Anixe+, often written as ANIXE+, is a German free-to-air television channel with a distinctive place in the country’s broadcasting landscape. It is known for its focus on classic series, documentaries, lifestyle programs, religious content, and infomercials, catering especially to a mature audience. Although relatively small compared to Germany’s major private broadcasters, Anixe+ stands out as an independent, owner-managed network with a clear identity and innovative technical expertise. Over the years, it has combined traditional linear programming with modern digital solutions, ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing media environment.
Origins and Development
The history of Anixe+ goes back to 2006, when its parent broadcaster first launched as Anixe HD, the first free-to-air television station in Germany that broadcast exclusively in high definition. This was an ambitious start, as HD technology was still in its infancy in German households. In 2008, a standard-definition sister channel, Anixe SD, was introduced to reach audiences who did not yet have HD-ready equipment.
For several years, the Anixe brand positioned itself as a family-friendly channel, offering a wide mix of children’s shows, documentaries, sports, and general entertainment. By the early 2010s, however, the broadcaster shifted its strategy, focusing increasingly on “Best Agers”, the over-50 audience segment that was often overlooked by larger entertainment networks.
A major reorganization came in 2016, when the main HD channel was relaunched as Anixe HD Serie, with a strong emphasis on classic TV dramas and series. The SD channel continued as a parallel outlet. Finally, in July 2019, the SD feed was discontinued and replaced by Anixe+, a high-definition only service that combined entertainment, faith-based programming, shopping, and documentaries under a refreshed brand.
Ownership and Structure
Anixe+ is operated by ANIXE HD Television GmbH & Co. KG, an independent, privately owned company based in Munich. Unlike most German private broadcasters, which belong to large media conglomerates such as ProSiebenSat.1 or RTL Group, Anixe+ remains under owner management. Its managing director and sole shareholder is Emmanouil Lapidakis, who has guided the company through its digital transformations and brand relaunches. This independence allows Anixe+ to pursue a distinct programming philosophy without the pressures of mass-market competition.
Programming and Content
Audience Focus
The channel’s programming is designed primarily for older adults, especially those aged fifty and above. This demographic, sometimes called “Best Agers,” is loyal to television but also increasingly open to digital access through smart TVs and streaming platforms. Anixe+ offers them a blend of nostalgic entertainment and lifestyle content that feels both familiar and informative.
Core Programming Blocks
The Anixe+ schedule can be divided into several categories:
- Classic Series and Fictional Entertainment
The channel broadcasts a wide range of drama series from Germany and abroad. Popular titles have included German productions like SK Kölsch, HeliCops, and Ein Bayer auf Rügen. International shows such as Anger Management have also appeared, ensuring variety. These programs are typically older but digitally restored to high technical standards. - Documentaries and Travel Features
Documentaries are a major part of the daytime lineup, covering topics such as wildlife, history, and global travel. Programs like Wildlife Nannies, ANIXE auf Reisen, and Myths of History provide both entertainment and education. Travel features are particularly appealing to the channel’s audience, many of whom are retirees interested in exploring new cultures. - Religious and Spiritual Content
Faith-based programming forms a recognizable part of the daily schedule, with shows like Missionswerk Karlsruhe and Arche TV. These programs provide moral guidance, sermons, and Christian teaching, giving Anixe+ a character not typically found on commercial entertainment channels. - Infomercials and Teleshopping
Shopping segments are integrated throughout the schedule, especially during morning and daytime slots. Popular formats include coin collections, jewelry presentations, and lifestyle products. While commercial in nature, these blocks contribute significantly to the channel’s financing. - Lifestyle and Magazines
Beyond fiction and documentaries, Anixe+ includes lifestyle magazines that cover consumer advice, leisure activities, and cultural trends. These shows add a lighter, practical dimension to the programming grid.
A Typical Broadcast Day
A typical weekday on Anixe+ begins in the early morning with religious shows that provide spiritual reflections and teaching. By mid-morning, infomercials and shopping segments dominate the schedule, targeting an at-home audience. From late morning into the afternoon, the focus shifts to travel documentaries, wildlife features, and cultural programs, often repeated in cycles throughout the week. Evenings are reserved for fictional entertainment such as crime dramas, sitcoms, or nostalgic German series. Late-night programming typically returns to a mix of lifestyle shows and shopping.
This structure creates a consistent rhythm, appealing to viewers who enjoy routine and predictability, while also offering enough variety to keep the schedule dynamic.
Technical Capabilities and Studios
One of Anixe’s distinguishing features is its strong technical infrastructure. The company operates its own production and post-production facility, ANIXE Studios, which is equipped with THX, Dolby, and dts-certified audio technology. The studio specializes in the restoration and digitization of older content, particularly from 35mm film prints. This expertise allows Anixe+ to broadcast classic series and films in high quality, often upgraded to modern widescreen formats.
The channel has been involved in notable restoration projects, such as reworking the beloved children’s classics Pippi Longstocking and Michel from Lönneberga. Documentaries and wildlife films have also been remastered, ensuring that nostalgic programming meets contemporary viewing standards.
Digital Presence and Innovation
While its core audience is loyal to traditional television, Anixe+ has invested heavily in digital distribution. The channel is available not only via satellite and cable but also through IPTV services, streaming apps, and HbbTV technology. The “Red Button” function on smart TVs grants viewers access to an extended media library, allowing on-demand access to documentaries, travel features, and series episodes.
A unique feature of Anixe+ is its linear-to-VOD algorithm, which automatically offers viewers personalized recommendations based on their viewing history. This early form of content personalization reflects the broadcaster’s ambition to blend traditional TV with modern user habits.
The channel also maintains a presence on social media platforms and offers livestreaming through its website and dedicated app. By doing so, it ensures relevance among younger segments of its target audience, such as middle-aged adults who increasingly consume television content on tablets and smartphones.
Market Reach and Position
Anixe+ is a free-to-air channel accessible to around 28 million households in Germany, which equals about 75 percent of the technical reach nationwide. Despite this wide technical availability, its actual audience share is modest, typically fluctuating between 0.1 and 0.5 percent. Rather than competing head-to-head with mass-market giants like RTL, ProSieben, or ZDF, Anixe+ has chosen to occupy a niche role. Its combination of nostalgia, religious programming, and shopping makes it a recognizable brand for its specific audience, even if it rarely features in mainstream TV ratings.
Comparison with Other German Channels
In the German media landscape, Anixe+ is unusual. Most private broadcasters focus heavily on advertising-driven entertainment designed for younger audiences. Public broadcasters like ARD and ZDF, meanwhile, emphasize news, culture, and broad entertainment. Anixe+ fills a gap by focusing on older viewers, providing them with a familiar mix of family-oriented fiction, documentaries, and shopping opportunities. Its independence also allows more flexibility in scheduling compared to stations tied to large media groups.
Conclusion
Anixe+ is a small but distinctive player in Germany’s television environment. From its beginnings as the country’s first high-definition channel, it has evolved into a station that blends nostalgia, lifestyle, spirituality, and commerce. Its commitment to technical quality, shown in its restoration of classic films and series, sets it apart from many competitors. While its market share remains modest, Anixe+ has carved out a secure place as a special-interest channel for loyal viewers who value comfort, routine, and accessible entertainment.
By maintaining independence, embracing digital distribution, and continuing to invest in high-quality restoration and programming, Anixe+ demonstrates how a niche broadcaster can thrive in a media world dominated by large corporations. For Germany’s “Best Ager” audiences, it remains a reliable companion, combining the warmth of classic television with the convenience of modern digital access.
