Kassel in focus: New ARD series delights with black humor!

Kassel in focus: New ARD series delights with black humor!

A new TV series is currently causing a sensation: “Why me?” by David Schalko, known for his work on “Braunschlag” and “Altes Geld”. The first episodes were broadcast on June 20, 2025 and the mix of black humor and profound life situations not only attracts a lot of attention, but also puts the city of Kassel at the center of the plot.

In the opening episode entitled “Cowboys” the story is told by Jeff Kanter, played by Charly Hübner. With his past as a country legend, he lives in the trailer and tries to get his debts under control with living room concerts. He is booked for the birthday of Monika, played by Andrea Sawatzki, who has her own intentions. This first episode not only brings an exciting plot, but also highlights Kassel in an unconventional way. The dog, which is named after Kassel, takes the audience to the city, which also plays a role in other episodes, including “Regensburg”, in which employees are laid off, and “Friends”, where two men with Kassel license plates come into the picture. Schalko emphasizes that he found it nice to see the city return in different contexts, even if he has no personal connection to Kassel, as he explained in an interview.

Kassel as a location

Kassel's recurring role in the series was not chosen by chance. In one of the episodes, “Casa Carmen”, the Kassel native Tina Pfurr is clearly brought into focus. She became known through her advertising for the job board Indeed and is now viewed as a “cult figure”. Her presence in the series shows how deeply Kassel is interwoven into the narrative structure.

The series comprises a total of six episodes in which life is illuminated in its bizarre, often funny and at the same time melancholic side. The musical accompaniment by Kyrre Kvam and the creative camera work by Martin Gschlacht round off the overall picture of the series.

A look through Schalko's lens

Schalko, the director and writer, is known for his ability to convey serious topics in a humorous way. As with his previous projects, this one presents a dark comedy that will make viewers both laugh and think. This is reminiscent of similar formats such as the dark comedies that have made a name for themselves in recent years, such as “Succession”, which also plays with bitter humor and a crisp look at human nature.

The first episode of “Why Me?” will be repeated on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 9:45 p.m. on ONE. If you want to discover the mixture of black humor and a touch of Kassel, you should mark this date in your calendar.

For more information and to get an inside look at the series, check out coverage from HNA and The first to. If you are interested in the current trends in dark comedies, you will find further suggestions at esquire.