Braunschlag's 1986 revival brings back chaos, nostalgia and sharp satire
The cult Austrian series Braunschlag has returned with a nostalgic revival, transporting viewers back to 1986. Creator David Schalko brings the entire original cast together again, keeping the show's sharp dialogue and unapologetically colourful language.
The story picks up as the town council officially rolls Braunschlag back in time—by decree—and assembles a squad to enforce 1986 rules. But not everyone is celebrating the reopening after fourteen years of isolation following a nuclear disaster.
The revival is set in 1986, a year marked by real-world events like the Chernobyl disaster, the Waldheim affair, and Jörg Haider's political rise. These historical moments form the backdrop as Braunschlag's long-standing characters navigate their revived town.
Mayor Gerri Tschach, however, is nowhere to be found when the announcement comes. He is discovered passed out in a drunken stupor, unaware of the town's sudden reopening. His old friend Richard Pfeisinger, who runs the local disco, remains sceptical about the whole idea. Tschach, ever the optimist, predicts hordes of returning Braunschlagers the next day. Pfeisinger, though, doubts the town's appeal will last. Meanwhile, the series explores how the time warp affects relationships and local politics. For broadcast, the revival was condensed into two feature-length films. Some characters were trimmed or updated, but the core cast and their chaotic dynamics remain intact. The show's signature humour and unrestrained swearing stay front and centre. Fans can expect the same irreverent tone that made the original a hit, now layered with nostalgia for the 1980s setting.
Braunschlag is officially open again, fourteen years after the disaster forced its closure. The revival leans into its absurd premise while keeping the focus on its eccentric characters and their tangled lives. With the town frozen in 1986, the series promises more political satire, sharp wit, and the unfiltered chaos that defined the original.
