A strong team: 100 episodes full of excitement and Berlin charm!

A strong team: 100 episodes full of excitement and Berlin charm!

In an exciting celebration in Berlin, the popular crime series “A Strong Team” looks back on 100 exciting episodes. On October 25, 2025 at 8:15 p.m. the special episode “Forever Young” will air on ZDF and at the same time celebrate the anniversary of the series, which has been broadcast on German television since 1994. Lead actor Florian Martens, known as Chief Inspector Otto Garber, and the charming Stefanie Stappenbeck, who takes on the role of Linett Wachow, lead through this memorable episode, which deals with the topic of life extension. “A Strong Team” has established itself over the years as an integral part of the German television landscape and is both loved and appreciated by viewers, as [nord24](https://www.nord24.de/kino/mit-charme-und-schnauze-ein-starkes-team- Feiert-jubilaeum-327589.html) writes.

The origin of the series dates back to 1994, when the pilot film “Mixed Double” was broadcast to a high audience response. The chemistry between the characters was immediately noticeable. Florian Martens made his debut as Otto Garber, while the unforgettable Maja Maranow took on the role of Chief Detective Verena Berthold until she died in 2016. After her death, Stefanie Stappenbeck took on this important role and brought a breath of fresh air to the investigative team. Jürgen Pomorin wrote the majority of the scripts, which are first written in Standard German and then translated into Berliner, which adds extra charm and authenticity.

The main characters and their development

The characters Otto Garber and Linett Wachow are not only investigators, but also reflections of social issues. The series has integrated current issues, such as the #MeToo movement and the effects of the corona pandemic, into its plot. Garber is described as kind-hearted and tough at the same time, while Wachow is known for her diplomacy. In 99 out of 100 episodes, Otto Garber wears his trademark wool hat, which has made him an unmistakable face of the series. Interestingly, Martens even witnessed the birth of his daughter during the first filming, rushing to the hospital in a judo suit!

“A Strong Team” is distinguished by a large number of guest actors, including well-known actors such as Uwe Ochsenknecht and Heino Ferch. Over the years, many familiar faces have been presented in the series, while new faces have continually been added - Lucas Reiber has been playing Nils Makowski since episode 98. The mix of humorous moments and exciting twists makes the series an unforgettable experience for viewers, as Wikipedia notes.

A look at the competition and future challenges

However, the popularity of “A Strong Team” has not rubbed off on the development of other crime formats on German television. With a large number of new crime series in the ARD and ZDF media libraries, it is clear that crime dramas are more than just “crime scenes”. Series like “The Girl and the Night” or “The Dead of Marnow” bring fresh perspectives and exciting stories into viewers’ living rooms. These developments show that there is still a lot at stake for ZDF's crime artists as they have to assert themselves in an ever-changing market, as With pleasure reports.

Although the peculiarities and themes in the crime series “A Strong Team” are well received, the production team also faces many challenges. If you look at the last 100 episodes, it becomes clear that the key to success lies in the balance between proven recipes and innovative approaches. With “A Strong Team”, ZDF has created a series that not only entertains, but also stimulates discussion. In the future it could be exciting to see how the makers provide fresh ideas for the next anniversary episode.