# German crime television series releases

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-crime-television-series-releases
> Updated: 2026-10-10T07:04:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Recent developments in German crime television include the release of new installments for established series on public broadcasters.

On September 24, the ARD crime series ‘Die Toten am Meer’ released its fourth film, ‘Tod eines Pastors’. Directed by Stephan Rick and written by Julia Drache, the installment is inspired by the Rungholt legend of the North Sea and follows investigators Ria Larson and Michael Brandt as they investigate the discovery of a pastor’s body in the Wadden Sea.

Following this, the ZDF crime series ‘Friesland’ announced the release of ‘Der letzte Häuptling’ (The Last Chief), scheduled to air on October 17. Set in Leer, the plot involves investigators Henk Cassens and Süher Özlügül dealing with a mummified corpse found in an explosion crater and the subsequent theft of the mummy from a funeral home.

Further details regarding the ‘Friesland’ episode reveal that the mummified remains are unearthed by a sheep farmer, Tamme Renke, while searching for mineral resources in a meadow. While officers Cassens and Özlügül suspect a recent violent crime, Chief Brockhorst posits the discovery is a historical ‘cold case’ involving an ancient Frisian chieftain, a theory supported by the discovery of an old coin in the grave. The narrative also involves archaeologist Laurens Trautmann and a mortician facing financial difficulties.

## Claims

- The 26th installment of the ZDF crime series 'Friesland' is titled 'Der letzte Häuptling'. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A sheep farmer named Tamme Renke uncovers a mummified body while searching for mineral resources. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Police Chief Brockhorst believes the discovery is an ancient Frisian chieftain due to the presence of an old coin. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: ZDF crime series Friesland releases new film involving stolen mummy

The ZDF crime series ‘Friesland’ returns with ‘Der letzte Häuptling,’ a mystery involving a stolen mummy and a murder investigation set in Leer.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zdf-crime-series-friesland-releases-new-film-involving-stolen-mummy

### 2026-09-24: ARD crime series ‘Die Toten am Meer’ releases fourth film

The fourth film in the ARD crime series ‘Die Toten am Meer’ premieres September 24, featuring a plot inspired by the Rungholt legend and involving two mysterious deaths.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ard-crime-series-die-toten-am-meer-releases-fourth-film

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Cite as: German crime television series releases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-crime-television-series-releases