Ahead of its launch in Central and Eastern Europe next year, HBO Max has announced that filming is underway for Max Original The Winner (working title, VÍŤAZ locally) in Slovakia and The Czech Republic. The 6x35’ family comedy is directed by Berlinale and Czech Lion winning director Jan Hřebejk (Kawasaki’s Rose, Head Over Heels). The series is produced for HBO Max by ETAMP Film.

Written by Zuzana Dzurindová and Peter Nagy, The Winner tells the story of Viktor Hudák, a fictional Prime Minister of a small European country ending his career in politics and returning to everyday life. However, when his successor radically overturns all the policies that he spent a lifetime building he quickly realizes there is very little power in being an ex-prime minister.

In a bid to demonstrate that he is still relevant he attempts to step up and take the lead at home where he lives with his wife and three daughters. But having spent so long away from them, and not having the first idea how the real-world works, he finds a family which has long become used to living without him and a group of women far superior to any political opponents he has faced in his career as prime minister.

The lead role of Victor Hudák will be played by acclaimed Slovak actor Ady Hajdu, multi-award winner Ivana Chýlková (Girlfriend from the house of Mourning) will play his wife Saša and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Best Actor winner Milan Ondrík (Let there be Light) will also star.

Jan Hřebejk, director, said “This is a special series because of the unique screenplay by Zuzana Dzurindová and Peter Nagy. There is so much authenticty running through this comedy and is written with a lot of empathy for all characters. Audiences will fall in love with Viktor's foolishness, narcism and outrageous behaviour and his dysfunctional family too.”

Tereza Polachová, producer, HBO Max, said “Our series is a humorous and authentic dive into the relationships of a Czechoslovak family. While the series is very much pure fiction, Zuzana Dzurindová, the daughter of a former Slovak prime minister and the series screenwriter, has first-hand experience of what it means to live in a family with a public father figure. Expect to see the clash between the male dominated world of politics in Central Europe, home life and family.”

Jan Bílek, producer, Etamp Film, said “After a year and a half of chaotic restrictions and limitations in the fight against Covid-19, we are delighted to be partnering with HBO Max again having previously produced Burning Bush (Hořící keř) and The Sleepers (Bez vědomí) together. The Winner is unique given that the screenwriters and main cast are almost entirely Slovak. What makes this also exciting is working with some of the most recognised stars in the region but also just introducing the next generation as well.”

Johnathan Young, executive producer, HBO Max, said “The Winner is a joyous poke at pomposity, patriarchy and politics. The series is unique as it covers both Slovak and Czech characters, locations and culture giving audiences a window into the lives of a family learning to get to know each other again.”

The producer for Etamp Film is Jan Bílek . Tereza Polachova will be the HBO Max producer and executive producers for HBO Max are Steve Matthews and Johnathan Young.