The Best TV Shows on ZDF

Every ZDF Show Ranked From Best To Worst

With its programming history stretching from 1974 to 2015, ZDF offers an impressive lineup of over 20 shows. Among ZDF’s finest offerings are Derrick and Der Alte, which debuted in 1974 and 1977, respectively. Peruse our comprehensive roster of ZDF’s top shows, encompassing over 20 distinct series as of January 2026.

  • Through the Night with...
    Through the Night with... (2002)8.0

    Durch die Nacht mit … is a German documentary film television series produced by ZDF for Franco-German television channel ARTE. Locations are mainly in France or Germany. The title of the French version is Au cœur de la nuit. Two Celebrities spend an filmed evening together. One of them is the host who sets the location and the program. There is no moderator.

  • Die Küchenschlacht
    Die Küchenschlacht (2008)8.0

  • Löwenzahn
    Löwenzahn (1981)7.9

    Each 30 minute episode is dedicated to a separate issue or theme and consists mainly of related short featurettes, which explain, explore and educate how things of everyday life and even complex systems work. It spans a wide variety of topics from technology and industry to something as mundane as how the postal service works.

  • Cologne P.D.
    Cologne P.D. (2003)6.7

    The SOKO Köln investigates the cathedral city with humor and often with hard work. Their cases take them into a variety of environments, from the Cologne clique to the terraced housing estates on the outskirts of the city.

  • Der Kommissar und das Meer
    Der Kommissar und das Meer (2007)6.5

    Der Kommissar und das Meer is a German television series.

  • Die Rosenheim-Cops
    Die Rosenheim-Cops (2002)6.2

    A team of inspectors investigates murders in and around the small Upper Bavarian town of Rosenheim, and they still have plenty of time to see idyllic landscapes and luxurious pre-alpine villas and enjoy sumptuous Bavarian fare with beer.

  • Der Alte
    Der Alte (1977)6.1

    A police department, lead by an older, experienced detective solve crimes together.

  • SOKO Wismar
    SOKO Wismar (2004)6.1

  • Derrick
    Derrick (1974)6.0

    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.

  • Hamburg Dockland
    Hamburg Dockland (2007)6.0

    Shows the interaction between Hamburg police officers and paramedics.

  • SOKO Leipzig
    SOKO Leipzig (2001)5.9

    SOKO Leipzig is a German police procedural television programme, a spin-off of the earlier German police programme SOKO 5113. It was first broadcast on 31 January 2001, on German television channel ZDF. On 12 November 2008, the first part of a two-part crossover between SOKO Leipzig and British police procedural The Bill was aired, with the same version being shown on both ZDF and British television channel ITV1.

  • SOKO München
    SOKO München (1978)5.5

    SOKO 5113 is a long-running German police procedural television series. It was first aired in 1978 on 2 January. SOKO is an abbreviation of the term "Sonderkommission" in German.

  • Markus Lanz
    Markus Lanz (2008)5.5

    TV presenter Markus Lanz invites prominent guests and experts from all areas of public life to his colourful talk show. As a rule, there are four guests, introduced individually to contribute their personal experiences to the topics.

  • A Case For Two
    A Case For Two (1981)5.3

    Ein Fall für zwei is a German television series, which premiered on September 11, 1981 on ZDF. The series, located in Frankfurt am Main, features two main characters who solve crimes: a defense attorney and a private investigator. Josef Matula, a former German police officer, has gone into private business. His method of investigation is very effective and direct, and he sometimes even resorts to dirty tricks. Claus Theo Gärtner has portrayed the role since the start of the series.

  • The Jungle Book
    The Jungle Book (2010)5.3

    About the adventures of Mowgli, a human foundling raised by Akela's wolf pack, and his best friends, fatherly bear Baloo and playful panther Bagheera. They live in the Indian jungle where many dangers lurk, such as the mighty Bengal tiger Shere Khan. The inquisitive Mowgli often gets himself into trouble and can't resist helping animals in danger or solving other problems.

  • Bettys Diagnose
    Bettys Diagnose (2015)5.0

  • Das Traumschiff
    Das Traumschiff (1981)4.8

    The series is about a cruise ship that travels to places around the world.

  • Leute heute
    Leute heute (1997)4.8

  • Volle Kanne
    Volle Kanne (1999)3.8

  • Morgenmagazin
    Morgenmagazin (1992)3.5