The Best TV Shows on ZDF

Every ZDF Show Ranked From Best To Worst

As of May 2025, we’ve curated over 20 of ZDF’s premier shows for your viewing pleasure. Showcasing over 20 shows from 1964 up until 2013, ZDF stands as a beacon of television excellence. Premiering in 1964 and 1974, Die Drehscheibe and Derrick are among ZDF’s most celebrated shows.

  • maybrit illner
    maybrit illner (1999)8.0

  • Die Küchenschlacht
    Die Küchenschlacht (2008)8.0

  • Bares für Rares
    Bares für Rares (2013)7.5

    In the show, selected applicants each present a curiosity, rarity or antique they have brought with them. Once they have received their expertise, they will have the opportunity on site to offer their exhibit to a changing five-person podium for sale and, ideally, to sell it to the highest bidder for „Bares“ ("cash").

  • Terra X History
    Terra X History (2000)6.8

  • 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.

  • Die Rosenheim-Cops
    Die Rosenheim-Cops (2002)6.5

    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.

  • SOKO Wismar
    SOKO Wismar (2004)6.1

  • Die Drehscheibe
    Die Drehscheibe (1964)6.0

  • 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.

  • Der Alte
    Der Alte (1977)6.0

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

  • Jede Menge Leben
    Jede Menge Leben (1995)6.0

    Jede Menge Leben is a German television series.

  • 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)5.2

    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.

  • Forsthaus Falkenau
    Forsthaus Falkenau (1989)4.9

    Forsthaus Falkenau is a German television series.

  • Volle Kanne
    Volle Kanne (1999)4.4

  • The Johannes B. Kerner Show
    The Johannes B. Kerner Show (1998)4.0

  • Alisa: Follow Your Heart
    Alisa: Follow Your Heart (2009)3.0

    Alisa Lenz and luck? Her boyfriend cheats on her, then leaves her with a mountain of debts... She ruins her job application by angering the company's CEO... She loses the cut-glass pendant that was the only keepsake from her biological parents - and that was her good-luck charm... Decidedly, luck does not seem to smile on Alisa. But if you think this is enough to keep her from pursuing her goal of happiness and fulfillment, you don't know Alisa!

  • Lafer! Lichter! Lecker!
    Lafer! Lichter! Lecker! (2006)2.0

  • ZDF-Fernsehgarten
    ZDF-Fernsehgarten (1986)1.5

  • Herzflimmern – Die Klinik am See
    Herzflimmern – Die Klinik am See (2011)N/A

    Herzflimmern – Die Klinik am See is a German television series.