Made In Europe 22 September 2026

Klaus J. Behrendt Exits "Tatort" After 100 Episodes

A black-and-white cutout of a small riverbank sausage stand at night, its counter empty except for two paper plates and a single mustard pot, with a strip of police tape sagging across the fr — Illustration: AI-generated, courtesy of Magnific CPP.

Cologne's longest-serving "Tatort" inspector calls it a career. Klaus J. Behrendt will leave Germany's flagship crime franchise after filming his 100th episode in 2027, ending a nearly 30-year run as Max Ballauf that began in 1997. His final case airs autumn 2027. Behrendt, 66, said the role "accompanied me almost half my life" and that reaching 100 episodes was always the goal. His most recent outing drew 7.38 million viewers with a 30.8% market share on September 21. Co-star Dietmar Bär continues as Freddy Schenk. Bavaria Fiction produces for WDR. The Cologne team is one of seven rotating "Tatort" units for ARD, Germany's public broadcaster consortium.

Source: DWDL, 22 September 2026