Im Offenbacher Stadtwald am frühen Samstagmorgen. Regen peitscht durch die Bäume, Scheinwerfer beleuchten eine gespenstische Szenerie. Sanitäter heben gerade eine Trage in den Rettungswagen, auf der ein junges Mädchen liegt. Kommissar Schlosser hat auf die flüchtige Verdächtige geschossen. Am Nachmittag desselben Tages wird nach dem Lokal-Derby zwischen Kickers Offenbach und Darmstadt 98 ein Toter gefunden. Vier treue Kickers-Fans haben die Leiche entdeckt und anonym der Polizei gemeldet. Sie haben in unmittelbarer Nähe des Toten ihr Fußballidol Frank Matthias getroffen. Ein tragischer Held: Mit zwanzig Jahren hat er für die Kickers das legendäre Aufstiegstor gegen Osnabrück geschossen, ist aber direkt danach so böse gefoult worden, dass er nie wieder spielen konnte.
If there’s one show that has stood the test of time in the world of crime dramas, it’s undoubtedly Tatort. First airing on November 29, 1970, this German-language police procedural television series has become a staple in households across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Broadcasted on major channels like ARD, ORF 2, and SF1, Tatort has produced over 1200 episodes across its remarkable 55 seasons. Each episode is distinctively crafted by various regional broadcasters, showcasing unique settings and local customs while maintaining a thread of gripping crime-solving narratives.
One of the most compelling aspects of Tatort is its commitment to character depth and development. The format allows for feature-length episodes averaging around 90 minutes each—far longer than typical weekly dramas—which affords viewers an immersive experience into the lives of its protagonists. From iconic inspectors like Schimanski to contemporary favorites navigating complex cases in bustling cities or quiet towns, viewers get a multi-dimensional view of not just the crimes but the cultures surrounding them. This emphasis on character makes it easy for audiences to connect with their stories and invest emotionally in their fates.
The collaborative production model behind Tatort is another reason for its phenomenal longevity and success. Each participating regional TV station contributes uniquely styled episodes featuring different teams of inspectors solving crimes in their own cities—from scenic Vienna to vibrant Berlin—showcasing local architecture and dialects as integral parts of the plotline. This approach not only enriches each episode but also fosters a sense of community among viewers who may recognize their own locales being portrayed onscreen.