The final episode of the beloved German crime series 'Stubbe' is set to air on February 22, 2025, at 8:15 PM on ZDF, marking the end of over 30 years of captivating viewers. Titled 'Familie in Gefahr,' the last installment encapsulates the show’s essence—family ties intertwined with the suspense of crime solving.
Over its extensive run, 'Stubbe' has captivated more than 500 million viewers, making it one of Germany’s most cherished television series. The show, which began its broadcast history back in 1995, features Wolfgang Stumph as the titular character Wilfried Stubbe, whose engaging persona has made him a household name. His real-life daughter, Stephanie Stumph, plays his on-screen daughter, Christiane, bringing authenticity to their father-daughter dynamic.
For this final chapter, the Stubbe family finds themselves at the center of their own mystery. Caro, played by Greta Kasalo, has her father Helge Kleinert, portrayed by Wanja Mues, arrested for murder during her birthday celebration. The tension escalates as suspicions mount and family members rally to prove Helge’s innocence, highlighting the show’s longstanding theme of familial loyalty amid crisis.
Reflecting on their experiences, Stephanie Stumph remarked, "Es ist natürlich immer was Besonderes, wenn Eltern und Kinder zusammenarbeiten," signifying the unique connection captured on-screen. Wolfgang Stumph echoed these sentiments, stating, "Wenn ich uns so nach 30 Jahren sehe, haben wir uns nur äußerlich verändert," illustrating the enduring bond forged through years of collaboration.
Producer Christoph Bicker emphasized the central theme of family throughout the series, asserting, "Stubbe ist immer Familie." This mantra has shaped the narratives of all 54 episodes, even as the show evolved to reflect changing societal dynamics.
The series has seen the Stubbe family transition from Dresden to Hamburg and back again, mirroring real-world changes and challenges. The show not only captivated audiences with its engaging crime plots but also presented significant emotional depths, fostering relatable stories of struggle and triumph.
Following the arrest of Helge Kleinert, the family is thrust headlong back to face their past as they try to untangle the web of suspicion placed upon them. Unbeknownst to them, they become targets of malicious forces, making their quest for justice personally charged.
Redakteur Thorsten Ritsch poignantly remarked, "Nun geht dieses große Stück deutscher Fernsehgeschichte zu Ende," capturing the bittersweet sentiment of many fans who have followed the Stubbe family’s trials and tribulations over the years. The combination of crime, family intrigue, and character development has resulted in enduring popularity.
With the conclusion of 'Stubbe', viewers will witness not just the end of series but also the closing of a chapter rich with cultural significance. Previous episodes have interwoven crime drama with themes relatable to everyday families, making it feel both personal and expansive.
Hints have been dropped about the finale offering dual happy endings for the characters, providing fans with the closure they crave after such a long association with the Stubbe dynasty. The show’s ability to balance lighthearted family moments with complex crime narratives is one of its defining qualities, ensuring its place within Germany's cultural legacy.
'Stubbe - Familie in Gefahr' is set to deliver on promises of drama and heart on February 22, 2025, at 8:15 PM. For those unable to catch the final broadcast, the episode will also be available for streaming on the ZDF-Mediathek starting February 15, 2025.