Although Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk has announced cost-cutting measures, the MDR Broadcasting Council approves the production of two new "Polizeiruf 110" episodes from Magdeburg. These two episodes had already been planned. They are therefore not affected by an expected three-year production halt, according to a press release.
The production of the episodes "Polizeiruf 110: Die Wütende" and "Polizeiruf 110: Hilferuf" is confirmed. In both cases, these are still working titles. According to the announcement, filming for "Die Wütende" is scheduled to take place in September, and for "Hilferuf" in November. However, it will likely be quite a while before the two episodes are broadcast. "Die Wütende" is expected to air in 2028, with "Hilferuf" following in 2029.
MDR Cuts Back on "Tatort" and "Polizeiruf 110"
"I thank the Broadcasting Council for the continued approval of 'Polizeiruf 110' from Magdeburg", MDR Director General Ralf Ludwig is quoted as saying in the press release. The planned episodes would "address topics of high social relevance and tell them in an exciting way for an audience of millions". However, he regrets "that 'Polizeiruf 110' must pause for three years starting in 2027 because the cost-cutting requirements demand it".
The Chairman of the MDR Broadcasting Council, Kai Ostermann, praises the "Polizeiruf" from Magdeburg as one of the "defining fictional offerings" of the broadcaster. At the same time, however, he announces: "In the coming months, the Broadcasting Council will intensively examine the question of what role fictional offerings will play in MDR's overall portfolio in the future and how program-strategic changes will affect different target groups and the fulfillment of the mandate."
According to the press release, MDR closed the 2025 fiscal year with a deficit of 13.2 million euros. Compared to the previous year, this represents a reduction of the deficit by 31.1 million euros. In May, it became public that cost-cutting measures at MDR affect both "Tatort" and "Polizeiruf". The production of episodes not yet planned will be suspended for three years. In early June, it was then announced that filming for a new Dresden "Tatort" had begun on May 27. This one is also not affected by the production halt.
