ARD Mediathek Review: Is "Tatort: Fackel" Worth Your Time, and What About the New Series "Die Zweiflers"?
You know the feeling? You switch on the TV, flick through the channels, and it's always the same old rubbish playing somewhere. But 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 Vienna, feet up, and I've had a good look at what our neighbours have served up this time. One thing I can tell you: there are two absolute gems you need 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 those ARD Mediathek "Tatort" reruns 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 dead body, and investigators who are usually playing in a different league altogether.
What starts as a classic crime drama unfolds into a gritty portrait of life on the Main. Detective Hamza Kulina has to dig deep into the past – and what comes up is anything but a lukewarm case from days gone by. The tension runs through it like the thread through a good glass of Frankfurt apple wine.
I streamed this one last night in the ARD Mediathek. What really blew me away was the atmosphere. This isn't one of those slick TV crime shows where everything gets solved in the lab. It's about dark secrets, real emotion. So if you're in the mood for a sharp, emotional thriller that'll stick with you long after the credits roll, you shouldn't miss "Fackel". This isn't a "Tatort" for watching in the background – it's one for the head and the heart.
Need a Break? "Die Zweiflers" is All About Family
And if that crime drama was a bit too intense, I've got the perfect counter-programming. 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 in life – wrapped up in a tragicomedy that's become a rare breed.
What makes this series so special is its incredible wit. The characters are lovingly exaggerated so you can't help but get attached to them. I binged the first three episodes back-to-back. Not a single dull moment. If you want to see how modern series entertainment is done without feeling like it came out of a mould, head straight to the Mediathek and get stuck into "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 get such a high density of quality productions without needing extra subscriptions? The ARD Mediathek has really come into its own in the last few years. Alongside the big crime dramas and series, you'll also find documentaries and magazines that often get overlooked here.
Here's why it's a winner:
- Genuine variety: From "Rundum gesund" for everyday life to the hard-hitting Frankfurt "Tatort" – there's genuinely something for everyone.
- No fuss: No annoying ad breaks like on commercial TV. 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 about the TV guide. 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, see for yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you: it's seriously addictive.