The Best TV Shows on ZDF

Every ZDF Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Across the timeline from 1964 to 2013, ZDF has presented audiences with over 20 captivating shows. Leading the pack on ZDF are Die Drehscheibe and Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst, with their initial broadcasts in 1964 and 1967. Discover the best of ZDF with our list of over 20 series, meticulously updated for September 2026.

  • 37 Grad
    37 Grad (1994)9.0

    37° reports on typical life situations in our society from an unusual perspective: the camera accompanies a group or individual people, usually in a particularly exposed social situation. The reportage often outlines a turning point or a decision-making phase in the biography under review.

  • maybrit illner
    maybrit illner (1999)9.0

    Political talk show on current topics presented by Maybrit Illner.

  • Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst
    Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst (1967)8.0

    Aktenzeichen XY … ungelöst is a German television programme broadcast since October 1967 on ZDF that aims to combat and solve crimes. Until 2003 it was produced in co-operation with the Austrian public service broadcaster ORF and Schweizer Fernsehen, a division of the Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR idée suisse. It was the basis for the BBC show Crimewatch, the Dutch show Opsporing Verzocht and its US equivalent America's Most Wanted.

  • Die Küchenschlacht
    Die Küchenschlacht (2008)8.0

  • Löwenzahn
    Löwenzahn (1981)7.8

    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.

  • 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").

  • Die Drehscheibe
    Die Drehscheibe (1964)7.3

  • Terra X History
    Terra X History (2000)6.8

    The spectrum of topics ranges from political history with a focus on contemporary history (especially National Socialism and post-war history) to cultural history and social history. In addition, ZDF-History also regularly deals with pre-modern history, art and cultural history.

  • SOKO Köln
    SOKO Köln (2003)6.4

    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.

  • The Old Fox
    The Old Fox (1977)6.3

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

  • Die Rosenheim-Cops
    Die Rosenheim-Cops (2002)6.3

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Der Bergdoktor
    Der Bergdoktor (2008)5.8

    A medic lives with his small and strange family between the mountains and every episode he comes across a situation with not only his patients but also his family and friends.

  • A Case For Two
    A Case For Two (1981)5.7

    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.

  • Morgenmagazin
    Morgenmagazin (1992)5.3

  • Leute heute
    Leute heute (1997)5.2

  • Vienna Crime Squad
    Vienna Crime Squad (2005)4.9

    SOKO Donau is an Austrian television series.

  • Volle Kanne
    Volle Kanne (1999)4.4