As viewers gear up for the return of gripping storylines on their screens, Austrian actor Fritz Karl is set to capture attention in the new crime drama "Wiener Blut – Berggericht." Premiering on March 24, 2025, at 20:15 on ZDF, the drama follows the life of Paul Ritter, portrayed by Karl, who becomes embroiled in a chilling kidnapping case that tests the limits of the law and morality.
In this sequel to the hit show from 2019, Karl brings depth and complexity to his character—an antique dealer suspected of holding two young women captive. The narrative kicks into high gear when Laura Spindler, now 18, escapes her two-year imprisonment, leading to a frantic race against time for Prosecutor Fida Emam, played by Melika Foroutan, and police officer Markus Glösl, portrayed by Harald Windisch.
In discussing his complex role, Fritz Karl commented, "Mit der Tragik, Frau und Tochter zu verlieren, ist er eine vielschichtige Figur. Man merkt aber auch, wie abgrundtief kalt und leer dieser Mann ist," indicating that the contrast between hurt and coldness is central to his portrayal of Paul Ritter. Karl's ability to navigate these emotional depths adds layers to the narrative, making it not just a crime story but an exploration of human layers in unsettling circumstances.
The combined talents of the cast, including Karl alongside fellow actors like Charlotte Schwab and Michael Edlinger, is poised to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. "Wiener Blut – Berggericht" airing also brings into focus how crime dramas continue to dominate television—"Es werden einfach viel mehr Krimis gemacht als Komödien oder Sozialdramen," Karl noted, highlighting the genre's prevalence.
Not content to be defined solely by his dramatic roles, Fritz Karl also excels in the comedic realm. Alongside his wife, Elena Uhlig, he co-created the popular comedy program "Beziehungsstatus: erledigt," which has enjoyed sold-out performances since its debut in 2023. The title of the show cleverly references their real-life dynamics, stemming from an interaction with administrative bureaucracy that humorously highlights the nature of their relationship. "Es gibt ja auf dem Amt dieses Formular, auf dem man ausführen muss, ob man verheiratet, ledig oder verwitwet ist. Wir waren damals noch nicht verheiratet, lebten aber zusammen und hatten schon vier Kinder," Karl reminisced, revealing how their unique circumstances inspire their comedic work.
This program does more than entertain; it reflects the realities of love and parenting, encapsulating relatable themes that resonate with many. As they develop material derived from the writings of literary giants such as Erich Kästner and Paulo Coelho, both Karl and Uhlig actively participate in shaping a contemporary view of relationships while drawing joy from the audience's reactions. Karl expressed, "Wir haben auch deshalb so großen Spaß daran, weil die Zuschauer so viel Spaß haben. Die Leute erkennen sich einfach wieder," showcasing the connection they achieve with their audience.
Upcoming performances for "Beziehungsstatus: erledigt" include shows on March 26, 2025, which are already sold out, and a special additional presentation set for November 14, 2025, at Berlin's Admiralspalast. This juxtaposition of Karl’s dramatic and comedic works highlights his range as an actor, making him a unique fixture in the industry.
Fritz Karl leaves the audience with essential relationship wisdom dug from both personal experience and performance art: "Wenn ich eines weiß, dann, dass es sowas nicht gibt. Das einzige, was man dazu sagen kann: Man muss gut streiten und sich auch versöhnen können. Und man muss wirklich Humor haben." The passion he brings to both drama and comedy underscores a broader message about navigating life's complexities with grace and laughter.
As fans anticipate both his compelling work in "Wiener Blut – Berggericht" and the heartfelt humor of "Beziehungsstatus: erledigt," it's clear that Fritz Karl continues to solidify his place in the hearts of audiences, offering a multifaceted view on human experiences that captivate and engage.
