How ‘Lindenstraße’ became Germany’s most beloved TV institution for 35 years

Here lived Mother Beimer & Co.: 40 years ago, 'Lindenstraße' began - How ‘Lindenstraße’ became Germany’s most beloved TV institution for 35 years

Here lived Mother Beimer & Co.: 40 years ago, 'Lindenstraße' began

Germany’s longest-running soap opera, Lindenstraße, came to an end after 35 years on air. The series first premiered on ARD on December 8, 1985, and became a Sunday evening staple for millions of viewers. By its final episodes, it still drew over two million people each week.

The show began with Marie-Luise Marjan taking on the role of Helga Beimer, the beloved matriarch known as Mother Beimer. Over the decades, Lindenstraße grew into a cultural institution, featuring a vast cast of characters. More than 250 actors held major roles, while around 2,100 guest stars and 24,000 extras appeared across its episodes.

After 35 years, Lindenstraße concluded its final season as one of German television’s most enduring programmes. The soap opera’s mix of long-running cartoon characters and relatable stories kept audiences engaged for generations. Its legacy includes a record-breaking run and a lasting impact on Germany’s TV landscape.