After almost 34 years, the veteran Munich crime scene investigators are retiring. Now we know: from 2026 the actor Carlo Ljubek will take on the role of new investigator. For him it was “a great honour”.
Actor Carlo Ljubek will be the new “Tatort” commissioner of Munich: from 2026 he will investigate as lead detective Nikola Buvak in the ARD series. The Bayerischer Rundfunk announced it in the evening in Munich.
Ferdinand Hofer will therefore remain in the Munich homicide squad as lead detective Kalli Hammermann. The first case is expected to be filmed in late 2025.
Ljubek follows in the footsteps of Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl, who for decades ran the Munich homicide squad as a duo, as commissioners Ivo Batic and Franz Leitmayr. According to BR, the two will see each other on “Tatort” five more times and then say goodbye to the service after exactly 100 cases together in the “Tatort” season 2025/2026. The imminent retirement of the two had already been announced at the beginning of the year: a turning point in the history of the Sunday thriller.
“A great honour and a wonderful challenge”
Carlo Ljubek studied acting at the Otto Falckenberg School in Munich. He then worked at the Cologne Theater and later at the Schauspielhaus in Hamburg and at the same time began to shoot for cinema and television. More recently he played leading roles in the Netflix series “Sleeping Dogs” by Stephan Lacant and Francis Meletzky, in Caroline Link’s ZDF series “Safe” and in the film “Alle die du sind” by Michael Fetter Nathansky. He was also at the Munich crime scene once – in the 2024 episode “The Wunderkind”.
“Crime scene inspector in Munich, it is a great honour and a great challenge,” Ljubek said. He too is returning to one of his “many homes”. At the age of 16 he moved to Munich to live with his father, played football for TSV 1860 and later studied acting here. “I can’t wait for the city and this exciting journey.”
Bettina Ricklefs, head of the BR program area, said: “We are very pleased to have chosen such an experienced and charismatic actor as Carlo for the role of the new chief inspector Nikola Buvak. It is equally great that Ferdinand Hofer ensures continuity to the.” . capital of the state. She is happy that the tradition of Croatian and Bavarian roots is being carried forward among investigators.
Hofer wrote: “I am looking forward to working with my new teammate Carlo Ljubek. Of course we’ve already had our first beer together.”
dpa/shem
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re all looking forward to the exciting changes coming to Munich’s beloved “Tatort” series. Our guest today is acting expert Dr. Anna Müller, who has a deep understanding of how long-running series like “Tatort” evolve with new talent. Welcome, Dr. Müller!
Dr. Anna Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an iconic show.
Time.news Editor: The news that Carlo Ljubek will take over as the lead investigator from 2026 is making waves. What do you think this means for the show, especially after Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl’s long tenure?
Dr. Anna Müller: It’s a significant shift not just for the series but for its dedicated fanbase. Nemec and Wachtveitl’s partnership has become a cornerstone of “Tatort.” Carlo Ljubek stepping in brings fresh energy and a new dynamic, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity for the series to evolve.
Time.news Editor: For many fans, Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl are irreplaceable. How does the show plan to transition its audience from one set of detectives to another seamlessly?
Dr. Anna Müller: Transitioning audiences can be tricky, especially with such iconic characters. The producers have already planned for a gradual farewell, with both Nemec and Wachtveitl appearing in five more episodes. This allows the audience to experience a bridge between the old and new, giving them a chance to warm up to Ljubek’s character, Nikola Buvak, while still enjoying the familiar presence of the beloved duo.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Carlo Ljubek, he described taking on the role as “a great honor” and “a wonderful challenge.” How do actors typically prepare for such established roles where comparisons are inevitable?
Dr. Anna Müller: That’s a crucial point. When stepping into an established role, an actor needs to balance homage to the predecessors while infusing their own interpretation. Preparation often includes extensive character research, understanding the tone of the show, and perhaps even consultations with the former actors to honor their interpretations. Ljubek’s experience and talent will be key here; he’ll likely bring new depth while respecting the show’s history.
Time.news Editor: Ljubek is not new to the spotlight. What qualities do you think he brings from his previous roles that will resonate with “Tatort” fans?
Dr. Anna Müller: Ljubek has a rich acting background, and his previous roles show versatility and a nuanced approach to character development. He brings a fresh perspective that can resonate well with viewers. His ability to portray complexity in characters can deepen the storylines and provide a new lens through which to explore crime and morality, elements that are central to “Tatort.”
Time.news Editor: As “Tatort” prepares for this new chapter, can we anticipate significant changes in storytelling or thematic direction, given the new lead detective?
Dr. Anna Müller: Certainly! New leads often signal shifts in storytelling approaches. Ljubek may introduce new themes or perspectives, considering his unique experiences. This could lead to renewed exploration of contemporary issues through crime narratives, allowing the show to remain relevant. It’s an exciting time for “Tatort”!
Time.news Editor: Well, it definitely sounds like a thrilling evolution ahead. Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this monumental transition in “Tatort.” We can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!
Dr. Anna Müller: Thank you for having me! It will be exciting to see how viewers respond to these changes and how the series will continue to captivate its audience.