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.

2. Staffel
It seems as if the four friends Christiane, Doris, Inès, and Miriam have come to terms with their lives and their husbands under a cloak of silence. But when Emily Wagenthein arrives at Sophianum as a new student and lifts this cloak, it becomes clear that still waters run deep. Sissy Höfferer returns as “Frau Grünberger.” The new season will be available to watch in the ARD media library from January 16, 2026. Casting: Nicole Schmied.

Geld wie Heu
Alexander Dierbach's film will be shown on RTL on January 20, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. and will subsequently be available on RTL+. Former police officer Eric Seeler works as a street worker in Lübeck. When one of his protégés comes under suspicion of murder, his paths cross with Inspector Hannah Vogt, who initially has little time for Seeler's unconventional ways. But as the investigation intensifies, confrontation gives way to trust—and opposites become a team. Screenplay: Alexander Dierbach and Mike Bäuml, Director: Alexander Dierbach.

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.