New show and “two new knees”
That’s why Barbara Salesch dares to return to the TV court
At 72, Barbara Salesch is not yet thinking about retirement.
© RTL/Stefan Gregorowius
Barbara Salesch is celebrating her TV comeback. The TV judge can be seen in “Barbara Salesch – The Criminal Court” on RTL from September 5th.
Judge Barbara Salesch (72) can be seen on television again after ten years from September 5th. After she published her last episode of her show on Sat.1 in 2012, she is now coming back with new cases. In her show “Barbara Salesch – The Criminal Court” she entertains her viewers every Monday to Friday at 11:00 a.m. on RTL. In an interview with spot on news, she reveals how the 72-year-old spent her TV break and what motivated her to make her comeback.
What distinguishes your old show “Richter Barbara Salesch” on Sat.1 from “Barbara Salesch – The Criminal Court” on RTL?
Barbara Salesch: We use new evidence according to modern standards such as WhatsApp histories, smart watches or social media posts that are presented on high-resolution screens in the courtroom. But I’m still the old man and I’ll stay that way. Viewers can rely on that.
Can you address current events in your program?
Salesh: Sure. But only within the framework in which real courts can also respond to it. Otherwise it doesn’t fit.
How close are the treated cases to reality?
Salesch: The cases themselves are very close to reality. Only we do not take criminal proceedings 1:1. I don’t want to reenact real cases, and certainly not that a victim suddenly recognizes himself in an entertainment show.
You have paused your TV career for many years. What have you been doing in the meantime?
Salesch: I finished my art studies. I also bought and renovated an old house with a studio and workshops in the country and laid out a large garden. I also wrote a book that I’m still on a reading tour with today – and got two new knees.
I have had a dog as a personal trainer for five years. An Irish wolfhound girl named Piri. The first to get me off the couch, get out two hours a day, and lead a more regular life. I have a gallery, do woodcuts, currently draw a lot, exhibit, cook, bake, have guests and great neighbors. I’ve probably forgotten something, I just never suffer from underemployment.
Which cases are you most looking forward to?
Salesh: On the quiet ones. i love negligence Things that can happen to anyone and then become a drama. But a murder out of greed is just as fine with me. It is crucial that we are varied and have cases that touch people.
With “Ulrich Wetzel – The Criminal Court” you have competition. What is the difference between the two shows?
Salesch: Each of us has his own personality. We have different producers. I always revise every script and thus bring a lot of personal things into my negotiation. Exactly the way I want it. That is a lot of work. But that is also my preparation for the procedure. Everyone does it their own way.
What are your goals with the new format?
Salesch: I just want to deliver a well-done and exciting show. And then the viewers decide.
What has been your greatest achievement in your life so far?
Salesh: Certainly to have come across the street.
Have you been as strict as a judge in your career as you were on TV?
Salesch: As a judge in Hamburg, I wasn’t much different than on television. I’m not strict. It only looks that way with the glasses on. Most of the time I’m pretty forgiving in dealing with those involved. But if they annoy me, then I can explode. From 0 to 100. I have no problem with that. My viewers know and love that. The verdicts correspond to those that I would have made in real life in such a case. I think the penalty is reasonable.