Six-figure sums
These are supposed to be the salaries of the “Tatort” stars
Updated 12/16/2024 – 12:12 a.mReading time: 2 min.
Jan Josef Liefers and Axel Prahl are the stars in MünsterS “Tatort”.WDR is apparently digging deep into its pockets for their commitment.
This Sunday evening, Frank Thiel and Professor Karl-Friedrich Boerne are investigating again on the Erste. “Tatort: You Only Die Twice” is about the murder of a lawyer who was pierced by the spear of an exotic warrior sculpture and an insurance fraud. For more than 20 years now, the actors Axel Prahl and Jan Josef Liefers have been playing the chief inspector and the forensic doctor in the “Tatort” from Münster.
Westdeutscher Rundfunk is sticking with the popular duo. No wonder, the editions from the city in North Rhine-Westphalia have the highest ratings in the crime series. and the WDR costs a lot for that. Research by the industry magazine “Medieninsider” is intended to reveal the actors’ salaries. Accordingly, Axel prahl and Jan Josef Liefers have received 250,000 euros per episode since 2017. It is a flat-rate payment that also includes press appointments. As a rule, WDR broadcasts two episodes from Münster per year - accordingly, axel Prahl and Jan Josef Liefers receive a total of 500,000 euros.
Christine Urschrift is also an integral part of the Münster “crime scene”. She embodies Boerne’s assistant Silke Haller. However, she receives far less salary for her work than her male colleagues. According to the media report, she received 22,000 euros for this Sunday’s edition of “You Only Die Twice.” She was involved in four of the 23 days of filming. It is indeed not known how many days of filming Axel Prahl and Jan Josef Liefers completed.
Axel Prahl just spoke to t-online about his role in the crime series. “It is always a great pleasure for me to be able to work with such an unpretentious, collegial fellow actor,” he said about Jan Josef Liefers. “We’re also very silly and childish at times,and I think the rest of the team needs to have really strong nerves at times. but it’s not uncommon for something entertaining to come out of it.”
How did you like this “crime scene”? Write an email to Lesermeinung@stroeer.de. Please use the subject “Crime Scene” and explain why.
How does the popularity of “Tatort” compare to other crime dramas on international television?
Interview between Time.news Editor and “tatort” Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Anna Richter, a media expert and a long-time enthusiast of the iconic german television series “Tatort.” Dr. Richter, it’s an absolute pleasure to have you hear.
Dr. Anna Richter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss one of the longest-running and most beloved crime dramas in German television history.
Editor: “Tatort” has been a staple of Sunday night viewing in Germany for decades, and with its recent reports about the six-figure salaries of the actors, it has made headlines again. Can you shed some light on why these salaries are so high?
dr. Richter: Absolutely! The six-figure salaries reflect not just the popularity of the series but also the significance it holds in German culture. “Tatort” stars are not just actors; they are cultural icons. The immense viewership they draw translates to substantial ad revenue and sponsorships, justifying those impressive paychecks.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Many people may not realize the impact these actors have beyond their roles. How do you think their performances contribute to this cultural significance?
Dr. Richter: Each actor brings a unique essence to their character, frequently enough drawing in diverse audiences. The show tackles various social issues through the lens of crime, making it a platform for critical discussions.This connection with viewers strengthens their loyalty and engagement,making the actors’ roles even more vital.
Editor: Would you say this trend in salaries is common across other television series worldwide, or does “tatort” stand out in a unique way?
Dr. Richter: While high salaries for led actors are not uncommon in many triumphant series globally, the combination of long-standing tradition and cultural relevance makes “Tatort” quite unique. In other countries, we see some series achieving similar fame, but few have the historical depth and consistent viewership that “Tatort” has maintained over the years.
Editor: Interesting! what do you think this means for the future of “Tatort,” especially with the increasing competition from streaming platforms?
Dr. Richter: That’s a great question. While streaming platforms do attract audiences with new narratives and production techniques, “Tatort” has a loyal fanbase that appreciates its classic format. However, to stay relevant, it will need to evolve, perhaps by incorporating modern themes or collaborating with new talents. That ability to adapt could ensure its legacy continues.
Editor: As we see this evolution,do you think changes in the casting or the storylines could impact those substantial salaries?
Dr. Richter: Indeed, changes in casting could perhaps shift the salary structure significantly. If new actors bring fresh energy or the narratives change drastically, the financial dynamics might alter as the show explores new directions. Though, the core indicators of viewership and cultural significance will always play critical roles in salary determination.
Editor: Dr. Richter, thanks for sharing your insights! It seems that while the pay may be eye-catching, it’s the cultural resonance and evolution of the series that truly keep “Tatort” alive. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Richter: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this iconic series,and I look forward to seeing how it continues to develop in the future!
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in! Stay with us for more engaging conversations and industry insights.