Ablass
When the body of a murdered woman is discovered in a Munich Isar weir, detectives Cris Blohm and Dennis Eden are faced with a mystery. The confession of Léon Kamara, who has already been arrested and convicted, contradicts the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body. A new episode starring Stephan Zinner as “Dennis Eden” will be broadcast on March 15, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. on ARD and available in the ARD media library.

On March 4, it's time once again for the Starkbierfest (strong beer festival) at Munich's Nockherberg. This year, actor, musician, and cabaret artist Stephan Zinner will give the traditional Lenten speech for the first time, succeeding Maxi Schafroth. The event will be broadcast on BR television starting at 7 p.m.

Ismail Şahin directed the romantic film. The leading roles are played by Cansu Dere and Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado. The film tells the story of a woman who leaves her past behind and seeks a new beginning in Portugal.

After fourteen years, Hein returns to his home village on a remote island, only to find that the close-knit community no longer recognizes him. They suspect him of being an impostor and demand a trial to determine his true identity. The film will premiere at the 2026 Berlinale and will be in theaters starting in June. Andreas Nickl plays the role of “Fiete” in the film.

Neue Reihe im ZDF
Paramedic Elli Kempfer works for an accident and emergency clinic in the mountains. Elli returns to her hometown of Steinau in the Karwendel Mountains to save patients' lives. She lives on the farm of her mother Luise, who raised her daughter alone. Leo, her mother's best friend, is like a father figure to her. Elli lives with ADHD and has a unique way of perceiving and experiencing the world. With courage, empathy, and professional competence, she encounters people in exceptional situations and often provides moments of cheerfulness with her unconventional methods. Clelia Sarto has taken on the role of Louise Kempfer. Starting Thursday, March 5, in the ZDF media library and starting March 12, March 19, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. on ZDF.

Marc Rothemund's comedy will be released in theaters on February 26, 2026. Johanna Bittenbinder plays the role of “Frau Hitzl.” The headstrong widower Walter spends his retirement testing restaurants and meticulously reviewing them online. During one of his restaurant visits, he happens to run into his childhood sweetheart Alice. Forty years ago, he had proposed to her and failed spectacularly. The vivacious and free-spirited art professor is still the exact opposite of the old-fashioned, meticulous Walter. The retired engineer's ambition is piqued. Casting: Stefany Pohlmann, Production: Network Movie GmbH.

New crime series on Friday: Doro Beitinger returns to her job as a detective after a long period of caring for a relative. Her new boss at the criminal investigation department, Chiara Locatelli, is a young and ambitious colleague who is significantly ahead of her in terms of career. Despite their differences, the two women quickly realize that they are an unbeatable team and can solve seemingly unsolvable cases in the Lake Constance region. In the episode “Die große Gier” (The Great Greed), Johanna Bittenbinder takes on the role of “Susanne Herrenberg,” while Sebastian Fritz plays “Sebastian Mockwitz” in “Wein und Wahrheit” (Wine and Truth). Available to stream on ZDF from February 27. Casting: Tessa Frank, Bavaria Fiction.

Im Zweifel für den Zweifel
Star chef Dobek has been murdered. Detectives Flierl, Neuhauser, and Schaller question his successor, Gerg. The prosecutor presses Gerg's interrogation with remarkable intensity. Starring Miriam Ohlmeyer as Milena Kraus. January 31 at 8:15 p.m. on ZDF and in the ZDF media library. Casting: Patricia Schetting, TV60.

We are delighted that the Netflix series starring Tom Beck will be getting a second season. Filming will begin in 2026. Production: Geißendörfer Pictures, Casting: Die Besetzer.

Filming for the ARD/ORF thriller has been completed. It tells the story of Kodjo, a young man from Togo who is living illegally in Vienna. When he witnesses a cold-blooded murder one night, his already fragile life is thrown into complete disarray. The film was directed by Alexander Dierbach.

Die Frau ohne Gesicht
A disfigured corpse on a country road near Mönchengladbach—no ID, no clues, just blood and glass shards. For Ingo Thiel and his special commission “Woman Without a Face,” a grueling search for clues begins, leading to cold Venice. Clelia Sarto can be seen in the role of “Gloria Livore.” Casting: Tina Böckenhauer. February 9 at 8:15 p.m. on ZDF and the ZDF media library.

The six-part comedy series, starring Chryssanthi Kavazi and Tom Beck, will be available on ZDF from November 7 and can be seen on ZDFneo on Sunday, November 23, at 8:15 p.m. The series deals with the opportunities and challenges of modern marriage—including companion AIs.