Erfurt becomes filming location for new ‘Tod am Rennsteig’ crime series

Production has commenced in Erfurt and the surrounding region for ‘Feuer und Flamme’, the fourth installment of the MDR/Degeto crime series ‘Tod am Rennsteig’. Filming is scheduled to run from August 11 to September 8, 2026.

The plot follows criminal psychologist Annett Schuster and case analyst Jan Kawig as they investigate the death of a psychiatric facility director found in a burnt-out sauna. The investigation involves a pyromaniac patient and explores themes of psychological manipulation and past trauma. The production is expected to premiere on ARD in 2027.

Separately, ARD is launching a new weekly podcast titled ‘Rote Roben – Fälle, die Deutschland bewegen’ on August 17, 2026. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Federal Constitutional Court, the series will explore the social and legal impacts of landmark rulings regarding topics such as climate change, equality, and assisted dying.