What is Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst about?

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...

Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst

TV Show NR 1967 1h 30m/ep 8.1 /10 Returning

A ZDF Original

Created by Eduard Zimmermann

Where to Watch "Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst"

Not Currently Streaming

This title isn't available for streaming in the US right now.

Not Currently Available On (8 platforms)

Streaming availability last verified: January 23, 2026

About Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst

Aktenzeichen XY... ungelöst has been a staple of German television since it first aired on ZDF in October 1967. The programme reconstructs unsolved crimes, presents witness statements and police findings, and asks viewers to pass along any tips that might help investigations. Episodes mix filmed reenactments with documentary material and studio discussion, and the format regularly features appeals aimed at both local law enforcement and the public. Over decades it has kept close ties with authorities, updated its presentation style, and continued to return missing pieces of cold cases to the spotlight without revealing final resolutions in its broadcasts.

Created by Eduard Zimmermann, the show premiered in 1967 on ZDF and was produced in cooperation with Austria's ORF and Swiss public television until 2003. Rudi Cerne is the current host associated with the programme, which evolved visually and editorially while keeping its original concept intact.

Awards-wise, the series is better known for its longevity and practical influence than for major international prizes. It hasn't been a regular presence at Emmys or Golden Globes, and while it has received recognition in German-speaking media, specific high-profile awards are not a defining part of its legacy.

Culturally, Aktenzeichen XY... ungelöst set a template for televised crime appeals and inspired several international adaptations, including the BBC's Crimewatch, the Dutch Opsporing Verzocht, and America's Most Wanted. Its reenactments, photo appeals and the direct call for public assistance became staples in many countries, and the show's format has been referenced in discussions about media's role in policing and public safety.

Critics and viewers generally view the programme as pragmatic and service-oriented, reflected in a user rating of 8.1/10 from a small sample. The series consistently foregrounds themes of civic responsibility, victim visibility, and procedural transparency, while balancing sensitivity toward survivors with the practical goal of generating usable leads for ongoing investigations.

Details

Release Date: October 20, 1967
Episode Length: 1h 30m
Rating: NR
User Ratings: 8 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 60
Episodes: 631
Network: ZDF
Status: Returning Series
Genres: Reality, Documentary, Crime
Country: Germany
Studio: Securitel +1 more
External Links: View on IMDB

Seasons (60 seasons, 631 episodes)

Season 1

12 episodes - 1967

Season 2

10 episodes - 1968

Season 3

10 episodes - 1969

Season 4

10 episodes - 1970

Season 5

10 episodes - 1971

Season 6

10 episodes - 1972

Season 7

10 episodes - 1973

Season 8

10 episodes - 1974

Season 9

10 episodes - 1975

Season 10

10 episodes - 1976

Season 11

10 episodes - 1977

Season 12

9 episodes - 1978

Season 13

10 episodes - 1979

Season 14

10 episodes - 1980

Season 15

10 episodes - 1981

Season 16

10 episodes - 1982

Season 17

10 episodes - 1983

Season 18

10 episodes - 1984

Season 19

10 episodes - 1985

Season 20

10 episodes - 1986

Season 21

10 episodes - 1987

Season 22

10 episodes - 1988

Season 23

10 episodes - 1989

Season 24

10 episodes - 1990

Season 25

10 episodes - 1991

Season 26

10 episodes - 1992

Season 27

10 episodes - 1993

Season 28

10 episodes - 1994

Season 29

10 episodes - 1995

Season 30

10 episodes - 1996

Season 31

10 episodes - 1997

S32

Season 32

10 episodes - 1998

S33

Season 33

10 episodes - 1999

S34

Season 34

10 episodes - 2000

S35

Season 35

10 episodes - 2001

Season 36

10 episodes - 2002

Season 37

10 episodes - 2003

Season 38

10 episodes - 2004

Season 39

12 episodes - 2005

Season 40

12 episodes - 2006

Season 41

12 episodes - 2007

Season 42

10 episodes - 2008

Season 43

12 episodes - 2009

Season 44

12 episodes - 2010

Season 45

12 episodes - 2011

Season 46

12 episodes - 2012

Season 47

12 episodes - 2013

Season 48

12 episodes - 2014

Season 49

12 episodes - 2015

Season 50

12 episodes - 2016

Season 51

12 episodes - 2017

Season 52

12 episodes - 2018

Season 53

12 episodes - 2019

Season 54

12 episodes - 2020

Season 55

12 episodes - 2021

Season 56

12 episodes - 2022

Season 57

12 episodes - 2023

Season 58

12 episodes - 2024

Season 59

12 episodes - 2025

S60

Season 60

1 episodes - 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst has 60 seasons with a total of 631 episodes.

With a rating of 8.1/10 from 8 viewers, Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst is highly recommended and considered excellent by most viewers.

Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst was created by Eduard Zimmermann.

Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst was released on October 20, 1967.

Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst is a Reality, Documentary, and Crime series.

Yes, the programme presents reconstructions of real unsolved crimes and makes public appeals for information. It's specifically aimed at generating viewer tips that can assist ongoing investigations.

Yes, it was the basis for the BBC's Crimewatch, the Dutch Opsporing Verzocht and America's Most Wanted in the US. Those shows adopted a similar format of reconstructions and viewer appeals.

Yes, it's been broadcast on ZDF since October 1967 and is listed as a returning series, with 59 seasons and 630 episodes. Rudi Cerne is the current host.

Episodes combine filmed reconstructions, short documentary segments and on-screen appeals from the host to viewers for information. Until 2003 it was co-produced with Austria's ORF and Swiss public television, which expanded its reach across German-speaking countries.