Derrick (1974)
The landmark German crime drama following Inspector Stephan Derrick and his trusted partner Harry Klein through 281 meticulously crafted murder investigations in Munich.
Derrick - Series Information
- Original Title: Derrick
- First Air Year: 1974
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Herbert Reinecker
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 25
- Number of Episodes: 281
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Networks: ZDF
- Production Countries: Germany
Derrick - Plot
Derrick was a German TV series produced by Telenova Film und Fernsehproduktion in association with ZDF, ORF and SRG between 1974 and 1998 about Detective Chief Inspector Stephan Derrick and his loyal assistant Inspector Harry Klein, who solve murder cases in Munich and surroundings.
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Derrick - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Herbert Reinecker
Main Cast
- Horst Tappert
- Fritz Wepper
- Willy Schäfer
- Dirk Galuba
- Holger Petzold
- Günther Stoll
- Philipp Moog
- Sky du Mont
- Pierre Franckh
- Klaus Herm
Writers
- Herbert Reinecker
Executive Producers
- Helmut Ringelmann
- Gustl Gotzler
Derrick - FAQs
Where can you watch Derrick online?
Derrick is available to stream online through various platforms depending on your region. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links currently offering the series in your country.
Who played Inspector Derrick in the series?
Horst Tappert portrayed Detective Chief Inspector Stephan Derrick throughout the entire run of the series from 1974 to 1998. Fritz Wepper co-starred as his loyal assistant Inspector Harry Klein, and the two actors appeared together in all 281 episodes across 25 seasons.
How many episodes does Derrick have in total?
Derrick comprises 281 episodes spread across 25 seasons. The series ran from 1974 to 1998 on ZDF, with season lengths varying from 3 episodes in the first season to 14 episodes in the third and eleventh seasons, and most later seasons containing 12 episodes each.
Is Derrick based on a true story?
No, Derrick is a fictional crime drama. All episodes were written by Herbert Reinecker, who created original murder mysteries set in and around Munich. The character of Stephan Derrick and the cases he investigates are entirely invented, though the Munich setting lends the series an authentic regional atmosphere.
Who created and wrote the Derrick TV series?
Herbert Reinecker created Derrick and served as the sole writer for the entire series, penning all 281 episodes over its 24-year run. This remarkable consistency gave the show a unified voice and tone, making Reinecker one of the most prolific crime writers in German television history.
Why was Derrick controversial after the series ended?
After lead actor Horst Tappert's death in 2008, it emerged that he had been a member of the Waffen-SS during World War II, a fact he had concealed throughout his life. This revelation prompted several broadcasters to reconsider airing reruns, casting a shadow over the legacy of the beloved series.
What genre is the Derrick TV series?
Derrick is a crime drama series. Each self-contained episode follows a procedural format in which Inspector Derrick investigates a murder case in Munich and its surroundings. The show blends psychological character studies with classic detective storytelling, setting it apart from more action-oriented police procedurals of its era.
How was Derrick received internationally?
Derrick became one of the most widely exported German television series in history, broadcast in over 100 countries. It was particularly popular across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Critics praised its methodical pacing and Horst Tappert's understated performance, and it remains a landmark of German-language crime television.
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