ARD Mediathek Review: Is "Tatort: Fackel" Worth Watching, Along with the New Series "Die Zweiflers"?

You know the feeling? You turn on the TV, flip through the channels, and it feels like the same old stuff is playing everywhere. Yet anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse knows: the real treasure trove is the ARD Mediathek. I’m sitting here in Vienna, feet up, and I’ve taken a close look at what our neighbours have rolled out this time. One thing I can tell you: there are two gems you absolutely need to see.

Is Frankfurt on Fire? "Tatort: Fackel" is More Than Just a Cold Case

Let’s be honest: sometimes I feel like you could study the endless "Tatort" reruns on the ARD Mediathek in your sleep. But then a case like "Fackel" comes along, and suddenly the whole evening is saved. This time, it’s off to Frankfurt. A high-rise fire, a body, and investigators who are really playing in a different league.

What starts as a classic crime drama turns into a gritty portrait of life in the Main metropolis. Detective Hamza Kulina has to dig deep into the past—and what comes to light is anything but some lukewarm case from yesterday. The tension weaves through the story like the perfect thread running through a good glass of Apfelwein.

I streamed the film last night on the ARD Mediathek. What really blew me away was the atmosphere. This isn’t one of those polished TV crime shows where everything gets solved in a lab. This is about real darkness, real emotions. So if you’re in the mood for a sharp, emotional crime thriller that will stick with you long after the credits roll, you shouldn’t miss "Fackel". This isn’t a "Tatort" you watch in the background—it’s one for the head and the heart.

Need to Unwind? "Die Zweiflers" Brings You Back to Family

And if the crime drama was a bit too intense, I’ve got the perfect contrast. The ARD Mediathek has a series called "Die Zweiflers" that’s so wonderfully authentic, you feel like you’re sitting right at the kitchen table. A Jewish family in Frankfurt, a trendy restaurant, all the big questions in life—wrapped up in a tragicomedy that’s become a real rarity.

What makes this series so special is its incredible wit. The characters are drawn with such loving exaggeration that you can’t help but get attached to them. I binged the first three episodes back-to-back. Not a single boring minute. If you want to see how modern series entertainment is done—without feeling like it’s been mass-produced—you should head straight to the Mediathek and start binge-watching "Die Zweiflers."

Why the ARD Mediathek is a Must for Us Austrians

I know, a lot of you are thinking: "ARD? Isn’t that that German public broadcasting thing?" But let’s be real: where else can you find such a concentration of high-quality productions that you can enjoy without any extra subscriptions? The ARD Mediathek has really stepped up its game in recent years. Alongside the big crime dramas and series, you’ll also find documentaries and magazines that often fly under the radar here.

Here are the highlights at a glance:

• Real variety: From "Rundum gesund" for everyday life to the gritty Frankfurt "Tatort" – there’s truly something for everyone.
• No frills: No annoying commercial interruptions like on private TV. Just hit play, put your feet up, and enjoy.
• The future of television: Series like "Die Zweiflers" show that public broadcasters are now keeping pace with the big streamers—with the added bonus of staying grounded.

So, forget about linear programming. Get comfortable, click through the ARD Mediathek, and treat yourself to "Fackel" and "Die Zweiflers". This is the good stuff you won’t find anywhere else. And if you don’t believe me, see for yourself. But don’t say I didn’t warn you: it’s addictive.