Overview
- In mid-May the production told Manuela Wisbeck that her role of Frauke Prinz was “auserzählt” and ZDF later confirmed the decision as part of refreshing the series and cutting costs.
- A fan-shared Instagram video this week shows Wisbeck visibly emotional as she talks about the departure and says she feels obliged to keep filming through her contract.
- ZDF framed the change as a creative move to bring new narrative impulses to the show while several outlets report the broadcaster is reducing spending on multiple pre-evening formats.
- Because episodes are filmed far in advance, Wisbeck will still appear in newly produced episodes and is expected to remain on screen until roughly 2027.
- Fans have responded with many messages of support and some calls to boycott the series, but there is no sign the broadcaster will reverse the decision at this time.