Inspector Rex

Inspector Rex centers on a crime unit in Vienna where the star investigator isn't human but a German Shepherd named Rex. After his handler is killed, Rex is paired with recently divorced inspector Richard Moser, and together they pick up leads, sniff out clues and help solve street-level mysteries. Their teamwork blends traditional police procedure with the dog's instincts, and they often get backup from colleagues like Inspector Stockinger. Episodes mix murder inquiries, thefts and missing persons cases with quieter moments about recovery, trust and partnership, all set against urban Vienna. The show keeps focus on case work and the evolving bond between man and dog, without tipping into melodrama or spectacle. Cases tend to resolve within a single episode.

Premiering in 1994, the Austrian series was created by Peter Hajek and Peter Moser. Shot in and around Vienna, it was produced for television audiences who wanted a procedural with a K-9 lead and ensemble cast, in German, widely dubbed.

While not typically a fixture at major international ceremonies, the series found recognition at regional television events and among critics in its home market, helping secure continued seasons and export deals across Europe and beyond. Its popularity helped sustain multiple seasons and revive interest in procedural TV.

Inspector Rex became one of Austria's best-known TV exports, with viewers across Europe remembering the dog-and-detective pairing. Its image influenced later canine-centered police shows and made Rex an enduring symbol of loyalty in popular culture, appealing to family audiences as well.

Critical and audience response was generally positive, reflected in a 7.147/10 user score from 266 votes. The series balances procedural plotting, the ethics of policing, team dynamics and the emotional ties between humans and animals, all framed by Vienna's streets. Pacing favors case resolution and character moments over serialized cliffhangers, which many viewers appreciated.