New ARD Tatort “Gegen die Zeit” Premieres April 26, 2026: Plot Details and Updates from Vienna

The German crime series Tatort returns with a new episode from Vienna on Sunday, April 26, 2026, titled “Gegen die Zeit” (Against Time). The episode will premiere at 8:15 p.m. On Das Erste, as well as on ORF and SRF, marking the 1337th installment of the long-running series.

This episode features the Austrian detective duo Moritz Eisner, portrayed by Harald Krassnitzer, and Bibi Fellner, played by Adele Neuhauser. It’s Eisner’s 62nd case and the 38th joint investigation for the team, described by broadcasters as their “vorletzter Fall” or second-to-last case together.

Plot and Setting

The story unfolds at the “Sonnenhof,” a social pedagogical residential community for teenagers aged 14 to 18, which serves as a last chance for youth who would otherwise end up on the streets. When the center’s director, David Walcher (played by Roland Silbernagl), is found beaten to death, suspicion falls on 16-year-old resident Cihan (Alperen Köse), who has a known history of violence and has disappeared since the night of the incident.

Eisner and Fellner must navigate the delicate environment of the Sonnenhof to uncover the truth, confronting not only the teenagers but also the care staff and a militant neighbor in conflict with the facility. Their investigation reveals deep-seated tensions and personal struggles among the residents and staff, requiring both determination and empathy.

Production Details

Directed and co-written by Katharina Mückstein, with Hermann Schmid contributing to the screenplay, “Gegen die Zeit” was filmed in Vienna from September 3 to October 2, 2025. The episode features music by Karwan Marouf, cinematography by Michael Schindegger, and editing by Natalie Schwager.

The cast includes Christina Scherrer as Meret Schande, Augustin Groz as Simon, Ayo Aloba as Femi, Emre Cakir as Aras, Alperen Köse as Cihan, Tristan Witzel as Leon, Isabella Campestrini as a police officer, Emese Fáy as Kristina Modric, Roman Blumenschein as Jürgen Siller, and Roland Silbernagl as David Walcher.

Availability and Reception

Following its broadcast on April 26, 2026, the episode will be available in the ARD Mediathek until May 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. While no official reviews have been published ahead of the premiere, advance descriptions highlight the film’s blend of crime investigation with coming-of-age elements, emphasizing the emotional weight carried by the young characters whose lives are already marked by hardship.

As the penultimate appearance of Krassnitzer and Neuhauser in their respective roles, “Gegen die Zeit” serves as a significant moment in the Vienna Tatort storyline, combining procedural elements with a sensitive portrayal of youth in crisis.