Rising Star Edin Hasanovic: From Crime Series to Late Night Host

Edin Hasanovic is making significant strides in his career this year, transitioning seamlessly between acting and hosting. This autumn, he will make his debut in the iconic crime series 'Tatort,' while simultaneously returning to the screen with his own late-night show.

On a recent Wednesday afternoon in Cologne-Bocklemünd, Hasanovic was seen in casual attire rehearsing stand-up comedy for his show. A small team of staff members observed as he practiced, deliberately avoiding delivering his jokes in full during rehearsals to keep the spontaneity alive for the live audience. Despite being relatively new to hosting, Hasanovic has been involved in the film industry for two decades.

The multi-talented entertainer reflects that he never specifically set out to become a host, but has long imagined what it would be like, noting that he has always viewed such shows through a different lens than his peers. He expressed a sense of comfort in this role, indicating that it feels natural to him.

Hasanovic previously garnered attention for his hosting abilities when he presented the German Film Awards in 2018 and 2020. However, his late-night show, 'Edins Neo Night,' faced criticism after its first season, with reviews suggesting it was overly loud and self-indulgent.

He candidly acknowledged that the criticism hit him hard, particularly because it came early on and often from those close to him, making him take it personally. In contrast to his acting career, where criticism tends to focus on the film or character rather than the actor, hosting places him directly in the spotlight.

In the upcoming second season of 'Edins Neo Night,' which features guests such as moderator Tommi Schmitt and singer Eko Fresh, Hasanovic aims to present a calmer and more composed demeanor. This shift was evident during a recent rehearsal, where he engaged more deeply with guests, incorporating various segments including interviews, studio activities, and musical performances.

Hasanovic's career began in 2005 when he joined a casting agency, leading to an engagement at the Berliner Ensemble. He made his television debut two years later in the youth series 'Schloss Einstein' and later starred in the ZDF crime series 'KDD - Kriminaldauerdienst.' Early in his career, he was often typecast as a violent teenager with a migration background.

Reflecting on his early roles, he noted that his first major film role in 2011 as a criminal youth led to nominations for film awards, but also resulted in being typecast for years, which was frustrating for him. Today, Hasanovic has diversified his roles, appearing in various productions including the Oscar-winning war drama 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and the Netflix comedy 'Game Night.'

In the fall, he will make his debut on 'Tatort,' alongside Melika Foroutan, investigating unresolved criminal cases in Frankfurt. Hasanovic acknowledges the pressure of being in such a popular series but feels confident in his ability to handle it.

He believes that featuring two protagonists with migration backgrounds in one of Germany's most famous television series sends a strong societal message, particularly in today's context. Hasanovic, who fled Bosnia with his mother before the war and grew up in refugee accommodations in Berlin, emphasizes that migrants are integral parts of society, contributing in various professional roles beyond the stereotypes often propagated.

This year marks an exciting phase in Hasanovic's career, as he balances his late-night show with upcoming filming for new 'Tatort' episodes in Hesse.