Potsdam, January 27, 2026: The RTL series GUTE ZEITEN, SCHLECHTE ZEITEN (GZSZ), produced by UFA Serial Drama in Potsdam-Babelsberg, once again tackles a socially relevant topic: Bulimia. The eating disorder of the character Lilly Seefeld, played by Iris Mareike Steen, returns with a new storyline – many years after the highly acclaimed story from 2013. For a responsible and realistic realization, the production has once again worked together with Dick & Dünn e. V. Beratungszentrum bei Ess-Störungen in Berlin. To accompany the broadcast, GZSZ is working with the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG) to raise awareness of eating disorders throughout Germany. The aim is to raise awareness, break down prejudices and make it easier for those affected to access help.

The story at a glance: Lilly, played by Iris Mareike Steen, is confronted with numerous emotionally stressful events within a short space of time. To avoid being overwhelmed by her feelings, she takes refuge in her work as a doctor. But repression comes at a price: sleepless nights, nightmares and increasing overload cause her to lose control. Step by step, old patterns of behavior slip back into the foreground – until it becomes clear: Lilly experiences a relapse, bulimia is back. The story illustrates that eating disorders can reappear even after long periods of stability, especially in extreme situations.

Katja Bäuerle, producer of GZSZ (UFA Serial Drama): “Lilly’s bulimia story reached many viewers back in 2013. The continuation provides a differentiated view of the long-term course of an eating disorder. Thanks to the collaboration with Dick & Dünn and the Federal Institute of Public Health, we can tell the story in a professional and sensitive way for a broad audience.”

Christiane Ghosh, RTL Executive Producer: “Eating disorders are still very much a taboo subject. With this story, we want to show that relapses can be part of an illness – and how important it is to take warning signs seriously and accept support.”

Dr. Johannes Nießen, Acting Director of the Federal Institute of Public Health: “Eating disorders are serious illnesses and require prompt professional treatment. The good news is that eating disorders are treatable, but the road to recovery can take months to years. The earlier those affected receive support, the better their chances of recovery. It is therefore important to seek help as soon as the first signs of an eating disorder appear. The Federal Institute of Public Health offers comprehensive information on this and refers to suitable support services – from counseling and therapy to aftercare – both for those affected and their relatives.”

Iris Mareike Steen, actress: “I think it’s very important that we take up this topic again. Eating disorders affect an incredible number of people – even in my own environment. It was important to me to show that old patterns can reappear even after many years in extreme situations.” Looking back at the first storyline from 2013, the actress adds: “What immediately comes to mind are the many messages from viewers. I was particularly moved by the fact that many wrote that they had sought help afterwards. If our stories encourage people to confide in someone, that’s very valuable.” She also says about the current realization: “I have great respect for this story. The first relapse brought back old memories during filming. This makes it all the more important for me to tell this story seriously and responsibly.”

Accompanying educational offers

The TV storyline is supported by additional measures:

• Interviews and background reports, including with Iris Mareike Steen and experts on RTL.de and in RTL formats
• Social media content to raise awareness of eating disorders and possible warning signals on the format channels of the series, RTL and UFA
• Information and advice provided by the Federal Institute of Public Health

About the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG)

BIÖG develops nationwide strategies for health promotion and prevention. One focus is on educating people about mental health and supporting those affected and their environment in the area of eating disorders.

Information and counseling services of the Federal Institute for Mental Health and Eating Disorders:

• Information and offers of help: https://essstoerungen.bioeg.de/
• Free brochures and materials: https://shop.bioeg.de/themen/psychische-gesundheit/psychische-belastungen-und-erkrankungen/

GUTE ZEITEN, SCHLECHTE ZEITEN is a production of UFA Serial Drama for RTL. Katja Bäuerle is the producer. Line producer is Christina Vogel-Froehlich. Co-producers are Katrin Birkner, Christine Melzer and Christian Schönfeld. RTL’s executive producer is Christiane Ghosh, the editors are Christina Pachutzki and Luisa Schnicker. The early evening classic runs Monday to Friday at 7:40 p.m. on RTL and at any time one week in advance on RTL+. GZSZ is produced in UHD and broadcast on RTL UHD.

About UFA SERIAL DRAMA

UFA bundles its activities in the program genres of serial drama and fiction as well as show, factual and documentary under one roof. The core business of UFA Serial Drama is the development and production of serial formats: With GUTE ZEITEN, SCHLECHTE ZEITEN, the company established the first and still most successful daily series on the German TV market in 1992. This was followed by UNTER UNS in 1994 and ALLES WAS ZÄHLT in 2006. Other formats that the company has produced in recent years include SPOTLIGHT (since 2016), NACHTSCHWESTERN, LENßEN ÜBERNIMMT, VERBOTENE LIEBE – NEXT GENERATION, EVEN CLOSER – HAUTNAH, IRGENDWAS MIT MEDIEN and spin-offs of the successful GUTE ZEITEN, SCHLECHTE ZEITEN brand such as SUNNY, NIHAT and LEON. The latest formats from UFA SERIAL DRAMA include LENßEN HILFT and UFERPARK – GUTE ZEITEN, WILDE ZEITEN, a GZSZ format for the younger target group. The longevity of the series and the company’s innovative strength make UFA Serial Drama the market leader in its segment. UFA Serial Drama is managed by Markus Brunnemann.

Press contacts UFA Serial Drama:

Janine Friedrich
Head of Communications

janine.friedrich@ufa.dePhone: +49 331 70 60 379

Caroline Frenzel,
Manager Public Relations

caroline.frenzel@ufa.dePhone: +49 331 70 60 381

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The press release as PDF for download: