The Best TV Shows on ZDF

Every ZDF Show Ranked From Best To Worst

A broadcaster of distinction, ZDF has aired more than 20 shows between 1974 and 2026. Some of the best tv shows from ZDF include Derrick and The Old Fox, airing in 1974 and 1977 respectively. Our curated list, current as of July 2026, showcases over 20 of ZDF’s highest-rated series.

  • Putins Agenten
    Putins Agenten (2026)10.0

    This three-part investigative documentary follows former members of Russian intelligence who reveal how the Kremlin’s spy networks operate. Through insider testimony and expert analysis, it examines recruitment methods, covert missions, cyber operations, and the mechanisms used to silence opposition and project influence abroad under Vladimir Putin’s rule.

  • Die Küchenschlacht
    Die Küchenschlacht (2008)8.0

  • Wilsberg
    Wilsberg (1995)7.8

    Georg Wilsberg is an antiquarian in Münster. He used to be a lawyer but lost his license. Since then he has been working as a private detective. The always clammy Wilsberg urgently needs this income. In addition, he depends on the support of his friends, especially because of the car.

  • Bares für Rares
    Bares für Rares (2013)7.6

    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").

  • SOKO Köln
    SOKO Köln (2003)7.1

    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)6.4

    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)6.4

  • The Old Fox
    The Old Fox (1977)6.3

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

  • SOKO Leipzig
    SOKO Leipzig (2001)6.2

    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.

  • Derrick
    Derrick (1974)6.1

    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.

  • SOKO München
    SOKO München (1978)5.9

    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.

  • A Case For Two
    A Case For Two (1981)5.6

    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.

  • 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.

  • Wetten, dass..?
    Wetten, dass..? (1981)5.4

    A long-running German-language entertainment television show based on the format of the British show You Bet! and the American show Wanna Bet?.

  • Morgenmagazin
    Morgenmagazin (1992)5.3

  • Leute heute
    Leute heute (1997)5.2

  • Vienna Crime Squad
    Vienna Crime Squad (2005)5.1

    SOKO Donau is an Austrian television series.

  • Das Traumschiff
    Das Traumschiff (1981)5.0

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

  • Der Kriminalist
    Der Kriminalist (2006)4.5

    Der Kriminalist is a German television series produced by Monaco Film Hamburg, subsidiary of Odeon Film. Directors during the first season were Sherry Hormann and Torsten C. Fischer, during the second: Thomas Jahn, Jobst Oetzmann and Torsten C. Fischer.

  • Volle Kanne
    Volle Kanne (1999)4.4