Angela Merkel detective show debuts in Italy.

Italian viewers were abuzz with anticipation as a two-part television series portraying Angela Merkel as a modern-day Miss Marple premiered on July 12. The show features German actress Katharina Thalbach as the former chancellor who has taken on a new role as a sleuth in “Miss Merkel and the Murder in the Castle.”

The Plot

In the series, a retired Merkel investigates criminal cases in her hometown in eastern Germany, much to the dismay of her husband and bodyguard. The first episode aired on Italian television, with the second episode, “Murder in the Cemetery,” set to air the following week.

The Inspiration

Writer David Safier drew inspiration from Angela Merkel’s retirement from politics in 2019, combined with the detective series “Columbo” and Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. The series is based on Safier’s books, with a new one set to be released in November.

Despite its fictional portrayal, the real Angela Merkel, who turns 70 this year, has shown a keen interest in solving murders, even making a guest appearance on a true crime podcast in 2022.

Italian viewers and social media users have expressed surprise and excitement over this unique take on the former chancellor.