David Hasselhoff in “Ze Network”: That’s how it was working with Henry Hübchen

The “Ze Network” format celebrates its premiere on the streaming portal. The series shot in Germany has a US star in the cast: David Hasselhoff (70). The “Baywatch” icon plays himself in the black humorous agent series. “I read the script six or seven times before I agreed,” says the 70-year-old in an interview with the news agency spot on news.

“I thought it was wonderful, but it was difficult at first to get used to playing David Hasselhoff and playing an actor at the same time.” As the series’ Executive Producer, Hasselhoff was able to bring his own ideas to the table and “have a say in what’s going to happen in the episodes,” he says, explaining his added motivation for becoming a part of the project.

In the series, Hasselhoff, who is only booked for guest appearances or commercials, mainly because of his name, wants to break new ground professionally with a leading role in the theater in Germany. Hasselhoff explains that in the real world the connection to Germany hasn’t broken since his hit single “Looking for Freedom” and the legendary performance on New Year’s Eve at the Berlin Wall in 1989. For more than 30 years he has always enjoyed coming to his fans in Germany, Austria and Switzerland – from March 2023 the musician can be seen there again on tour. The fact that the serial Hasselhoff is in the mood for a new challenge is not unfamiliar to the real one either. “I challenge myself every day and want to get better. Serena Williams and her work ethic, for example, inspire me. I want to keep working, learning my lyrics and nurturing my relationship with the fans.”

David Hasselhoff: “It was very confusing”

The supposed scene theater in Berlin turns out to be a tranquil stage in “Ze Network” further east. There Hasselhoff meets colleague Henry Hübchen (75). Working with the German actor, whom Hasselhoff says he really likes and appreciates, was the biggest challenge for the US star on the set. Because: “Henry doesn’t speak English. So the script supervisor had to explain to him in German what I would say to him in English and vice versa. That was very confusing, but also very funny.”

In the series, which was filmed in English and German and is also available as a German dubbed version on RTL+ in addition to the original version, Hasselhoff’s theatrical role places him at the center of an international conspiracy of former Cold War assassins. Between theater rehearsals and the mysterious “Ze Network” he threatens to lose his mind. Christian Alvart, showrunner, screenwriter and director, showed a high shooting speed, which Hasselhoff appreciated. “He guided me exactly and told me exactly what emotions to show – most of the time I play a Hasselhoff with a confused expression on my face,” he explains with a laugh.

All eight episodes of “Ze Network” are available from November 1st.