With “Steckerlfischfiasko”, the cult phenomenon surrounding Lower Bavaria’s village cop Franz Eberhofer enters its tenth round. The film adaptation of Rita Falk’s bestselling crime series will be released in German cinemas on August 13, 2026, taking fans to the quirky village of Niederkaltenkirchen.
The Eberhofer crime novels have ranked among the most successful regional crime novels in the German-speaking market for years. Rita Falk’s bestselling series now comprises over a dozen volumes, captivating readers with a blend of suspense, Bavarian humor, and vivid portrayals of village life, family ties, and eccentric characters. The film adaptations have carried this success to the big screen, drawing more than 10.4 million viewers to date.
This makes the series one of the most attended German film productions of the 21st century— a true cult phenomenon.
At the center is the idiosyncratic village policeman Franz Eberhofer, portrayed by Sebastian Bezzel, alongside his loyal former colleague Rudi Birkenberger, played by Simon Schwarz. This unlikely partnership forms the emotional and comedic heart of the series: Franz solves every case with stoic calm and down-to-earth Bavarian pragmatism, while Rudi complements him with dry humor and unwavering loyalty. In the tenth installment, they once again deliver laughs, suspense, and unforgettable moments.
Provincial crime thriller with cult status: authentic humor, iconic characters, and millions of cinema admissions create a powerful property ideal for merchandise, collaborations, and events.
