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

You know the feeling? You switch on the TV, flip through the channels, and it feels like the same rubbish is playing everywhere. But anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse here in Austria knows: the real treasure chest is the ARD Mediathek. I'm sitting here in Vienna, putting my feet up, and I've taken a close look at what our neighbours have served up this time. One thing I can tell you: there are two gems you absolutely have to watch 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 those "Tatort" reruns on the ARD Mediathek in your sleep. But then a case like "Fackel" comes along, and suddenly your whole evening is sorted. This time, it's set in Frankfurt. A high-rise fire, a dead body, and investigators who are actually playing in a different league now.

What starts as a classic crime drama turns into a dark portrait of life in the Main metropolis. Inspector Hamza Kulina has to dig deep into the past – and what comes up is anything but a lukewarm case from yesteryear. The tension runs through it like the perfect string through a good glass of Frankfurt's apple wine.

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 crisp, emotional crime thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll, you shouldn't miss "Fackel". This isn't a "Tatort" for casual viewing – it's one for the head and the heart.

Need to Unwind? "Die Zweiflers" Brings the Family Vibe

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 is so wonderfully authentic, it feels like you're sitting at their kitchen table yourself. A Jewish family in Frankfurt, a trendy restaurant, all the big topics life throws at you – wrapped up in a tragicomedy that's become a rare treat.

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 in one go. Not a single boring minute. If you want to know what modern series entertainment looks like when it's not mass-produced, you should head straight to the Mediathek and get hooked on "Die Zweiflers."

Why the ARD Mediathek is a Must for Us Austrians

I know, many of you are thinking: "ARD? That's that German public broadcasting thing." But let's be honest: 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.

Its strengths at a glance:

• Real Variety: From "Rundum gesund" for everyday tips to the hard-hitting Frankfurt "Tatort" – there's truly something for everyone.
• No Frills: No annoying ad breaks like on commercial TV. Just hit play, put your feet up, and enjoy.
• The Future of TV: Series like "Die Zweiflers" show that public broadcasters can now easily keep up with the big streamers – with the added bonus of being down-to-earth.

So, forget the linear TV schedule. Make yourselves comfortable, click through the ARD Mediathek, and treat yourselves 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 warned you: it's addictive.