The Correct Order of the Eberhofer Films: From Dampfnudelblues to Rehragout-Rendezvous
Sabine Rodenbäck
Franz Eberhofer, the bumbling yet lovable police officer from Niederkaltenkirchen, has a unique way of approaching his investigations. Whenever he hears the word „murder,“ he must indulge in a hearty meal prepared by his Oma. This quirky character trait adds a touch of humor to the crime series created by Rita Falk, which has also made its way onto the big screen. However, the order in which the films are presented differs from that of the books. Have you seen them all?
Rita Falk’s Eberhofer series consists of eleven books and nine films, with another one currently in the works. When Falk envisioned the character of Eberhofer, she immediately thought of actor Sebastian Bezzel. This strong association between the character and the actor speaks volumes about Bezzel’s portrayal. The series kicked off in 2010 with the release of „Winterkartoffelknödel,“ which quickly climbed to the sixth spot on the Spiegel-Bestsellerliste. Since then, a new story featuring the village policeman Franz Eberhofer, his best friend Rudi Birkenberger, the Oma, the Papa, Susi, and brother Leopold is released annually.
In 2013, Franz Eberhofer made his debut on the silver screen in „Dampfnudelblues.“ However, this was not the adaptation of the first book in the series, „Winterkartoffelknödel.“ This slight deviation in the order of the films was just the beginning of the differences between the movies and the books. In the film adaptations, Franz’s investigative style may not always align with the author’s vision.
Despite any deviations from the original source material, the success of the films can be attributed to the stellar cast. Sebastian Bezzel shines as the quintessentially Bavarian sheriff, with Simon Schwarz playing his loyal sidekick Rudi and Lisa Maria Potthoff as the object of Franz’s affection. With such a strong ensemble, the brutal murders that occur in the provincial setting almost take a backseat to the charismatic characters.
For fans of Sebastian Bezzel, it’s worth noting that he also lends his voice to a mischievous character in a children’s film. Additionally, Bezzel can be seen in the comedy „Schlimmer geht immer“ on Joyn. So, why weren’t all the books in the series adapted for the screen? Two books, „Zwetschgendatschikomplott“ and „Weißwurstconnection,“ were omitted from the film lineup, as the production team at Constantin Film opted to streamline the storyline. Despite these omissions, the film series has garnered a massive following, with over 10 million viewers tuning in to watch the investigations of the Bavarian sheriff in the nine-part film series. The latest installment, „Rehragout-Rendezvous,“ was the most successful, attracting 1.5 million viewers to theaters. The next film, „Steckerlfischfiasko,“ is set to begin filming in the fall of 2025, with a summer 2026 release date.
In a delightful twist for fans, the filmmakers managed to incorporate a nod to „Zwetschgendatschikomplott“ in the film „Rehragout-Rendezvous.“ When a crow flies onto the police car’s windshield with a human ear in its beak, it harkens back to a scene from the book where a crow leaves a severed finger on Rudi’s balcony in the Munich Schlachthofviertel.
The Correct Order of the Eberhofer Films
To help fans navigate the Eberhofer film series, here is the correct order in which the films should be viewed:
2013: „Dampfnudelblues“
2014: „Winterkartoffelknödel“
2016: „Schweinskopf al dente“
2017: „Grießnockerlaffäre“
2018: „Sauerkrautkoma“
2019: „Leberkäsjunkie“
2021: „Kaiserschmarrndrama“
2022: „Guglhupfgeschwader“
2023: „Rehragout-Rendezvous“
2026: „Steckerlfischfiasko“ – Coming to theaters in summer 2026
Exploring „Rehragout-Rendezvous“
In „Rehragout-Rendezvous,“ Franz Eberhofer finds himself facing challenges in Niederkaltenkirchen. The absence of his beloved Oma’s cooking becomes a pressing issue. Without the comforting presence of dishes like Schweinsbraten, Knödeln, Kalbshaxn, and Krautwickerl, Franz’s ability to conduct police investigations is severely hampered.
As the Oma goes on strike and Susi refines her seduction techniques, the disappearance of Steckenbiller raises alarm bells. When a dismembered body is discovered in a field, suspicions arise about the victim’s identity. However, Franz is preoccupied with his reduced work hours, courtesy of his new boss Susi, who wants him to spend more time with their son Paul. To add to his woes, Rudi is eager to claim the reward for solving the case. Will Franz be able to uncover the truth behind Steckenbiller’s demise amidst these distractions?
In Conclusion
The Eberhofer film series, based on Rita Falk’s popular novels, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of humor, mystery, and Bavarian charm. While the films may deviate from the original source material in some aspects, the strong performances of the cast and the engaging storylines have ensured the series‘ enduring popularity. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of „Steckerlfischfiasko“ in 2026, the adventures of Franz Eberhofer in Niederkaltenkirchen are far from over.