What is Scene of the Crime about?

Tatort is a long-running German/Austrian/Swiss, crime television series set in various parts of these countries. The show is broadcast on the channels of ARD in Germany, ORF in Austria and SF1 in Switzerland.

Scene of the Crime

TV Show 1970 6.2 /10 Returning

A ORF 1 Original

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Streaming availability last verified: February 03, 2026

About Scene of the Crime

Tatort, shown in English as Scene of the Crime, is a long-running crime drama that sets each installment in a different city or region across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Instead of sticking to a single cast, the series introduces local investigative teams who handle murders, corruption, and community tensions that feel specific to their home turf. Episodes are self-contained, so you can jump in almost anywhere and see how regional culture, local politics, and policing styles shape the case. The tone shifts with the producers and detectives involved, ranging from procedural workmanlike cases to more character-driven stories that linger on social consequences.

First broadcast in 1970, the series was produced by public broadcasters ARD in Germany, ORF in Austria and SF1 in Switzerland, with episodes directed and made by various regional production teams over the years.

Over six decades the show has been recognized repeatedly within German-language television circles, earning a range of awards and nominations for acting, writing, and directing, even if specific festival prizes aren't listed here.

Tatort has become a cultural touchstone in German-speaking countries, often treated like a Sunday evening ritual. The title itself is shorthand for weekend crime TV, and many cities are proud of their local detective teams. Its regional variety and long run have influenced how procedural dramas are made across Europe.

Critical response varies by episode and era, reflected in its moderate average rating of 6.122/10 from 119 votes. Reviewers often praise episodes where local detail and strong character work intersect, while noting uneven quality when teams or scripts change. Recurring themes include social conflict, institutional failures, and the everyday work of police, presented with an emphasis on realism over glamour.

Details

Release Date: November 29, 1970
User Ratings: 120 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 57
Episodes: 1328
Network: ORF 1, Das Erste, SRF 1, ORF 2
Status: Returning Series
Genres: Drama, Crime
Country: AT
Studio: ARD +1 more
External Links: View on IMDB

Seasons (57 seasons, 1328 episodes)

Season 1

2 episodes - 1970

Season 2

11 episodes - 1971

Season 3

11 episodes - 1972

Season 4

11 episodes - 1973

Season 5

11 episodes - 1974

Season 6

12 episodes - 1975

Season 7

11 episodes - 1976

Season 8

13 episodes - 1977

Season 9

12 episodes - 1978

Season 10

13 episodes - 1979

Season 11

12 episodes - 1980

Season 12

12 episodes - 1981

Season 13

12 episodes - 1982

Season 14

9 episodes - 1983

Season 15

12 episodes - 1984

Season 16

12 episodes - 1985

Season 17

12 episodes - 1986

Season 18

12 episodes - 1987

Season 19

14 episodes - 1988

Season 20

12 episodes - 1989

Season 21

11 episodes - 1990

Season 22

15 episodes - 1991

Season 23

15 episodes - 1992

Season 24

18 episodes - 1993

Season 25

15 episodes - 1994

Season 26

22 episodes - 1995

Season 27

27 episodes - 1996

Season 28

27 episodes - 1997

Season 29

26 episodes - 1998

Season 30

29 episodes - 1999

Season 31

29 episodes - 2000

Season 32

29 episodes - 2001

Season 33

31 episodes - 2002

Season 34

33 episodes - 2003

Season 35

30 episodes - 2004

Season 36

35 episodes - 2005

Season 37

32 episodes - 2006

Season 38

35 episodes - 2007

Season 39

31 episodes - 2008

Season 40

34 episodes - 2009

Season 41

35 episodes - 2010

Season 42

36 episodes - 2011

Season 43

35 episodes - 2012

Season 44

36 episodes - 2013

Season 45

36 episodes - 2014

Season 46

40 episodes - 2015

Season 47

37 episodes - 2016

Season 48

35 episodes - 2017

Season 49

37 episodes - 2018

Season 50

37 episodes - 2019

Season 51

36 episodes - 2020

Season 52

33 episodes - 2021

Season 53

36 episodes - 2022

Season 54

35 episodes - 2023

Season 55

32 episodes - 2024

Season 56

36 episodes - 2025

Season 57

9 episodes - 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Scene of the Crime is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Yes, you can buy on Amazon Video.

Scene of the Crime has 57 seasons with a total of 1328 episodes.

With a rating of 6.2/10 from 120 viewers, Scene of the Crime is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

Scene of the Crime was released on November 29, 1970.

Scene of the Crime is a Drama and Crime series.

Yes, "Scene of the Crime" is the English title for Tatort, a long-running German/Austrian/Swiss crime series. It's broadcast on ARD in Germany, ORF in Austria and SF1 in Switzerland.

The series began in 1970 and has continued for decades, totaling 57 seasons and 1,328 episodes. It's one of the longest-running crime shows in German-language television.

The show is set in various parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, so episodes often focus on different cities and local investigators. That regional approach gives each episode a distinct setting and tone.

"Tatort" literally translates to "Scene of the Crime" in English, which reflects the show's focus on crime scenes and investigations across different regions. The title is used interchangeably with the English name for the series.