Ermittlern

Ermittlern is a German crime drama television series that premiered in 1998. The show focuses on the work of a team of detectives in Cologne, Germany. It is known for its realistic portrayal of police investigations and the personal lives of its characters. The series often delves into complex moral dilemmas faced by the officers as they navigate the criminal underworld.

The main characters are Superintendent Klaus "Klaus" Beeren (played by Rainer Strecker), Detective Inspector Stefan Brandt (played by Markus Knüfken), and Inspector Elke Schobel (played by Sandra Speichert). Over the course of the series, their relationships and professional challenges evolve. The storylines typically involve a mix of serious crimes, such as murder and organized crime, alongside more nuanced cases that explore social issues.

Ermittlern gained a reputation for its gritty authenticity and often avoided sensationalism, opting for a more grounded approach to crime storytelling. The series ran for several seasons, producing a significant number of episodes that allowed for the development of recurring themes and character arcs. The show's setting in Cologne, with its distinctive urban landscape, also plays a role in establishing the atmosphere of the series. Ermittlern is considered a notable example of German crime television.