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Klaus Behrendt to Leave Tatort as Commissioner in 2027

After 30 years and 100 episodes, Klaus Behrendt will exit as Commissioner Max Ballauf from the Cologne Tatort next year.

22 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Klaus Behrendt to Leave Tatort as Commissioner in 2027 — Photo: JCS · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

Klaus Behrendt will end his role as Commissioner Max Ballauf in the Cologne Tatort in 2027, after being part of the investigative duo Ballauf and Schenk for 30 years. The 100th episode, in which Behrendt will be seen alongside his colleague Dietmar Bär, is expected to air in the autumn of 2027.

Behrendt first appeared as Max Ballauf in the Cologne Tatort in 1997 and gained significant fame over the years. Together with Dietmar Bär, who plays Commissioner Freddy Schenk, he formed a successful investigative team for over three decades.

According to reports from WDR, Behrendt has decided to step down from his role after the anniversary episode. He has mentioned in various interviews that the decision to leave the crime series has been on his mind for some time.

Archive photo: Klaus Behrendt to Leave Tatort as Commissioner in 2027 — Archive photoPhoto: JCS · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

In contrast, Dietmar Bär plans to continue his role as Commissioner Schenk and will remain in the Cologne Tatort following Behrendt's departure. The future of the duo remains uncertain, as Bär will need to find a new dynamic in the series.

Behrendt's announcement marks the end of an era in German television, as the Cologne Tatort has been a fixture in the crime series landscape over the years. Viewers have become accustomed to the development of the characters and the stories that Behrendt and Bär have told compellingly.

The upcoming episode will not only be Behrendt's last, but will also provide an opportunity to reflect on his character's development and their shared experiences. Reactions from the fan community so far have been mixed, with many viewers expressing regret over the decision.

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