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‘Schwarzwaldklinik’ Turns 40 as ZDF Opts for Streaming Spotlight

Once watched by up to 28 million, the 1980s hospital drama returns on demand—signaling renewed interest, ongoing reassessment.

Overview

  • ZDF confirms no anniversary TV special; all episodes are featured in its Mediathek starting October 22.
  • On-demand views averaged about 641,000 per month last year, peaking at 1.61 million in December.
  • Producer Beatrice Kramm says the show’s human conflicts still resonate, noting that power-abuse dynamics would be told differently today.
  • The Carlsbau in Glottertal, used for exterior shots, now houses the Thure von Uexküll psychosomatic clinic and draws fans under access restrictions.
  • The 1985–1989 series helped define German hospital dramas, aired in more than 40 countries, and saw a 1986 episode placed on the index after viewer protests.