Babs Salesch's Prime Time Comeback: "The Floating Corpse of the Rhine"
Defendants instead acquire grandchildren through court proceedings. - "Instead of others enjoying their grandchildren, I am left with rulings"
Gritty, resilient, and fearless- Barbara Salesch, the 75-year-old German TV justice queen, is still dishing out justice on our screens. On June 10th, catch her in an exhilarating 90-minute primetime special titled "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Floating Corpse of the Rhine" on RTL (also via RTL ). Instead of the usual afternoon court show, she'll captivate your attention as the lead actress in a gripping prime-time television crime drama, centering on a bone-chilling murder case.
Since she made her comeback to television after a decade-long hiatus in 2022, Salesch has been more in the limelight than ever. A former real-life judge, she gained significant acclaim in Germany in 1999 with her groundbreaking court-focused show, "Judge Barbara Salesch." In an exclusive interview with spot on news, she opens up about her unrelenting curiosity, why she'd rather sit in court than babysit grandkids, and what fuels her to continue at 75.
How did you recently celebrate your 75th birthday?
Barbara Salesch: It was a blast! We had a ball, despite the work on that day. However, we're planning a massive celebration in my garden during the summer.
How does it feel to be this present in an era you rarely were?
Salesch: It's killer fun! After years of toil, this newfound intensity has finally given us the chance to shoot in prime-time. That's a whole different animal. Usual shoot days involve three of our afternoon negotiations, while this cinematic treat demanded numerous filming days for its mix of crime and court, allowing us to show much more than the norm.
How realistic is the film compared to your actual judicial life?
Salesch: We practically touched the surface. In the evening show, we condense a six-day main trial with all its intricacies into an hour and a half. We peel back the layers of investigation, as well as the off-court drama and attempts to capitalize on others' misery. To say the least-it's incredibly thrilling.
What particularly excited you about this shoot?
Salesch: A plethora of factors, really. First off, I was blown away by the acting. Taking on the role of a judge is a piece of cake for me, but seeing the actors slip into their characters so effortlessly left me utterly impressed. I always have a certain respect for those who can perform like that.
Secondly, the technology behind the scenes left me wide-eyed- cars driving toward me on cranes, lighting setups like I've never seen before, cameras on the move-and then I had to recite the same lines half a dozen times for each shot! That was intense.
Why do court shows still resonate today?
Salesch: Authentic casting is crucial. You can always find actresses and actors who fit the judge's mold, acting out the script as they see fit. But I don't have to play the judge. In fact, I still rewrite the scripts. Audiences get to see me in action, which sets us apart from the rest.
And what continues to excite you personally?
(No direct translation needed as the question repeats the previous one.)
Salesch: I'm doing what I love. I relish the opportunity to witness various perspectives, connections, and solutions. Art, farming, workshops, my gallery- everything appeals to me. But the most captivating is undoubtedly the worlds of law and my television role. As long as viewers tune in and enjoy watching my antics, I'll keep at it.
If you look back to your early days in television 25 years ago, what has changed?
Salesch: At times, it was more grueling back then. Extensive years of broadcasts and repetitive processes eventually wore me out. At the age of 64, 12 years and over 2500 broadcasts behind me, I felt ready for a break. I was curious about art, and I wasn't going to wait until I hit 90 to explore it-I wanted to jump into it now. Every day was a hive of activity, but it was quieter. Returning to television has definitely amped things up, but it feels good.
Do you still have time for your art?
Salesch: Not much at the moment. I only curate an exhibition a year these days, but I somehow make it work.
Why did you choose to study law, a subject often criticized for being dry, as a creative person?
Salesch: I find that characterization unfair. Law is far from being dry. While some professors may lack luster, it's all about how the material is presented. Law is incredibly fascinating. Studying it refines your logical thinking abilities, applicable to various professions. However, one issue with lawyers is how they articulate their thoughts- sometimes they can be incredibly vague. I've always been able to convey things in a clear, relatable manner.
Why did you swap the real courtroom for the television studio?
Salesch: Drawn to the allure of television, I couldn't resist the opportunity in my late 40s. I'd already achieved everything I wanted in Hamburg, and when presenting my reel to the networks, I couldn't ignore this new, exciting path. Little did I know it would last this long or that I'd be back on screen now.
Have you ever regretted that decision?
Salesch: Absolutely not. I hold no regrets about becoming a real judge or switching to television. Both professions have enriched my life and complemented each other exceptionally well.
What drives you to continue?
Salesch: An inquisitiveness to learn, combined with the thrill of success. Producing such a dramatic, complex film for prime-time doesn't come around every day. It's exciting to see how we can elevate and modernize the show. Thanks to new evidence sources like videos, surveillance footage, and photographs, we unearth vital clues during the trial. And perhaps one more thing- I've always loved my job. Many have grandchildren, but I have court.
Barbara Salesch
- Television
- Court Show
- Camera
- Future
- RTL
- Rhine
- Hamburg
- Hamburg Regional Court
- Judge Barbara Salesch
- Germany
Enrichment Data:
Background and Plot of "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Floating Corpse of the Rhine"
Background:
Barbara Salesch is a respected German TV judge known for her long-running courtroom shows. Her TV career began in the late 1990s, catapulting her to fame with the judicial shows, particularly "Judge Barbara Salesch." Following a ten-year hiatus, she returned to TV in 2022 with the format "Barbara Salesch - Das Strafgericht" on RTL. At 75 years old, she's now gracing our screens in a prime-time special titled "Barbara Salesch - Der größte Prozessihres Lebens: Die Tote im Rhein" (The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Floating Corpse of the Rhine), marking another milestone in her career[1][3][5].
Plot:
The 90-minute prime-time special, "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Floating Corpse of the Rhine," is a gripping crime drama involving a murder case. Reimagining her usual afternoon courtroom program, this special represents RTL's effort to feature Salesch in prime-time. The story revolves around a significant murder investigation, perfect for the prime-time format[3][4].
The special premiered on June 10, 2025, at 8:15 PM on RTL but might have faced schedule adjustments due to a tragedy in Graz[2][3]. However, it can be streamed on RTL+.
Barbara Salesch is well-known for her realistic depiction of judicial proceedings and her role as a pioneering female judge on television. This special is a testament to her legacy in the judicial TV format, offering a more dramatic and engaging case for the prime-time audience[1][3].
The Court of Justice of the European Communities is notably absent from Barbara Salesch's bustling schedule, as she has traded her days as a real-life judge for the allure of prime-time entertainment. Despite her forays into art and exhibits, her unwavering passion lies in the worlds of law and television, with her most recent project being "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Floating Corpse of the Rhine," a prime-time special airing on RTL. This gripping crime drama marks a departure from her usual daytime courtroom shows, offering a more dramatic and engaging experience for the prime-time audience.
