“I haven’t had to learn so many texts for a long time”Why star writer Sebastian Fitzek is now dating Dr. Joe Gerner on GZSZ is shaking
Sebastian Fitzek (left) with Wolfgang Bachro on the set of the RTL series “Good Times, Bad Times”
RTL/UFA
From the bestselling author straight to the GZSZ area!
Thriller star Sebastian Fitzek marks a special guest appearance on Good Times, Bad Times: To mark his 20th anniversary as an author, the 54-year-old actor plays himself in two episodes – and meets none other than Dr. Jo Gerner. But before filming, Fitzek was highly respected! In this interview, he tells us exactly what’s behind it.
Sebastian Fitzek creates a creepy atmosphere on the GZSZ set
After he casually mentioned in an interview how much he would love to be part of a daily series, the production team at UFA Serial Drama in Potsdam-Babelsberg responded immediately: “They were so crazy that they invited me here,” says the star writer, pleased with his coup. Fitzek will be seen in two episodes: July 23 and 24 on RTL and a week earlier on RTL+ – and he plays none other than himself.
Reading tip: Sebastian Fitzek – guest of GZSZ
The setting is a highly cryptic take on his current psychological thriller, The Neighbor. The author had great respect for the enormous workload on set and learning lines: “I haven’t had to learn that many lines in a long time,” admits Fitzek, who can usually just watch the book on stage or freely tell stories from his life. On the set, he also met an old acquaintance: GZSZ veteran Wolfgang Bahro (Joe Gerner). They had a warm and long-standing acquaintance through their mutual friend Oliver Kalkofe. Viewers will be treated to a completely unique crossover, in which the Lord of Terror will create a very special atmosphere in the area.
Bestselling author Sebastian Fitzek (left) with GZSZ actors Wolfgang Bachro and Anna-Katharina Feher.
RTL/Anna Riedel
Interview with Sebastian Fitzek
Mr. Fitzek, how did you suddenly appear in the GZSZ universe?
And all because the GZSZ team was so crazy that they invited me! At one point I said in an interview that performing at the GZSZ would definitely be my absolute dream. On the occasion of my 20th anniversary as an author, I’m happy to grant a few wishes of my own. Someone noticed it then, reached out, and now I’m really here.
You know big film sets and huge halls. What was your impression of the series on location?
I thought it would be big, but in fact it is a separate huge company. Great team! What I immediately noticed was the extremely good atmosphere – I not only heard it in the dining room, but I felt it myself. When you’re working together in such a small space and have to produce so much, it’s incredibly important that the chemistry is right. You can feel it as soon as you arrive here.
In the scenes you give a very personal reading to Dr. Jo Gerner. As a thriller writer, do you feel weak in the knees when faced with Germany’s most ruthless lawyer?
Let’s put it this way: I usually keep the horror in check in my books, but suddenly Jo Gerner’s doctor treatment had its own dynamic! Wolfgang Bachro has embodied this role so perfectly over the years that on set you automatically have great respect for the character. When you know what Gerner has already done on the show, you’re at least secretly a little in awe of being in front of the camera. (laughs)
Was the heavy workload and studying the text your biggest challenge?
Oh yes, absolutely! I’m very glad that there is a rehearsal before filming. I haven’t had to learn so much text for a long time. Usually at my readings everything is completely different: I hold a book in my hands or tell stories from my life, which, of course, I know. I’m reading the series this time too, but I have to hope that I can cover up a textual hang-up or two in the book – just don’t show any weakness to Gerner! (laughs)
Sebastian Fitzek on the set of the RTL series “Good Times, Bad Times”
RTL
You meet Wolfgang Bahro on the set. How do you know each other and what is it like seeing him in his signature role?
I met Wolfgang through our good mutual friend Oliver Kalkofe. Ollie celebrates his birthday once a year, and Wolfgang and I are always there. It’s like a ritual that we meet there. Being Berliners, you always bump into each other from time to time and you have developed a very warm acquaintance. Wolfgang is personally one of the nicest people I know. This is in stark contrast to his character in the series.
Can you theoretically imagine writing an entire storyline for a TV series?
In theory yes, but in practice I know it will probably never be possible on television. Unless someone is crazy enough to create something that is only shown to a very specific group – perhaps FSK 18. In reality this is unlikely to happen.
What exactly can fans expect from your guest appearance?
I will appear in two episodes. But don’t worry, I’m not so dominant that I could ruin anything here! I play myself, author Sebastian Fitzek, and give Jo Gerner a very personal reading from my book The Neighbor. If you want to know exactly what I’m up to, who’s behind it, and why, you definitely need to tune in!
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Fitzek celebrates its anniversary with a big show
Soon on GZSZ we will see whether Sebastian Fitzek can remember all the passages from his text and whether it can be said that he is nervous. Fitzek’s appearance at GZSZ is also the start of his special anniversary event: On August 7th and 8th 2026, Sebastian Fitzek will perform his anniversary show live at the Waldbühne in Berlin.
Sources used: RTL.