Overview
- ZDF launches the new season on January 8 at 20:15, opening with the episode titled “Neuanfänge.”
- Monika Baumgartner, turning 75 next year, said the topic of death feels ever-present and shared that she recently euthanized her 15-year-old cat, calling it a terrible experience.
- Baumgartner returns as Lisbeth Gruber after filming the 19th season with Hans Sigl and colleagues, and she hinted at a larger assignment for her character in the January 15 episode without revealing details.
- Annika Ernst said this season shifts focus toward Dr. Johanna Rüdiger’s private life, with the eight episodes exploring more personal facets of supporting characters.
- Coverage also revisits original 1990s lead Gerhart Lippert, who later criticized the role’s impact on his career and has kept out of the public eye since a 2012 accident.