Overview
- The 19th season launches on January 8 with eight episodes airing Thursdays at 20:15 on ZDF, with each installment available a week early in the ZDF-Mediathek.
- The opener, Neuanfänge, picks up after a sudden wedding and a death that sets off a dispute over the Pflüger family business and its impact on the Grubers.
- A central medical storyline presents two gravely ill children who require a single sufficient stem-cell donation, posing a difficult ethical decision.
- Hans Sigl has extended his contract by two years and has outlined an emotional vision for his eventual exit, while cast and producers indicate more seasons are planned.
- ZDF cites Season 18 performance of over 21 million Mediathek views and about 5.5 million linear viewers, as cast news also includes Monika Baumgartner speaking about a recent personal loss.