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TV veteran Barbara Salesch discusses her return: "I sought to discover once more"

Director of Cultural Affairs Returns

RTL welcomes back Barbara Salesch after a decade-long absence.
RTL welcomes back Barbara Salesch after a decade-long absence.

Barbara Salesch Makes Staggering Return to TV: "I Wanted to Test the Waters Again"

TV veteran Barbara Salesch discusses her return: "I sought to discover once more"

After an astounding 25-year reign as Germany's most prominent judge on TV, Barbara Salesch has made a jaw-dropping comeback following a decade-long hiatus. Now, at the ripe age of 75, this eminent jurist is gearing up for a primetime extravaganza on RTL, with her latest electrifying case set to unfold on June 10 in the captivating titled, "Barbara Salesch - The Dead in the Rhine."

In an enlightening interview with ntv.de, Salesch shed light on her motivations for making a comeback and the evolution of her illustrious career.

A Difficult Decision and a New Beginning

Being Germany's most famous judge is no small feat, and it's been over two decades since Salesch first delivered her groundbreaking verdicts on television. However, the hype became overwhelming, forcing Salesch to step back for a decade. Now, the tenacious author and judge is ready to step back into the limelight, armed with experiences and unwavering resolve.

"I never regretted the leap to TV," Salesch asserted. "Opportunities like this only come once, and I seized it at the tender age of 49. We never anticipated it would last this long, though. It seems my TV career has legs!"

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Straddling the Line between Judge and Performer

Salesch has faced her fair share of criticism, with some accusing her of prioritizing entertainment over justice. However, she stands firm on her principles, insisting that her role as a judge remains paramount.

"I've always been more of an entertainer with a firm grasp of the law than a performing actress," Salesch clarified. "I maintain the integrity of the justice system while providing a captivating viewing experience."

Despite the industry's rapid transformation, Salesch has never wavered from her commitment to keeping her courtroom drama true to life.

"The cases may be a touch dramatized for TV, but they're based on real-world events," Salesch explained. "The scripts are all vetted to ensure they adhere to our high standards. However, we intentionally shy away from sensationalizing real-life crimes because it feels exploitative."

A Gripping and Innovative New Format

Fans have much to look forward to with Salesch's upcoming special, as she's pioneering a fresh and immersive format for her courtroom drama. In a brave departure from traditional storytelling, the focus will now shift from the initial crime scenes to the inner workings of the justice system.

"'Die Tote im Rhein' presents an entirely fresh perspective, delving deep into the courtroom process," Salesch teased. "Viewers can expect a thrilling blend of court and crime, as we follow the trial from the indictment to our final verdict."

The gripping storyline revolves around the grisly discovery of a young woman's body in the Rhine and the arduous task of piecing together the crime scene clues, ultimately leading to a heart-stopping revelation.

Embracing the Unconventional

As with any endeavor, there are always challenges to be navigated. In Salesch's case, that meant adapting to the intricacies of modern filmmaking and working alongside a talented cast of actors.

"I've yet to be disappointed by the art of acting," Salesch marveled. "The transformation actors undergo when they step into character is truly astounding."

Although filming proved to be an intensive and time-consuming process, Salesch remained resilient, tirelessly working to bring her vision to life. And, as she often does, she leaned on her formidable legal team for support.

"It turns out that even renowned lawyers make for quick study when it comes to memorizing lines," Salesch chuckled. "Their youth certainly gave them an edge, I must admit."

A Continuing Legacy

Despite the challenges that come with navigating the ever-evolving world of entertainment, Salesch remains steadfast in her commitment to her fans and her craft. As long as her audience continues to embrace her authenticity and vulnerability, and she feels fulfilled in her work, Salesch intends to continue gracing our screens with her incisive wisdom and timeless charm.

"I'll continue to sit on the bench as long as there's a hunger for justice and truth," Salesch concluded. "As long as I can make a difference, I'll be here."

Stay tuned for Barbara Salesch's gripping new primetime special on June 10, 2025, on RTL and RTLplus. Don't miss out on this epic return to the courtroom, as Salesch unravels the mysteries that lie within "Die Tote im Rhein."

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  1. The return of Barbara Salesch to television, after a decade-long hiatus, has stirred great excitement within the community action, as fans and critics alike anticipate her primetime special on RTL, titled "Barbara Salesch - The Dead in the Rhine."
  2. In her quest to maintain relevance in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape, Barbara Salesch, the eminent jurist, has surrounded herself with celebrities and renowned performers, aiming to provide a captivating viewing experience while upholding the sanctity of the justice system.

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