Major Departures Shake Up Long-Running ZDF Crime Series The Rosenheim Cops

The long-running German television series The Rosenheim Cops is facing major cast changes as two of its most recognizable veteran actors prepare to exit the show. Alexander Duda, who has portrayed police chief Gert Achtziger since 2006, and Marisa Burger, famous for her role as police secretary Miriam Stockl since the series began in 2002, are both departing after decades on the air.

For Duda, his departure was not voluntary. In an interview, the 70-year-old actor explained that the decision to write out his character was made by the broadcaster ZDF and the production team for dramaturgical reasons. Because his character is a civil servant who would normally face retirement at the age of 67, the production felt it was time for the character to exit. Duda admitted he would have gladly continued playing the role for several more years.

Although he proposed keeping the character involved in the storyline even after retirement, the idea was not adopted. Despite his disappointment, Duda emphasized that he harbors no bitterness toward the network or producers. He noted that he prefers to avoid negative feelings, though he did express general regret that television productions often phase out actors once they pass the age of 70.

Duda admitted that filming his final scenes was an emotional experience after spending two decades with the cast and crew. He confessed that his eyes watered and he could barely hold back his tears after the final director's cut, describing the end of his tenure as feeling like a real-life separation. His final episode will feature a special storyline centered on his character, which will also include a special appearance by his real-life wife, Jutta Schmuttermaier.

Meanwhile, Marisa Burger's departure comes by her own choice. Her final episode, titled "Es gabat an Abschied," is scheduled to air on November 24, 2026, and will show her character leaving the precinct for a new life and love in Australia. Her exit marks the end of an era for the station's administrative office, which she managed with iconic flair for over twenty years.

Filling the massive vacancy left by Burger's character is actress Sarah Thonig, who takes over the role of Christin Lange in the police secretariat. While the transition has brought mixed emotions from remaining cast members like Max Müller, who plays Michi Mohr and admitted feeling a sense of melancholy without his longtime scene partner, Thonig looks forward to bringing new energy and competence to the screen as the series enters its 26th season.