Friederike Linke to replace Carina Wiese in ARD series ‘WaPo Elbe’

The ARD crime series ‘WaPo Elbe’ will undergo a major cast change starting with its fourth season. Carina Wiese, who has played the role of water police chief Maike Junghans since the series began, will depart the show.

Friederike Linke, 45, has been cast as the new lead character, Elena Sturm, who will take over leadership of the water police team. Filming for the fourth season has already commenced in Pirna, Saxon Switzerland, and along the Czech border.

The production plan includes eight new episodes: five are scheduled for production in 2026, with the remaining three following in 2027. While the third season is currently airing, the new episodes featuring Linke are slated for broadcast in 2028.