Großstadtrevier is a German television series that premiered on 16 March 1986 on the public‑service broadcaster ARD. Produced by TV Hamburg, the series is a police procedural that follows the daily work of a team of officers at the precinct “Großstadtrevier” (literally “big‑city police station”) located in the St. Pauli district of Hamburg.
The show was created by Joachim B. Hansen and initially directed by Wolfgang M. König. It has been written and produced by a rotating team of screenwriters and producers, with episodes typically running for 45 minutes. As of 2023, the series has produced over 400 episodes across more than 35 seasons, making it one of the longest‑running German TV programmes.
Key cast members have included:
- Götz George (Kommissar Dirk Matthies, 1986–1992) – the original lead.
- Uwe Kockisch (Kommissar Rolf Hannemann, 1990–present) – a longstanding central character.
- Sabine Vitua, Nina Hoss, Stephan Bareith, among others, who have appeared in recurring or guest roles.
The series is noted for its realistic depiction of police work in an urban German setting, incorporating contemporary social issues such as immigration, drug trafficking, and the challenges of multicultural neighborhoods. While primarily a drama, “Großstadtrevier” also incorporates elements of comedy and personal storylines, contributing to its broad audience appeal.
The series has received several awards, including the Grimme‑Preis (1992) for its contribution to German television culture, and it enjoys high viewership ratings, regularly attracting several million viewers per episode.
“Großstadtrevier” is broadcast weekly on ARD’s main channel (Das Erste) and is also available through various streaming platforms and the ARD Mediathek service. Its production continues to employ on‑location shooting in Hamburg, providing authentic cityscapes and landmarks that are integral to the series’ atmosphere.
Cultural impact
The programme has contributed to public awareness of police procedures in Germany and is frequently referenced in German popular culture, including parodies, merchandise, and discussion in media analyses of long‑running television series.
References
- ARD Press releases, Großstadtrevier program archives.
- Grimme‑Institut, Award Recipients 1992.
- TV Hamburg production notes, 2022–2023 season.
All information presented is sourced from publicly available records and reputable media outlets.
