After ratings success: Melissa Naschenweng is back in front of the camera for ORF

With "Herzklang – Gegenwind", ORF is continuing the story surrounding the fictional Schlager singer Melanie Buchauer, a role Naschenweng already played in the first part. As ORF announces, things will get uncomfortable this time on several fronts: "Doch das Schicksal spendiert ihr eine gehörige Portion 'Gegenwind' – und das gleich an mehreren Fronten."

Viewers can also look forward to a reunion with Ferdinand Seebacher, who played Melli's great love Ben in the first film. ORF describes him as a "Schauspiel-Feschak" and announces: "Besonders spannend wird es beim Wiedersehen mit Schauspiel-Feschak Ferdinand Seebacher (36), der im Film Mellis großen Herzensbuben Ben mimt."

The first part was a clear ratings success for ORF: Up to 563,000 viewers watched the film on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, on ORF 1; on average, it reached 524,000 viewers with a 23 percent market share in the target group aged 12 and over. The film remains available via ORF ON and, according to ORF, became the channel's highest-rated romance of the spring.

Ratings record in April as tailwind

"Erst im heurigen April feierte das Kärntner Powerpaket in der ORF-Romanze 'Herzklang – Zurück zu mir' ein fulminantes Debüt in ihrer allerersten TV-Hauptrolle", according to those close to the production. The singer is now once again slipping into her signature role: "Seit vergangenem Montag schlüpft die Lederhosen-Rockerin für den Nachfolger 'Herzklang – Gegenwind' wieder in ihre Paraderolle als fiktiver Schlagerstar Melanie Buchauer."

Filming is expected to wrap up later this year so the film can air on schedule in 2027. ORF has so far only provided partial information about the plot and supporting characters; what is clear is that this time romance, flirtation and love drama take place under more difficult circumstances.

"Also, alles scheint eitel Wonne zu sein, aber der 'Gegendwind' lässt natürlich nicht auf sich warten", is said about the storyline of the new film. Those traveling in the filming area in the coming weeks may encounter the production team in East Tyrol around Matrei and in Carinthia around Oberdrauburg.

Experienced team behind the camera

With this project, ORF is further expanding its in-house production in the family and Heimat romance genre, relying on a tried-and-tested team led by Patricia Frey. Frey already directed the first part and is regarded as a familiar director for material revolving around Schlager, homeland and emotional worlds.

Screenwriters Harald Haller and Marc Brugger are also providing the story for the sequel, taking Naschenweng — aka Buchauer — through the ups and downs of a Schlager singer's life. ORF intends to announce specific details about filming dates in the coming months at a later point in time.

Exactly when the broadcast will take place in 2027 is still unclear. ORF has so far only referred to the 2027 programming year and the linear slot on ORF 1, as well as parallel availability via the streaming platform ORF ON.

Broadcast planned for 2027

Ratings highlights from April are fueling expectations for the follow-up film: the first part not only achieved high absolute viewer numbers, but also above-average market shares in the advertising-relevant target group. The romance is therefore considered one of the flagship titles of ORF's recent family film push.