On April 20, 2025, ZDF aired a new episode of the beloved television series "Das Traumschiff," featuring a star-studded cast including Florian Silbereisen as Captain Max Parger, Barbara Wussow as Hanna Liebhold, and Harald Schmidt as Oskar Schifferle. The episode, set against the backdrop of Miami, promised a mix of drama and adventure, but viewer reactions were mixed, with many expressing disappointment on social media.
The episode marked a significant moment for Judith Williams, who made a special guest appearance as the mother of Lena Grimm, a character portrayed by another cast member. Williams, who is also known for her role as a juror on "Die Höhle der Löwen," shared her excitement about joining the "Traumschiff" family. In an interview, she stated, "I’m probably the biggest 'Traumschiff' fan that exists!" reflecting on her long-time admiration for the series and its tradition in her family.
Williams discussed how she had received numerous requests to participate in the show over the years but had never been able to fit it into her schedule until now. "The cameo role immediately appealed to me, and I’m thrilled to be part of this special format," she added.
Despite the excitement surrounding Williams' role, the episode itself did not fare well with audiences. Viewers took to social media platforms to voice their frustrations, with one user commenting, "The 'Traumschiff' was today a middle finger to the German public service fee payers." Another viewer lamented, "It was terrible, absolutely terrible. Who writes such scripts?" The backlash was significant, with some calling it the worst episode yet, giving it a rating of 1 out of 10.
However, not all feedback was negative. Some fans expressed satisfaction with the episode, stating, "Thank you. My expectations were fully met. Until next time," while others humorously noted, "That was again a delightful nonsense!" Nevertheless, a common sentiment was that the iconic "Eisbomben" (ice bombs) were underutilized in this episode, with one viewer noting, "Finally, Eisbomben alarm! But it was way too short!"
Florian Silbereisen, who has been portraying Captain Max Parger since 2019, has dedicated significant time to the series, often at the expense of his personal life. In a recent interview, he shared that he would not be able to celebrate Easter with his family due to filming commitments. "In the Easter week, I am far away to shoot," he explained, highlighting the challenges of balancing his career with personal traditions.
He also expressed his desire to maintain some Easter customs, stating, "I hope that I can search for a little Easter nest, as I find this tradition beautiful." Silbereisen's commitment to the show has kept him on the MS Amadea, the ship used for filming, for months at a time, travelling from the Caribbean to Australia and beyond.
The production schedule for "Das Traumschiff" is rigorous, with filming taking place from January to June 2025. Silbereisen revealed that filming days often start early, with crew members waking up around five in the morning. He noted, "When I shoot, I go to bed early, as the days are long."
After filming, Silbereisen finds ways to unwind, often spending time with his co-stars in the restaurant, theater, or bar on the ship. He particularly enjoys the company of Harald Schmidt, who has been part of the show since 2007. "With Harald, it’s always fun!" Silbereisen remarked, emphasizing the camaraderie among the cast.
Despite the challenges of being away from home, Silbereisen finds joy in the unique experiences the show provides. He noted that even on the ship, there are weekly Bavarian gatherings for guests, allowing him to maintain a connection to his roots.
Looking ahead, Judith Williams is set to return to "Die Höhle der Löwen" at the end of April, where she will continue to support entrepreneurs in realizing their visions. In discussing the longevity of both "Das Traumschiff" and "Die Höhle der Löwen," she emphasized the importance of adapting while retaining the core elements that make these shows special.
As the episode aired on Easter Sunday, viewers were treated to a blend of family drama and comedic mishaps that have become hallmarks of the series. Despite the backlash, the show's enduring popularity suggests that fans remain invested in the adventures of Captain Parger and his crew.
In conclusion, while the latest installment of "Das Traumschiff" faced criticism, it also highlighted the dedication of its cast and the deep-rooted traditions that the series represents for many viewers. As the show continues to evolve, it remains a cherished part of German television culture, promising more adventures in the future.
