SOKO (TV series)

SOKO is the collective name for a number of independent German crime drama television series, each set in a different city or region. "SOKO" is an abbreviation of "Sonderkommission," meaning "special [police] unit" or "special task force" in German. Each series follows the work of a team of detectives as they investigate murder cases.

The SOKO franchise is characterized by its focus on procedural crime-solving, incorporating elements of police work such as forensics, interrogation, and evidence gathering. Episodes typically follow a self-contained narrative, concluding with the identification and apprehension of the perpetrator.

Several SOKO series have been produced and broadcast on German television channels, most notably ZDF. These include, but are not limited to:

• SOKO München (originally SOKO 5113): Set in Munich.
• SOKO Köln: Set in Cologne.
• SOKO Leipzig: Set in Leipzig.
• SOKO Stuttgart: Set in Stuttgart.
• SOKO Wismar: Set in Wismar.
• SOKO Donau (known as SOKO Wien in Germany): Set in Vienna, Austria.

Each SOKO series typically features a recurring cast of detectives and support staff. The format and style of the series are generally consistent across the franchise, although there may be differences in tone and emphasis depending on the specific city or region in which the series is set. The SOKO franchise is a long-running and popular staple of German television programming.