Tatort

Tatort is a long-running German-language crime television series produced by ARD, the consortium of public-service broadcasters in Germany. It first aired in 1970 and remains one of the oldest and most enduring police procedurals in European television. In Germany the program is broadcast on Das Erste, typically in a Sunday prime-time slot.

Format: Each episode is a standalone feature, usually about 90 minutes, following a homicide investigation led by a regional team of investigators from a particular city or area. The series operates as a rotating troupe of investigators, allowing different locales, voices, and tones while maintaining a consistent brand. Episodes often address social and local issues, using the setting to inform the crime and its context.

Production and distribution: Tatort is a multi-station ARD co-production, with additional collaborations from Austria’s ORF and Switzerland’s SRF in various episodes. Local writers, directors, and actors contribute to the distinct atmosphere of each Tatort city, while a shared format preserves continuity across episodes. After their linear broadcast, episodes typically appear in the ARD Mediathek for on-demand viewing.

Impact and reach: Tatort has achieved substantial cultural reach within German-speaking countries, generating a loyal audience and influencing the crime genre in regional television. The show also draws international attention through licensing and streaming, contributing to cross-border exchanges in European television production.