Life, Death and Weddings – Lindenstraße in the Television Media Library

Klaus Beimer grew up here; Berta Griese became addicted to pills; Marek Zöllig became a woman. Whether the story revolves around domestic violence or same-sex marriage, AIDS or the AfD, the television series ‘Lindenstraße’ has been portraying the ups and downs of its characters’ social and private lives since 1985. Based on the example of the British series ‘Coronation Street’ (on ITV since 1960), Hans W. Geißendörfer developed the Federal Republic’s microcosm “Linden-, Ecke Kastanienstraße” – Linden Street at the corner of Chestnut  – for ARD, Das Erste (channel 1). Weekly episodes use authentic, real-life situations to tell stories in keeping with public broadcasting, educational and entertainment objectives. ‘Lindenstraße’ will conclude in spring 2020 with 1758 episodes under its belt. In collaboration with the WDR station and the Geißendörfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion KG, the Deutsche Kinemathek has brought together an extensive selection of ‘Lindenstraße’ broadcasts that visualize the narrative meaning and media staying power this family series has built up for more than 30 years.