Der Fahnder (1984)
A landmark German crime series that ran for over two decades, delivering 200 episodes of compelling police detective drama on Das Erste.
Der Fahnder - Series Information
- Original Title: Der Fahnder
- First Air Year: 1984
- Last Air Year: 2005
- Created by: Dominik Graf
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Number of Episodes: 200
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Networks: Das Erste
- Production Countries: Germany
Der Fahnder - Plot
Der Fahnder is a German television krimi series which was aired between 1984 and 2005. In the Netherlands the series was broadcast by the VARA from 3 October 1985.
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Der Fahnder - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dominik Graf
Main Cast
- Dietrich Mattausch
- Dieter Pfaff
- Norbert Wartha
- Hans-Jürgen Schatz
- Astrid M. Fünderich
- Klaus Wennemann
- Barbara Freier
- Michael Lesch
- Martin Lindow
- Jörg Schüttauf
Der Fahnder - FAQs
What is Der Fahnder about?
Der Fahnder follows the work of dedicated police detectives navigating the gritty realities of criminal investigation in Germany. Over 200 episodes and 11 seasons, the series built a reputation for grounded, procedural storytelling that kept audiences engaged for more than two decades on Das Erste.
Who are the main actors in Der Fahnder?
The series features a rotating ensemble cast including Dietrich Mattausch as Norbert Rick, Dieter Pfaff as Otto Schatzschneider, Klaus Wennemann as Hannes Faber, Jörg Schüttauf as Thomas Becker, and Hans-Jürgen Schatz as Max Kühn, among many others across its long run.
How many seasons and episodes does Der Fahnder have?
Der Fahnder ran for 11 seasons and a total of 200 episodes. Season lengths varied considerably, from 9 episodes in Season 5 to 28 in Season 1, reflecting the show's evolving production across its two-decade broadcast history on Das Erste.
Where can you watch Der Fahnder online?
Streaming availability for Der Fahnder varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch or rent episodes, check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across all major platforms in your country.
Who created Der Fahnder?
Der Fahnder was created by Dominik Graf, one of Germany's most respected television directors. Graf is widely celebrated for his atmospheric, character-driven approach to crime drama, and Der Fahnder helped establish his reputation as a defining voice in German genre television.
Was Der Fahnder broadcast outside Germany?
Yes, Der Fahnder found an international audience beyond its German home. In the Netherlands, the series was broadcast by VARA starting from 3 October 1985, demonstrating the show's cross-border appeal within the European television market during the late 1980s and beyond.
Why did Der Fahnder last over two decades?
Der Fahnder's longevity stemmed from its ability to refresh its cast and stories across 11 seasons while maintaining a consistent tone of realistic police procedural drama. Airing on Das Erste, Germany's flagship public broadcaster, gave it a stable platform and a loyal audience from 1984 to 2005.
What are similar shows to Der Fahnder?
Fans of Der Fahnder often enjoy Derrick, Polizeiruf 110, and Columbo for their classic European or American detective formats. For more contemporary crime drama, Midsomer Murders, Ashes to Ashes, and Wycliffe offer similarly grounded investigative storytelling with strong character work.
More About Der Fahnder
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