for European co-productions. Rather than a financial patchwork, the partnership between Spain’s RTVE and Germany’s ZDF feels organic and essential to the story’s DNA. That’s no accident, as both Harding and Pastor explained during the panel.
“This is a best-in-class example of co-production,” Harding said. “It feels authentic, not manufactured. It has this place of longing, but it’s also close to the audience.”
Pastor highlighted the strategic value in co-productions that retain exclusive rights for each national broadcaster, especially in the fiercely competitive streaming era.
“It’s difficult to get a 50/50 production,” he admitted. “But in this case, it’s so balanced. The German and Spanish elements are so well integrated. Hopefully, if it works in Spain, we’ll continue to explore this line of financing together.”
Harding also noted that audiences are shifting away from dark, gritty procedurals and craving shows with heart, humor and light.
“There’s a hunger for a different tonality,” she said. “’Weiss & Morales’ gives you that. You want to spend time with these characters—not because they’re broken, but because they’re human.”
Nature as the Third Lead
One of the most striking features of “Weiss & Morales” is its setting. The Canary Islands aren’t just a backdrop, they’re a character. From volcanic cliffs to ocean-view cafés, the show leans into the islands’ natural drama.
“There’s light in the show,” said Pastor. “It makes a difference against the rest of the genre. You get a different flavor. It’s not urban crime scenes; it’s volcanic landscapes, the sea, and the Canary accent. It makes the series more attractive and unique.”
Fellin put it simply, “Nature is our third protagonist.”
The show was shot across 60 locations, capitalizing on the islands’ cinematic variety.
Language and Accessibility
The series’ bilingual nature posed a challenge. While about 85% of the show is in Spanish, there are significant German portions. Harding acknowledged the complexities of language in international TV, explaining, “In Germany, we still dub everything. But we’re trying to keep more of the original language in this case, to preserve the DNA of the show.”
Spain is following a similar approach, with Pastor explaining that while younger audiences may be comfortable with subtitles, older viewers are not. Dubbing remains the most effective way to reach domestic audiences.
A Bright Future?
The first season has yet to air, but the question of renewal is already on the table. According to Silvestre and Pastor, RTVE has begun airing promotional materials, and an official release is expected soon.
“We’re optimistic,” Pastor said. “If it connects with the audience, there’s no reason not to continue.”
The show’s format of feature-length episodes of around 85 minutes also works in its favor. As Harding noted, “It feels like a film experience. You come with a different attitude to the slot.”
Finally, to symbolize the show’s upbeat energy, “Weiss & Morales” will sponsor the closing party at Series Mania.
With its fresh tone, rich characters and stunning setting, “Weiss & Morales” looks set to become a sunlit standout in the world of European crime dramas.
