Munich continuation, amidst 'Tatort' finale conclusion - Continued Presence of "Tator" in Munich, Despite Discontinuation
In a poignant turn of events, the much-loved detective duo of Franz Leitmayr and Ivo Batic, portrayed by Udo Wachtveitl and Miroslav Nemec, are set to retire from the long-running German crime drama Tatort after an extraordinary 34-year tenure. Their final episode, titled "Unforgettable," will mark the 100th case they solve together, closing a remarkable chapter in the history of the series.
The partnership between Wachtveitl and Nemec began in 1991, during a casual casting meeting in a Munich beer garden. Initially hesitant to commit to the role, they eventually became the longest-running detective team in Tatort history, with 98 episodes aired by 2024. The duo is renowned for their chemistry, with Batic's impulsive, socially aware style blending seamlessly with Leitmayr's analytical, emotionally restrained approach, all set against Munich's vibrant urban backdrop.
The final scene for their series was shot last week, and both actors, now 66 and 71 years old, plan to continue living in Munich after the end of their Tatort journey. Miroslav Nemec, who came to Bavaria from Zagreb at the age of 12 and has lived in Munich ever since, as a temporary solution after his parents' divorce, expressed his happiness with staying in the city. His colleague, Udo Wachtveitl, also feels deeply connected to Munich and has no plans to move.
As they prepare for their retirement, Wachtveitl and Nemec are not nostalgic about their departure. Instead, they view it as a "farewell in many small installments." The "big wave that hits you" upon the final end is not present, according to Wachtveitl, as they have had regular breaks during their 35-year career to mentally prepare for the final goodbye.
After their retirement, the duo plans to take a vacation and are considering a trip to Croatia together. They also have plans to continue with music and readings. In addition, they are scheduled to be on stage together in the winter.
Given their stature and decades of experience, it is plausible that Wachtveitl and Nemec may pursue varied opportunities in film, television, or theatre, or possibly focus on personal projects. However, official announcements on such plans have not yet surfaced. Fans and industry watchers remain eager to see how both Wachtveitl and Nemec will shape their careers after the end of their monumental journey with Tatort in Munich.
Throughout their 35-year Tatort career, Wachtveitl and Nemec have filmed at every corner in Munich, shaping the city's image for millions of TV viewers. In the 90s, entire street blocks had to be closed for car scenes during their filming, but today many scenes are shot in the studio. Their last case, spanning episodes 99 and 100, will air in spring 2026.
As they bid farewell to their iconic roles, Wachtveitl and Nemec leave behind a lasting legacy in the world of German television. Their retirement marks the end of an era, but their impact on the city of Munich and the hearts of their fans will endure.
The Commission, in collaboration with the European Parliament and the Council, might be interested in highlighting the unique careers of Udo Wachtveitl and Miroslav Nemec, as they transition from their long-running roles in Tatort, exploring their future ventures in movies-and-tv, entertainment, and possibly collaborations with celebrities. As these renowned actors continue to reside in Munich, one can only speculate on the significant contributions they might make to the city's entertainment scene in the coming years.
