ARD Mediathek Review: Is 'Tatort: Fackel' Worth It, Along with New Series 'Die Zweiflers'?

You know the feeling? You switch on the telly, flick through the channels, and it feels like the same old rubbish is on everywhere. Yet anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse here in Austria knows: the real treasure trove is the ARD Mediathek. I'm sitting here in Vienna, feet up, and I've had a good look at what our neighbours have served up this time. Let me tell you: there are two gems you absolutely have to see right now.

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

Let's be honest: sometimes I feel like you could study all the 'Tatort' repeats in 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 should really be playing in a different league by now.

What starts as a classic crime drama unfolds into a dark portrait of life in the Main metropolis. Detective Hamza Kulina has to dig deep into the past – and what comes to the surface is anything but a lukewarm case from yesteryear. The tension runs right through it, like the golden thread in 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 slick TV crime dramas where everything can be solved in a lab. This is about dark depths, about real emotion. So if you're in the mood for a taut, emotional thriller that'll stay with you long after the credits roll, you shouldn't miss 'Fackel'. This isn't a 'Tatort' for having on in the background – it's one for the head and the heart.

Need to Unwind? 'Die Zweiflers' is a Family Affair

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

What makes the series so special is its incredible wit. The characters are drawn with such affectionate exaggeration that you can't help but love them. I binged the first three episodes in one go. Not a single dull minute. If you want to know what modern series entertainment looks like when it doesn't feel mass-produced, you need to head straight to the Mediathek and get your fix of 'Die Zweiflers'.

Why the ARD Mediathek is a Must for Us Austrians

I know, a lot of you are thinking: "ARD? Isn't that the German public broadcasting thing?" But let's be honest, where else do you get such a concentration of high-quality productions that you can enjoy without any extra subscriptions? The ARD Mediathek has really come into its own in recent years. Alongside the big crime dramas and series, you'll also find documentaries and magazines that often get overlooked here.

Here are its strengths at a glance:

• Real variety: From 'Rundum gesund' for everyday life to the gritty Frankfurt 'Tatort' – there really is something for everyone here.
• No fuss: No annoying ad breaks like on commercial telly. Just press play, put your feet up, and enjoy.
• The future of television: Series like 'Die Zweiflers' show that public broadcasters can now easily hold their own against the big streamers – with the added bonus of being grounded in reality.

So, forget the linear schedule. Get yourself comfy, 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 I'm warning you: it's addictive.