Get ready for major changes in the Bavarian Alps. The beloved ZDF crime series The Rosenheim-Cops is back with Season 26, marking a massive milestone as the show approaches its 25th anniversary. With 24 brand-new episodes rolling out on television and streaming platforms, fans are in for a mix of classic alpine charm and historic cast shake-ups.
What Happened
The new season brings 24 fresh murder mysteries set against the picturesque backdrop of southern Bavaria. However, the biggest headline is the departure of a true legend. Actress Marisa Burger is stepping down as police secretary Miriam Stockl after a quarter of a century. Famous for her iconic catchphrase "Es gabat a Leich" (There's been a corpse), Stockl will make her final appearance in the special episode titled "Es gabat an Abschied" on November 24.
Stepping into her shoes is Christin Lange, played by Sarah Thonig, who transitions from the front desk to the heart of the police department. In addition, Christian K. Schaeffer is leaving his role as restaurateur Ignaz "Jo" Caspar, making way for a brand-new daytime bar led by character Yasmin Rabe (Maya Haddad).
Why It Matters
Surviving on German television for 25 years is no small feat. Since its debut in January 2002 with the pilot episode "Der Tote am See", the series has pulled in steady ratings, averaging around 16% market share and drawing between 3.7 and 4.9 million viewers per episode.
Despite losing foundational figures over the years—including the tragic passing of actor Joseph Hannesschläger in 2020—the show has continually adapted by introducing fresh faces like Dieter Fischer's Commissioner Anton Stadler without losing its core identity.
Important Context
Beyond the TV screen, the series remains an economic powerhouse for the real-life city of Rosenheim. Local tourism thrives on the show's popularity, with thousands of fans booking guided city tours each year to visit iconic filming locations like the famous town hall.
Cast members and creators credit the show's enduring success to its unique formula: stunning upper Bavarian landscapes, lighthearted storytelling with minimal graphic violence, and steady, recognizable characters.
What's Next
New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays at 19.25 on ZDF, though impatient fans can stream them a week in advance via the ZDF Mediathek. With over 600 fictional murders solved across 26 seasons, The Rosenheim-Cops proves that cozy crime with a Bavarian twist is more popular than ever.
