46A case for two: ZDF stops crime series after 46 years

The ZDF has announced the end of its long-running crime series Ein Fall für zwei after more than four decades. The final season, consisting of four episodes, will air in 2025, followed by a 90-minute film scheduled for release in 2027. This decision marks the closure of a format that has been a staple of the network since 1981, with changing cast members over the years. The show features private investigator Leo Oswald, played by Wanja Mues, and attorney Benni Hornberg, portrayed by Antoine Monot. The two characters, though contrasting in personality, share a close friendship, with Oswald often working under Hornberg’s guidance. The current duo, which has been part of the series since 2014, will see their final season in September 2025 before wrapping up with the film in 2027. The ZDF stated that this decision was made after careful consideration, acknowledging the show's lasting impact on generations of viewers. The ZDF plans to continue producing Friday crime dramas, focusing more on specific formats. Past series such as Der Kommissar, Derrick, Siska, and Der Staatsanwalt were once staples of the lineup. However, the network continues to maintain other long-running crime series. Der Alte, which has aired since 1977 and takes place in Munich, remains on the schedule, featuring actors like Siegfried Lowitz and Walter Kreye. Since 2012, Die Chefin, starring Katharina Böhm as Vera Lanz, has also been a regular fixture, set in the same city. More recently, Mordufer, which began in early 2026, offers a new perspective with its setting in the tri-border area around Lake Constance. The series focuses on police and customs investigations, adding a landscape-driven element to the ZDF’s crime offerings. Wanja Mues expressed his disappointment at the end of the series, calling it “a big chapter in German television history.” He apologized to fans who had supported the show for years. Antoine Monot, however, remained optimistic, noting that their collaboration would continue through a live radio play titled Pater Brown and the upcoming 2027 film. Both actors look forward to future projects, even as they bid farewell to the role that defined them. The original episode of Ein Fall für zwei premiered on September 11, 1981, titled Die große Schwester. It introduced the character of Josef Matula, later known as Private Investigator Leo Oswald, played by Claus Theo Gärtner. At that time, Matula was still a Frankfurt police officer, meeting his future partner, attorney Dieter Renz, during a court appearance. Matula became one of the defining figures of the series, known for his weathered face, deep voice, leather jacket, and cigarette smoke. Gärtner portrayed the character for over three decades, while the attorneys he worked with changed regularly. After Günter Strack, who played Dr. Renz, left the show, Rainer Hunold, Mathias Herrmann, and Paul Frielinghaus took over the role. With Gärtner’s departure following 300 episodes in 2013, an entire era came to an end. In 2014, the series was rebooted under the same title, with the ZDF describing it as a “completely new series.” While retaining the core premise of a detective and lawyer team, the relaunch brought fresh casting and direction, continuing the legacy of the original concept.