In einem Wald bei Magdeburg ist ein Auto abgestellt. Im Kofferraum befindet sich auffällig viel Blut. Die Hauptkommissare Doreen Brasch und Dirk Köhler suchen den Halter Jurij Rehberg. In dem nahegelegenen Dorf weiß Annette Wolf nicht, wo ihr Lebensgefährte ist.
Seit einigen Tagen ist er verschwunden, was für ihn als freiheitsliebenden Menschen nicht ungewöhnlich ist und sie als schwangere Verlobte nicht beunruhigt. Ihr Vater hingegen, Werner Wolf, vermutet sofort, dass Jurij in kriminelle Machenschaften verwickelt ist. Ihm wäre es am liebsten, wenn sein Schwiegersohn in spe nicht mehr auftauchen würde. Der DNA-Abgleich bringt eine Überraschung: Das Blut stammt von Jurij und der Menge nach zu urteilen ist er tot. Eine Spur von der Leiche gibt es nicht.
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.