ARD Mediathek Reviewed: Is "Tatort: Fackel" Worth Your Time, 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 knows the real treasure trove is in the ARD Mediathek. I'm sitting here in Dublin, feet up, and I've taken a good look at what our neighbours have served up this time. I'll tell you one thing: 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 all those "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 tower block fire, a dead body, and investigators who are usually playing in a different league.

What starts as a classic crime drama unravels into a dark portrait of life on the Main. 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 through it like the bubbles through a good pint of stout.

I streamed this last night in the ARD Mediathek. What really knocked me sideways was the atmosphere. This isn't one of those slick TV crime shows where everything gets solved in a lab. It's about deep, dark secrets, about real emotions. So if you're up for a sharp, emotional crime drama that'll stick with you long after the credits roll, don't miss "Fackel". This isn't a "Tatort" for background noise – it's one for the head and the heart.

Need a Break? "Die Zweiflers" Brings the Family Drama

And if that 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 life throws at you – wrapped up in a tragicomedy that's become a rare breed.

What makes this series so special is its incredible wit. The characters are drawn with such affection, you can't help but fall in love with them. I binged the first three episodes back-to-back. Not a dull moment. If you want to know how modern series entertainment is done – without feeling like it came off a production line – then head straight to the Mediathek and get stuck into "Die Zweiflers".

Why the ARD Mediathek is a Must for Us in Ireland

I know, a lot of you are thinking: "ARD? Isn't that some 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 fly under the radar here.

Here are its strengths at a glance:

• Genuine Variety: From "Rundum gesund" for everyday life to the gritty Frankfurt "Tatort" – there's genuinely something for everyone.
• No Fuss: No annoying ad breaks like on commercial telly. Just hit play, put your feet up, and enjoy.
• The Future of Telly: Series like "Die Zweiflers" show that public broadcasters can now hold their own against the big streamers – with the added bonus of being down-to-earth.

So, forget the scheduled programming. Make yourself 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, have a look for yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you: it's addictive.