The long-awaited 18th season of "Der Bergdoktor" premiered on January 2, thrilling fans of the iconic German series. Starring Hans Sigl as Dr. Martin Gruber, the new season promises to deliver the same engaging blend of drama, romance, and medical intrigue viewers have come to love, yet with some notable changes to the storyline.
Since its debut back in 2008, "Der Bergdoktor" has proven to be a staple of the ZDF programming lineup, consistently attracting millions every time it airs. This season kicked off with the episode titled "Wechselwirkungen," which explores Dr. Gruber's new patient undergoing significant lifestyle changes. This adds complexity to his life, as he faces personal struggles, particularly with his relationship with Karin Bachmeier, played by Hilde Dalik.
Fans were quick to share their thoughts on the premiere, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many took to social media, particularly on Facebook, to express their excitement. Comments like "I found the episode super and was surprised how quickly it went by" and "Great start! It’s wonderful to see everyone again" exemplify the fan enthusiasm. The premiere attracted 5.28 million viewers, securing a 19.6% market share, solidly positioning it among the top shows of the night.
Despite its success, the episode still fell short against the first episode of the crime series "Nord bei Nordwest," which captivated 7.68 million viewers, achieving a market share of 28.5%. This was noted by various industry platforms, reminding us how fiercely competitive the evening viewing slot can be.
Hans Sigl's consistent portrayal of Dr. Gruber has made him synonymous with the character, but changes could be on the horizon for him. His current contract with ZDF is nearing its end. Sigl has indicated the possibility of stepping away after the 20th season, saying, "There is the agreement until the 20th season – what happens afterwards, we will see." He has not voiced any thoughts of leaving just yet but is open to the ultimate decision resting with the network.
Even amid his contract uncertainty, Sigl remains devoted to his role, praising the character's depth. “Dr. Gruber is such a richly developed character. He encompasses aspects of medicine, family life, and romance,” he noted. His enthusiasm for portraying Gruber reflects his commitment, and as he navigates through personal challenges on the show, he continues to remain fully invested.
While the first episode set the stage for tension within Martin's relationship, the second episode slated to air on January 9, 2025, titled “Zwei Gesichter,” promises even more dramatic developments. Martin’s attempts to mend his relationship with Karin are complicated by misunderstandings, emphasizing the emotional struggles faced by the characters.
Interestingly, the new season is also tackling medical mysteries, showcasing how the series can attract attention for lesser-known health issues. Sigl has explained the importance of representing rare diseases accurately, contributing to public awareness. “There are patients who have approached us because of stories portrayed on the show, asking if their conditions could be similar,” he remarked, highlighting how the series can impact lives beyond entertainment.
For the ardent fans of "Der Bergdoktor," the excitement does not stop with the premiere. Eight episodes, each airing every Thursday at 20:15, promise to deliver engaging storylines filled with love and drama, reinforcing why this series continues to resonate so strongly with audiences after nearly two decades.
Fans reportedly have plans for something special for the series' upcoming milestone – potentially even celebrating its 20th anniversary with festive events. Heiko Ruprecht, who plays Martin’s brother, hinted at the idea of taking the family Gruber on special adventures, possibly even venturing abroad.
“With series reaching such milestones, we should celebrate—perhaps with the Gruber family taking a trip to New York,” Ruprecht suggested. With stars aligning for anniversaries and milestones, the devotion of the cast and crew remains steadfast, aiming to sustain the legacy of "Der Bergdoktor" for years to come.