No extension of the production contract
"The weekly series 'Lindenstraße' will not be continued after more than 34 years," reads the WDR press release. "The ARD television program conference has voted by a majority against extending the production contract with Geißendörfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion." Hard to believe, after all, many fans have grown up with the series and its protagonists.
'Lindenstraße' is an icon in German television
So in 2020, it's time to say goodbye to Mother Beimer & Co. A decision that ARD did not take lightly, according to Volker Herres, Program Director of First German Television. "Because 'Lindenstraße' is an icon in German television that has been with us for decades. It is a reflection of the history and development of our republic. It has set accents that will remain formative - a credit to committed, passionate creators," he explains.
The first episode of "Lindenstraße" aired in 1985
The first episode with the title "Herzlich Willkommen" was broadcast on December 8, 1985. Since then, the actors have delighted generations of viewers every Sunday with their fates, love stories and family dramas.
"But we have to realize soberly and with regret: Viewer interest and our unavoidable cost-cutting constraints are not compatible with the production costs for such a high-quality series," Herres continued. "Hans W. Geißendörfer wrote television history as the father of 'Lindenstraße'. Our respect and thanks go to him and his successor Hana Geißendörfer as well as all those involved. And it's not over yet: We promise all viewers and loyal fans many more interesting episodes and a brilliant finale until 2020."