Tatorten

Tatort, literally "crime scene" in German, is a long-running German-language crime television series produced since 1969 by a consortium of ARD regional public broadcasters. The program is broadcast primarily on Das Erste and features a rotating cast of investigators, typically police teams based in a German city, with occasional cross-border settings in Austria or Switzerland. Each episode, usually about 90 minutes, presents a self-contained case with investigation, forensics, and moral or social questions.

Produced as a joint venture of ARD member stations, Tatort has been a mainstay of Sunday evening television in Germany and has been widely distributed to other German-speaking countries. In Austria and Switzerland, local productions and performers contribute to the same brand, and episodes may be broadcast as part of a broader Tatort lineup. The series has visited hundreds of cities and has introduced a number of iconic detective teams over the years; one of the best-known is the Cologne-based duo led by the character Schimanski, who first appeared in 1981.

Tatort is known for its blend of procedural crime investigation with social commentary, often addressing topical issues such as corruption, organized crime, and urban life. It has a broad cultural footprint, including awards, fan discussions, and extensive media coverage. In addition to television broadcasts, episodes are available via ARD Mediathek and other platforms, making Tatort one of the most enduring pillars of German-language television.