Mainz – A new five-part ZDF documentary series explores the ‘History of Love’. It examines how love, desire and passion have always shaped relationships and influenced the course of history. The Renaissance, an era closely linked to Italy, receives particular attention.
Christoph Weber’s documentary offers intimate insights into cultural developments that influenced people then and still do today. It spans the Stone Age, antiquity and the Middle Ages through the early modern era to the present. It also examines how Renaissance artists discovered the beauty of the naked body and often created works for wealthy patrons who defied the Church’s moral taboos.
History of Love at a glance
| Channel and Date/Time | What's On |
|---|---|
| ZDF media library From Wednesday 23 December 2026, 5:00 | Five-part documentary series ‘History of Love’ |
| ZDFinfo Saturday 26 December 2026, from 20:15 | Five-part documentary series ‘History of Love’ |
As of DECEMBER 2026 – details according to ZDF communications; schedules may change.
‘History of Love’ is available in the ZDF media library from Wednesday 23 December 2026 at 5 o’clock. ZDFinfo will broadcast the five-part documentary on television from 20:15 on Saturday 26 December 2026. The production promises a broad look at the development of human affection and its social effects over millennia.
The series explores how ideas about love and sexuality changed through history and the roles played by social norms, religion and art. The Renaissance in Italy in particular provided fertile ground for new forms of expression and a changed view of the human body and passion.
Sources and Further Information
- ZDF press portal: ZDFinfo, „History of Love“ | Five-part documentary series by Christoph Weber (accessed on 03.11.2026)
