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's the same old stuff playing everywhere. Yet anyone who wants to keep up with the good stuff knows: the real treasure trove is in the ARD Mediathek. I'm sitting here in Vienna, feet up, and I've taken a good look at what our neighbours have rolled out this time. I can tell you one thing: there are two gems you absolutely 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 the "Tatort" reruns 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 set in Frankfurt. A high-rise fire, a dead body, and investigators who are actually playing in a different league these days.

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 up is anything but some lukewarm case from yesterday. The tension runs through the story like a red thread through a good glass of apple wine.

I streamed the film last night in the ARD Mediathek. What really blew me away was the atmosphere. This isn't one of those slick TV crime dramas where everything gets solved neatly in the lab. It's about dark secrets, about real emotions. So if you're in the mood for a gripping, emotional crime drama that stays with you long after the credits roll, you shouldn't miss "Fackel". This isn't a "Tatort" to watch in the background – it's one for the head and the heart.

Need a Break? "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'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 themes of life – packaged in a tragicomedy that's a rare find these days.

What makes this series so special is its incredible wit. The characters are drawn with such loving exaggeration that you can't help but take them to heart. I binged the first three episodes in one go. Not a single boring minute. If you want to know what modern series entertainment that doesn't feel like it's mass-produced looks like, you should head straight to the Mediathek and start streaming "Die Zweiflers".

Why the ARD Mediathek is a Must for Us in Austria

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 you can enjoy without any extra subscriptions? The ARD Mediathek has really come into its own in recent years. Besides the big crime dramas and series, you'll also find documentaries and magazines that often get overlooked here.

The strengths 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 ad breaks like on commercial TV. Just start the film, 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 being down-to-earth.

So, forget linear 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, see for yourself. But I'm warning you: it's addictive.