Georg Wilsberg (portrayed by Leonard Lansink) is a former attorney. He lost his license after accussing a police officer and has thereafter made a living from his stamp dealing business, that later became a second hand bookshop.

Since he was constantly broke and his antiquarian bookshop hardly had enough clients, Wilsberg founded his own detective agency in Munster in order to earn his keep.

Because Wilsberg does not own his own car, he is shown in the first episodes as pursuing his detective activities alongside his best friend, Manfred „Manni“, and later as relying on the help of Ekki Talkotter and his car. Manni’s red Volvo Kombi proved to be indispensable because no detective can carry out his investigations without a car. Moreover, since Manni is working for the Munster City Hall, he is also constantly providing Wilsberg with information. The private investigator received further assistance from his goddaughter Alex, who also covers for him in his second hand bookshop when he has to follow up on a case.

Wilsberg is always getting in the way of the Munster Criminal Investigation Department, represented by Inspector Anna Springer, during his investigations up and about Munster. However, the private detective is now and again saved in the last minute by the inspector. Anna Springer and Georg Wilsberg have been good friends for a long time, Anna Springer also showing a certain affection for Wilsberg, that, however, seems to go unnoticed.

Wilsberg is a rather pleasant, even likeable person with a dry sense of humour, who enjoys spending most of his time in his bookshop. If he hadn’t been confronted with financial problems, he wouldn’t even have considered working as a private detective in Munster.

The inception of most of his cases relies on an observation regarding an unfaithful spouse, an estranged young adult or a murder. Wilsberg often starts working on the commission quite reluctantly, especially when he believes that the assignment pays too little.

To his disappointment, the investigation seems to become more and more difficult in the course of the case and every now and then new facts are revealed that set the private detective from Munster on the way to uncovering environmental or construction-related scandals or other affairs from the public sector.

Other Characters

Manfred „Manni“ Hoch, Wilsberg’s Best Friend

Manfred Hoch (portrayed by Heinrich Schafmeister) works as a municipal employee for the building authorities, with offices in the Munster City Hall. Furthermore, he represents Bundnis 90 / The Green Party in the City Council. Manni drives a red Volvo Kombi, which his friend Georg Wilsberg borrows every now and then in order to pursue his investigations. Although he rarely reaches his level of expectations due to the obstacles put in his way, Manni is by all means a perfectionist.

Manfred Hoch was replaced after the plot was moved to Bielefeld and has not made an appearance since the 15th episode.

Alexandra „Alex“ Holtkamp, Wilsberg’s Goddaughter

Apart from her studies of law at the University of Munster, Alex also helps out in her godfather’s second hand bookstore and has thereby become involved in his investigation-related activities. Moreover, she often gives him a hand with his detective work in Munster. Alex had to attend her exams pretty much at the same time as several urgent investigations, however, she has become an attorney in the meantime.

Alex Holtkamp is portrayed by Ina Paule Klink and has joined the cast in the 4th episode.

Anna Springer, Head Inspector

Anna Springer (portrayed by Rita Russek) is Head Inspector of the Munster Homicide Division. As part of her job, she is constantly interfering with Private Detective Wilsberg’s work. Although they have known each other for a long time and are also good friends, they are always getting into each other’s way.

Overbeck, Assistant

Overbeck (portrayed by Roland Jankowsky) is Anna Springer’s assistant and is not into the best of terms with Detective Georg Wilsberg. As a man of action, Overbeck’s mindset often makes him overreach himself. He treats the private detective condescendinly most of the time and takes the easy way out at the end of an investigation, especially when Wilsberg seems close to a conclusion. On a side note, Overbeck’s first name is never mentioned in the series.

Ekkehard „Ekki“ Talkotter, Tax Auditor

Ekki (portrayed by Oliver Korittke) has joined the series in the 15th episode. He is a tax auditor and should actually go through Wilsberg’s finances, but every now and then he becomes involved in his investigations instead. He thereby discoveres his great interest and passion in detective work and also makes great use of the valuable knowledge he has gained as an auditor. Talkotter succeeds Manni whenever Wilsberg requires a car. What is more, Ekki also shows an interest in Alex, which often makes him appear as shy and embarrassed.

Miscellaneous Facts about the Wilsberg Series

The city of Bielefeld is mentioned at least once, sometimes in writing, though, in every episode of the series. For example, actor Heinrich Schafmeister leaves the series after the 14th episode and Manni Hoch’s character is transferred to Bielefeld. The joking reference for this running gag is the fact that ZDF editor, Martin Neumann, was born in Bielefeld.

The Munster Press Office, together with Munster City Tours, offers guided tours, that show the city’s visitors some of the most important filming locations of the series. Among others, these include the Wilsberg Second Hand Bookstore (in reality the Solder Second Hand Bookstore), located on Frauenstra?e, and the Prinzipalmarkt, often used as background for the takes.

These guided tours have been offered since 2003 and take about 90 minutes.

Some of Jurgen Kehrer’s novels are also available as audio books.

You may find the Wilsberg episode guide here, containing all episodes, as well as the cast list and additional information about each episode.