Fans of the beloved ZDF series "Lena Lorenz" have both good and bad news as the show returns for its eleventh season. The good news? Viewers can finally reconnect with their favorite characters! The bad news? Two of them will no longer be part of the story.
The new season kicks off on April 17, 2025, at 20:15 with the episode titled "Blick in den Spiegel." In this episode, the titular character, played by Judith Hoersch, 44, faces a challenging case involving a pregnant woman suffering from anorexia, portrayed by Paula Kroh, 29. This condition poses a grave risk not only to the mother but also to her unborn child. As always, the series intertwines dramatic moments with romantic elements, promising viewers a rollercoaster of emotions every Thursday during prime time.
However, while fans are excited to see Hoersch back in her role as Lena, they will have to bid farewell to two familiar faces. Paulina Rümmelein, 27, who played the intern "Celine Gollert," is stepping away from the series to pursue other projects. She has recently joined the cast of the successful ARD series "Watzmann ermittelt" as police officer "Franzi." Additionally, Bettina Redlich, 61, who portrayed Lena's aunt Liesl 'Liz' Jordan, is also leaving after her character stirred up quite a bit of drama in the previous season.
But there's a silver lining! The eleventh season will introduce several new stars to the cast, including Sina Tkotsch, 34, known for her role as a doctor in "Traumschiff," and Timmi Trinks, 31, from "Blutige Anfänger." Other returning favorites include Eva Mattes, 70, Raban Bieling, 31, and Liane Forestieri, 50. Though Celine and Liz are leaving, reports from ZDF suggest their return is not entirely off the table.
In addition to the cast changes, the storyline promises to tackle new and intense themes. The series, which has been running since 2015, revolves around Lena, a midwife who returns to her hometown in the Bavarian Alps after years in the city. The show delves into various medical, social, and emotional challenges, often reflecting real-life issues faced by families and communities.
As the new season unfolds, viewers will see Lena confront a particularly sensitive case. In the premiere episode, Vivien Ofrazek, played by Kroh, collapses at work, revealing that her struggles with anorexia have resurfaced, endangering both her and her baby. Timo, her partner played by TikTok star Helge Mark Lodder, 30, is unaware of the severity of her condition. The couple's relationship faces trials as they navigate the complexities of impending parenthood and personal struggles.
Lodder, who has made a name for himself on TikTok with 1.4 million followers, is known for his parodies of celebrities. His androgynous appearance allows him to seamlessly transition between various roles, making his character Timo a compelling addition to the series. As the drama unfolds, viewers will witness how Timo reacts upon learning the truth about Vivien's battle with anorexia.
In the midst of all this, Lena's personal life also brings its own set of challenges. While she enjoys a happy relationship with Rob, played by Seán McDonagh, her professional responsibilities weigh heavily on her. Meanwhile, Eva Lorenz, portrayed by Mattes, grapples with feelings of loneliness, especially when her grandson Luis is not around. She is also dealing with health issues, including vision problems, which she keeps hidden from her family.
Moreover, the tension between Lena and Vinz Huber, played by Michael Roll, escalates. Vinz spends more time at the farm due to his relationship with Eva, which does not sit well with Lena. Their strained relationship is further complicated by Vinz's ongoing conflict with his ex-partner Aimee Benzweiler, portrayed by Julia Bremermann, who has taken measures to block access to Vinz's family home.
The eleventh season of "Lena Lorenz" promises to deliver six new episodes, all filled with emotional depth and engaging storylines. Episode titles like "Blick in den Spiegel" and "Gefährliche Liebe" hint at the dramatic arcs awaiting viewers. The series has garnered a loyal fanbase, and the anticipation for each episode is palpable.
In a recent announcement, ZDF, ORF, and SRF confirmed that the series will continue beyond this season. Filming for a twelfth season has already begun in the picturesque surroundings of Berchtesgaden, further heightening fans' excitement for the future of the series.
As the premiere date approaches, fans are eager to see how the new dynamics and storylines will unfold. Will Lena be able to support Vivien through her struggles? How will Timo react to the truth? And what new challenges will Lena face in her personal and professional life? With the promise of gripping narratives and heartfelt moments, the eleventh season of "Lena Lorenz" is set to captivate audiences once again.
