The beloved world of Sam & Julia, The Mouse Mansion is making its way onto German television. After charming readers and families around the world through books, plush toys, and creative playsets, Sam and Julia’s adventures can now be experienced on screen across Germany.
Streaming on ZDF.de began on October 27, 2025, with the first episodes available to watch for free. From November 28, 2025, the series will also air daily on KiKA, Monday to Sunday at 18:35, featuring two episodes each evening (except on December 31, 2025). The ZDF television broadcast will follow on January 4, 2026.
In 78 animated episodes, each seven minutes long, Sam & Julia invite viewers into their handmade miniature world, a place where friendship, curiosity, and kindness guide every adventure. From birthday parties to theater visits and exciting discoveries, each story captures the warmth and creativity that have made The Mouse Mansion a family favorite worldwide.
Karina Schaapman, creator of The Mouse Mansion, says:
“I created Sam and Julia to show children a world built on friendship, curiosity, and togetherness. Seeing this little handmade world come alive on screen and reaching children in so many countries, is a dream come true. It feels as though The Mouse Mansion has been born again, this time for everyone.”
Léon-Gilbert Hus, (Cielo Films), says: “From the very beginning, our goal was to bring the warmth, craftsmanship and emotional depth of The Mouse Mansion to life on screen. Every detail — from the handmade sets to the gentle storytelling — reflects the authenticity of Karina Schaapman’s world. We’re delighted that German audiences can now experience this universe and its spirit of friendship and curiosity in a whole new way.”
The animated series builds on the success of the internationally bestselling book series, created and crafted by Schaapman in Amsterdam. Entirely handmade from cardboard boxes, recycled materials, and vintage fabrics, the original Mouse Mansion serves as the setting for Sam and Julia’s stories. Today, it inspires families around the globe to create, imagine, and connect — whether through reading, crafting, or now watching.
Producers: Léon-Gilbert Hus – Fabien Baboz – Michael Knobloch – Holger Weiss
Associated Producers: Nicole Keeb (ZDF German Television Network) – Arne Lohmann (ZDF Studios GmbH) & Kate Forsdick– Charlotte Monsarrat – Ariel Askénazi
Based on the books
Karina Schaapman “The Mouse Mansion”
Maurits Rubinstein Editions
Music: Ludovic Loy
Directed by: Régis VIDAL
With support from CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée), Région Auvergne Rhône Alpes & ALCA, Région Nouvelle Aquitaine, Magelis & département de la Charente & CNC, Creative Europe MEDIA, MFG Baden-Württemberg
