Millions of fans eagerly await the return of "Der Bergdoktor," with Dr. Martin Gruber, played by Hans Sigl, resuming his practice on January 2, 2025. The excitement builds as viewers prepare for the premiere of Season 18, airing on ZDF, featuring eight new episodes. For those who can’t wait, the episodes will be available for streaming one week earlier.
A trailer for the upcoming season suggests dramatic changes, particularly between the characters Susanne and Paul. The tension is palpable when Paul asks Susanne, "Why didn’t we make it?" Shortly thereafter, Susanne is seen crying alone in her car, and their daughter Sophia hints at their impending split, telling her grandma, Lisbeth, "I think Mommy and Paul are breaking up." Tension had already been brewing between Susanne and Paul, who is the father of Martin Gruber’s former assistant, Linn Kemper. Their relationship has faced challenges, including uncertainty following Paul’s recent failed marriage proposal.
Not only do fans have to brace themselves for potential heartbreak among their favorite characters, but there are also indications of more significant cast changes. Rumors are swirling about the departure of Dominic Raacke, who is reportedly only confirmed to appear in the first three episodes of this new season. His agency's website mentions his work for ZDF from 2021 to 2024 but provides no assurance of his continued presence after the initial episodes.
On February 3, 2024, Andrea Gerhard confirmed her departure from the role of Linn, expressing her surprise at the decision made by the show's producers. "I was surprised by the decision of the ndF and ZDF, but I had sufficient time to get used to the idea," Gerhard revealed on Instagram. Additional departures include Luis Immanuel Rost, who plays Jens-Torben Kahnweiler-Fendrich, and Ercan Karaçayli, who portrayed Prof. Dr. Timur Tippner. Kahnweiler-Fendrich is leaving for Botswana with his partner, Anna Sternberg, also raising questions about the future dynamics among the characters.
The new season will kick off with notable story arcs, including challenges faced by the character Hendrik Barlan, played by Sönke Möhring. Barlan, once a successful lawyer, now wrestles with health issues even as he takes various medications to prolong his life. Once the season begins, it remains to be seen how these story developments will resonate with long-time viewers.
Fans can also catch Hans Sigl, who has been immortalizing the role of Dr. Gruber since 2008, prior to the official season premiere. On December 29, ZDF will air "Backstage - Der Bergdoktor: Am Set mit Hans Sigl," giving viewers insight behind the scenes of the beloved series. He shares the emotional highs and lows of filming, noting, "On the last shooting day, we all end up crying in each other's arms,” underlining the strong bond formed among the cast members.
Sigl shared optimism about the series continuing beyond the upcoming 18th season. When asked how long he plans to stay with the character, he stated, “Right now, it’s like: we are here with the 18th season, and let’s be honest, there’s no need to worry about Season 19 or even 20. Regardless of what people may speculate or write, the show is moving forward.” This statement gives fans hope for more stories centered around Dr. Gruber and his picturesque alpine surroundings.
Despite the key player changes, the heart of "Der Bergdoktor" continues to thrive, captivating its viewers with compelling narratives and emotional character arcs. With new challenges and departures, the anticipation for Season 18 is palpable. Viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the beloved characters evolve and how fresh faces will fit within the established framework of this iconic series.
Though changes are on the horizon, the core elements of drama, passion, and the breathtaking scenery of Ellmau remain constant, ensuring fans will be glued to their screens when "Der Bergdoktor" returns.
