Der Alte (1977)
One of Germany's most enduring crime dramas, following a seasoned detective and his team through decades of compelling investigations on ZDF.
Der Alte - Series Information
- Original Title: Der Alte
- First Air Year: 1977
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Helmut Ringelmann
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 54
- Number of Episodes: 475
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- First Air Date: April 11, 1977 (United States - NR), April 11, 1977 (Germany - 12), April 11, 1977 (France - 12), April 11, 1977 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ZDF
- Alternative Titles: Šéf (SK), Le Renard (FR)
- Production Companies: Neue Münchner Fernsehproduktion
- Production Countries: Germany
Der Alte - Plot
A police department, lead by an older, experienced detective solve crimes together.
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Der Alte - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Helmut Ringelmann
Main Cast
- Michael Ande
- Markus Böttcher
- Rolf Schimpf
- Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss
- Charles M. Huber
- Siegfried Lowitz
- Jan Hendriks
- Wolfgang Zerlett
- Henning Schlüter
- Walter Kreye
Writers
- Karl Heinz Willschrei
- Oliver Storz
- Herbert Lichtenfeld
- Herbert Rosendorfer
- Peter Berneis
Der Alte - FAQs
How many seasons does Der Alte have?
Der Alte has 54 seasons and 475 episodes in total. It premiered on April 11, 1977, on ZDF and remains one of the longest-running crime drama series in German television history, continuing to air new episodes as of 2025.
Who are the main actors in Der Alte?
Der Alte has featured many actors across its long run. Key cast members include Siegfried Lowitz, Rolf Schimpf, Michael Ande, Markus Böttcher, Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss, Charles M. Huber, Jan Hendriks, Wolfgang Zerlett, Henning Schlüter, and Walter Kreye.
Where can you watch Der Alte online?
Der Alte airs on ZDF in Germany. For international viewers, streaming availability varies by region. You can find a full, up-to-date list of viewing options — including any subscription or free streaming platforms — by checking JustWatch for your country.
Is Der Alte still being made in 2025?
Yes, Der Alte is still in production and classified as a returning series. As of 2025, the show continues to air new episodes on ZDF, making it one of the most enduring crime drama series in European television with over four decades of continuous broadcast.
What is Der Alte about?
Der Alte follows a seasoned police detective and his team as they investigate a wide range of criminal cases in Germany. The series is known for its procedural format, character-driven storytelling, and the wisdom and experience that the lead detective brings to each investigation.
When did Der Alte first air on television?
Der Alte first aired on April 11, 1977, on the German public broadcaster ZDF. Created by Helmut Ringelmann, the series debuted as a crime procedural and has since grown into one of Germany's most iconic and longest-running television productions.
Who created the German series Der Alte?
Der Alte was created by Helmut Ringelmann, a prominent German television producer. Ringelmann developed the series for ZDF, drawing on the tradition of European crime procedurals. The show was produced by Neue Münchner Fernsehproduktion and has been running since 1977.
What are some shows similar to Der Alte?
If you enjoy Der Alte, you might also like Luther, The Missing, Bloodline, or The Stranger — all crime dramas featuring complex investigations and strong lead detectives. St. Elsewhere and The Agency: Central Intelligence are also recommended for fans of long-running procedural storytelling.
More About Der Alte
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