# Klaus J. Behrendt departure from Tatort

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/klaus-j-behrendt-departure-from-tatort
> Updated: 2026-10-01T09:15:45.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 3.

German actor Klaus J. Behrendt has announced his departure from the long-running crime series ‘Tatort’ after 30 years. Behrendt, who portrays Chief Inspector Max Ballauf in the Cologne-based team, intends to conclude his role in 2027 upon reaching his 100th episode.

Behrendt stated that the decision to retire from the role at his 30-year anniversary had been maturing for some time, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. While he may not leave the screen entirely, his tenure as a partner to Dietmar Bär’s character, Freddy Schenk, will end. Bär confirmed that the production plans to continue the series following Behrendt’s departure.

Ricarda Seifried has been announced as the new detective for the Cologne-based installment, succeeding Behrendt. The 36-year-old actress will portray Chief Inspector Merle Rautenberg, joining Dietmar Bär. Seifried, a graduate of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts known for ‘Polizeiruf 110’, is expected to make her debut in late 2026 or 2027. Filming for the 101st episode, titled ‘Entfesselt’, is already underway.

## Claims

- Ricarda Seifried will take over the role of detective in the Cologne Tatort series. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Klaus J. Behrendt is stepping down from his role as Max Ballauf after 30 years and 100 episodes. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Ricarda Seifried will portray Chief Inspector Merle Rautenberg. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Seifried will investigate alongside Detective Freddy Schenk, played by Dietmar Bär. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Filming for the 101st episode is currently in progress. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Klaus J. Behrendt is leaving the role to spend more time with his family. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Seifried's debut in the Cologne Tatort will be in the 101st episode, titled 'Entfesselt'. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The new detective will debut on screen in 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Ricarda Seifried to join Cologne ‘Tatort’ as new detective

Ricarda Seifried will replace Klaus J. Behrendt as the new detective in Cologne’s ‘Tatort’ series, playing Chief Inspector Merle Rautenberg alongside Dietmar Bär.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricarda-seifried-to-join-cologne-tatort-as-new-detective

### 2026-09-25: Klaus J. Behrendt to leave ‘Tatort’ role after 30 years

Actor Klaus J. Behrendt will leave his iconic role as Max Ballauf in the German crime series ‘Tatort’ in autumn 2026 after 30 years on the show.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klaus-j-behrendt-to-leave-tatort-role-after-30-years

### 2026-09-22: Klaus J. Behrendt to leave ‘Tatort’ after 30 years

Actor Klaus J. Behrendt will leave the German crime series ‘Tatort’ in 2027 after 30 years and 100 episodes as Inspector Max Ballauf. His co-star Dietmar Bär plans to continue with the series.

51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klaus-j-behrendt-to-depart-cologne-tatort-in-2027

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Cite as: Klaus J. Behrendt departure from Tatort. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/klaus-j-behrendt-departure-from-tatort