“Unter Uns” Gets a Facelift: New Actor Takes on Beloved Role, Promising Fresh Drama
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The long-running German soap opera “Unter Uns” (“among Us”), a staple of daytime television akin to America’s “General Hospital” or “Days of Our Lives,” is shaking things up in the fictional Schillerallee neighborhood. Harun Yildirim is stepping into the role of Ferhat Gülek, replacing Mehmet Kucak, who departed for personal reasons after portraying the character since December 2024.
Yildirim’s debut is scheduled for March 27th on RTL, with episodes available a week earlier, starting March 20th, on the RTL+ streaming service. He is known for his work in other German television series, including “Die Eifelpraxis” and “Die Pfefferkörner,” and is expected to continue Ferhat’s storyline in Schillerallee.
“Great Respect, But Also Anticipation”
the departure of Mehmet Kucak, who had embodied ferhat since late 2024, paved the way for Yildirim to bring his own interpretation to the character. Yildirim expressed his enthusiasm for joining “Unter Uns,” which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. “I am very grateful to be part of such an institution,” the actor stated. “I approach this challenge with great respect, but also with a good dose of anticipation and enthusiasm.”
The Future of the Role
Ferhat’s storyline is set to become more complex as he decides to stay in Cologne permanently. He will face new challenges both professionally and personally.According to advance data, “While he soon lands a job as an architect, his love life becomes just as complex: because he is not the only one fighting for the heart of his dream woman.”
Yildirim added, “We accompany Ferhat on his very personal journey. He will develop into a person who defines happiness and success differently then in the past.”
“Unter Uns” airs daily Monday through Friday at 5:30 PM on RTL and anytime on RTL+.
“Unter Uns” Shakes Things Up: Expert Insights on Harun Yildirim’s Debut as Ferhat
Did you know that a single character change in a long-running soap opera can considerably impact viewership and storylines for years to come?
We spoke with Dr. Evelyn Richter, a leading expert on German television and the cultural impact of soap operas, to discuss the recent casting news surrounding “Unter uns,” specifically, Harun Yildirim taking over the role of Ferhat Gülek.
Senior Editor, World-today-News.com: Dr.Richter,could you start by giving us some background on the importance of “Unter Uns” in German television history?
Dr. Evelyn Richter: “Thank you for having me. ‘Unter Uns’ is an institution in German television. It has been on air for over three decades and holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans.It is one of the longest-running daily soap operas in Germany, and its impact on television culture cannot be overstated. For many, it is indeed more than just a show; it’s a daily habit, a source of familiarity, and a way to connect with the lives of fictional characters who frequently enough reflect real-world issues and concerns. Its success lies in its ability to consistently evolve storylines and maintain relevance to contemporary audiences.”
Senior editor: Absolutely, given the show’s longevity, character replacements are inevitable.Can you elaborate on why the recast of a character like Ferhat is such a meaningful event for both the show and its audience?
Dr. Richter: “The recasting of a character like Ferhat is a critical event for several reasons. First, Ferhat Gülek is not just any character; he is integral to the Schillerallee neighborhood’s ongoing narratives; his interactions shape relationships, drive conflict, and often provide a framework for exploring complex social issues. Further, the audience has formed a connection with the character, his story, and how he integrates with all the other personalities. When a new actor steps in, the audience must readjust their perception of that role; they need to understand and accept the new interpretation of ferhat’s personality and how it shapes the storylines. This transition can be challenging, but if the change is triumphant, it breathes new life into the show.”
Think of it like replacing a beloved character on “Grey’s Anatomy” or “ER.” The audience has invested years in these characters, and a new face can either revitalize the show or alienate viewers.
Senior Editor: Harun Yildirim is stepping into this role. Based on yoru knowledge, what kind of impact could he have on the character of Ferhat, and what might that mean for the future storylines?
Dr.Richter: “Based on the facts available, Harun Yildirim is a talented actor with experience in several German television series, and given what we certainly know of the future storyline, Yildirim has the chance to add new layers to Ferhat’s character. The fact that he is settling,and will face new challenges professionally and personally,will open up the scope for new storylines,it will affect his relationships with other characters.The story is designed to continue to define his personality, as the interview reveals, ‘He will develop into a person who defines happiness and success differently then in the past’. This character advancement could attract new viewers and re-energize existing fans, making it a valuable chance for Yildirim to leave his mark on ‘Unter Uns.'”
Senior Editor: What are some of the common challenges actors face when taking over a role in a long-running soap opera?
Dr. Richter: “There are several challenges. One major hurdle is stepping into a role already established by another actor. The new performer must find a balance between honoring the previous portrayal and also making it their own, bringing an individual viewpoint to the character while staying true to the character’s core. The actor also needs to quickly integrate with the existing cast, quickly fitting into the established dynamics. Moreover, a daily soap opera is a high-pressure surroundings with strict schedules, which can make it hard for new actors to adjust. They not only need to learn to perform under pressure but should also be prepared to interact with the audience, through fan mail and media appearances.”
Imagine joining the cast of “The Young and the Restless” after decades of established relationships and storylines. The pressure to fit in and win over the audience is immense.
Senior Editor: The show is available on RTL+ and airs daily on RTL. How does the distribution of German soap operas, in particular, the availability on streaming services, affect viewership and audience engagement nowadays?
Dr.richter: “The ways German soap operas like ‘unter Uns’ are distributed have significantly changed. The conventional daily broadcast on RTL remains essential, providing a consistent viewing experience, which is the habit many enjoy. Simultaneously occurring, streaming services like RTL+ offer the audience more versatility. Viewers can watch episodes on demand, rewatch their favorite moments, and catch up in their own time. This accessibility will impact the show’s ability to capture a broader audience, expanding its appeal to new, younger viewers who consume content online.Streaming also allows the show to experiment with content,allowing for additional opportunities to connect with the audience,such as web series or behind-the-scenes content.”
This mirrors the trend in the U.S., where streaming services like hulu and Peacock have become essential for catching up on daytime dramas.
Senior Editor: What can fans expect in the coming months following Harun Yildirim’s debut as ferhat? Can you offer us some predictions?
Dr.Richter: “Based on the available details, viewers can expect an in-depth exploration of ferhat’s new life in Cologne. The show could focus on his career as an architect,and the challenges he will face.The plot will also explore his personal life for the show including,his love life. I predict the show will continue to provide plot twists that give viewers opportunities to see how the character is changing. The show might use these events to touch on various socio-economic aspects of life.”
Senior Editor: Dr. Richter, this has been an incredibly insightful discussion. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Richter: It was my pleasure.
Senior Editor: For our readers, the addition of Harun Yildirim as Ferhat to “Unter Uns” is a significant event that could reshape the show’s future. What are your thoughts on this casting change? Will you be tuning in? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let us know what you hope to see in Ferhat’s upcoming storylines!
“Unter Uns” Reborn: Can Harun Yildirim Revitalize German TV’s Beloved Soap Opera?
Did you no that in the world of daytime television, a single character change can spark a revolution? We sat down with Dr. Evelyn Richter, a leading expert on German television and the cultural impact of soap operas, to discuss the recent casting news surrounding “Unter Uns,” specifically, Harun Yildirim taking over the role of Ferhat Gülek.
senior Editor, World-today-News.com: Dr. Richter, thank you for joining us. “Unter Uns” has been a German television staple for over three decades. Can you start by giving us some background on the show’s historical importance?
Dr. Evelyn richter: Thank you for having me. “Unter Uns” truly is an institution in German television. It has aired for over three decades and holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans. It’s one of the longest-running daily soap operas in Germany, and the impact it has had on television culture cannot be overstated. For many viewers, it’s more than just a show; it’s a daily habit, a source of comfort, and a way to connect with the lives of fictional characters that often reflect real-world issues and concerns.The show’s success lies in its persistent ability to evolve storylines and stay relevant to contemporary audiences.
Senior Editor: Absolutely. Given the show’s longevity,recasting characters is inevitable. Can you elaborate on why the recast of a character like ferhat is such a meaningful event for both the show and its audience?
Dr. Richter: The recasting of a character like Ferhat is a critical event for several reasons. To begin with, Ferhat Gülek is not just any character; he is integral to the ongoing narratives of the Schillerallee neighborhood; his interactions with other characters shape relationships, drive conflict, and frequently provide a framework for exploring complex social issues. Moreover,the audience has formed a connection with the Ferhat character,with his story,and how he fits in with all the other personalities in the show. When a new actor takes on the role, the audience must readjust their perception of that character; they need to understand and accept the new interpretation of Ferhat’s personality, and how it shapes the storylines.This transition can be challenging, but if the change is prosperous, it can truly breathe new life into the show.
Think of the impact of replacing a beloved character on a show like “Gray’s Anatomy” or “ER.” The audience has invested years in these characters, and a new face can either revitalize the show or alienate viewers.
senior Editor: Harun Yildirim is stepping into this role. Based on your knowledge, what kind of impact could he have on the character of Ferhat, and what might that mean for future storylines?
Dr. Richter: From the information available, Harun Yildirim is a talented actor with experience in various German television series, and given what we know regarding the future storyline, Yildirim has the chance to add new layers to Ferhat’s character. The fact that he is settling down and will face new challenges,professionally and personally,will open up opportunities for new storylines and will affect his relationships with other characters.The story is designed to continue to define his personality. As the interview reveals, “He will develop into a person who defines happiness and success differently than he has in the past.” This character advancement could attract new viewers and re-energize current fans, making it a valuable opportunity for Yildirim to make his mark on “Unter Uns.”
Senior Editor: What are some of the common challenges actors face when taking over a role in a long-running soap opera?
Dr. Richter: There are several key challenges for the actor.
one major hurdle is stepping into a role that another actor has already established. The new performer must strike a balance between honoring the history of the character and making it their own, bringing an individual viewpoint to the character while still staying true to the character’s core.
The actor also needs to quickly integrate with the existing cast, seamlessly fitting into the established dynamics.
* In addition, a daily soap opera provides a high-pressure environment with tight schedules, which can make it difficult for new actors to adjust. They need to learn to perform under pressure and be prepared to interact with the audience through fan mail and media appearances.
Imagine joining the cast of “The Young and the Restless” after decades of established relationships and storylines. The pressure to fit in and win over the audience is immense.
Senior Editor: The show is now available on RTL+ and airs daily on RTL. How does the distribution method of German soap operas, especially the availability on streaming services, affect viewership and audience engagement nowadays?
dr. Richter: The ways in which German soap operas such as “Unter Uns” are distributed have drastically changed in recent years. The routine daily broadcast on RTL remains essential, providing a consistent viewing experience, which has become a habit many viewers enjoy. However, at the same time, streaming services, like RTL+, offer the audience greater versatility. Viewers can watch episodes on demand, rewatch their favorite moments, and catch up whenever they choose.This increase in accessibility is bound to impact the show’s ability to capture a broad audience, expanding its appeal to new and younger viewers, who regularly watch content online. Streaming also allows the show to experiment with content, which opens opportunities to connect with the audience, such as web series or behind-the-scenes content.
This shift in the way “Unter Uns” is produced and distributed closely mirrors the trend in the U.S., where streaming services like Hulu or Peacock have become essential for watching daytime dramas.
Senior Editor: According to the provided information what can fans expect in the coming months following Harun Yildirim’s debut as Ferhat? Can you offer us some predictions?
Dr.Richter: Based on what’s known so far, fans can anticipate an in-depth exploration of Ferhat’s new life in Cologne. The show will likely focus on his career as an architect and the challenges he confronts. The plot will also explore his personal life, including his love life. I predict the show will continue providing plot twists to keep viewers interested in how the character is changing.Furthermore, these events could give the show the opportunity to touch on various socio-economic elements of life.
Senior Editor: Dr. Richter, this has been an incredibly insightful discussion. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
dr. Richter: It was my pleasure.
Senior Editor: For our readers, the addition of Harun Yildirim as Ferhat to “Unter Uns” is turning out to be a major event that could reshape the show’s future. What are your thoughts on this casting change? Will you be tuning in? Share your opinions in the comments below and let us know what you hope to see from Ferhat’s upcoming storylines.
