Farewell to the TV icons: Krassnitzer and Neuhauser say crime scene adieu!

Farewell to the TV icons: Krassnitzer and Neuhauser say crime scene adieu!

In the Austrian “crime scene”, there is a major change. After more than two decades, Harald Krassnitzer and Adele Neuhauser say goodbye as an investigative duo. With 59 and 34 processed cases (Krassnitzer as Moritz Eisner, Neuhauser as Bibi Fellner), they are among the undisputed faces of the crime series. Her last common case will be broadcast towards the end of 2026, which inherits the audience again on the special chemistry of the duo. The two stars have announced their farewell to tackle new challenges. An emotional farewell that is very important in the ORF program directorate. Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, program director of ORF, explicitly praises the interaction of the two, which has shaped the series for so many years.

In the remaining years, Krassnitzer and Neuhauser will be shown in four other “crime scene” films. Two of these new "crime scenes" are planned for 2025. The films "We are not to be grasped!" And "the electrician" (AT) will run in the first and in the ARD media library. Most recently, the latest Austro “crime scene” entitled “Messer” achieved remarkable odds: 8.44 million viewers and a market share of 32 percent in total and 21 percent in the target group of 12 to 49 year olds. This makes the great demand for crime stories playing in Vienna and the surrounding area, which is underlining the importance of this series.

successor candidates are determined

The successor of the two popular commissioners is already a hot topic. Thomas Schubert (31) and Laurence Rupp (37) are the favorites for the roles that are left behind Krassnitzer and Neuhauser. Schubert is known for his impressive role in the drama "breathe" and is described as an intensive character actor. Rupp brings extensive experience from the stage, including engagements at the Burgtheater, as well as from TV productions such as "suburban women" and the movie "Cops". However, no decision about the successor has been announced.
In addition, it is unclear whether the Vienna “crime scene” remains in a duo format and in which thematic direction the series could develop.

The change in the Austrian “crime scene” is part of a broader discussion about the format. The possibility of a conceptual realignment hovers over the planned changes. In view of the developments in crime statistics, it may also be time to bring a breath of fresh air to the stories. The police crime statistics (PKS) shows that the recorded cases form the basis for strategic criminal police measures and enable long -term analysis of crime development. These developments may be taken up by the producers of the “crime scene” in the coming years in order to better respond to the needs and interests of the audience.