The ZDF crime series "Der Staatsanwalt," which has captured audiences for two decades, concluded its run on March 21, 2025, leaving a notable gap in the landscape of German television. The highly anticipated final episode attracted 4.92 million viewers, achieving a market share of 20.1 percent and dominating the Friday evening timeslot.
For many fans, the series has been a staple since its debut in 2005, showcasing the complex narratives surrounding Oberstaatsanwalt Bernd Reuther, portrayed by the talented Rainer Hunold. Over the course of more than 120 episodes, Hunold became synonymous with the role and has delivered performance after performance, drawing in a significant following. The series finale brought some of the highest and most loyal viewership figures to German crime programming.
The finale aired at 20:15, securing its dominant position over rivals during the evening; the ensuing program, "SOKO Leipzig," managed to attract 4.27 million viewers at 21:15, achieving an 18.1 percent market share. Despite these figures, the finale marked a poignant moment as it failed to reach the five million-viewer milestone for the first time in five years, signaling a slight dip in the show's audience trend.
Reflecting on its past successes, "Der Staatsanwalt" enjoyed its pinnacle moment in February 2021, when it attracted an impressive 7.38 million viewers. The show's significant appeal extended well into various demographic groups, notably achieving a 10.4 percent market share among audiences aged 14 to 49 at its peak.
The audience reactions to the series finale were mixed. While many were satisfied with the resolution of various plot lines, others felt a sense of sorrow witnessing the closing chapter of a beloved series. This sense of loss was compounded by the announcement of Rainer Hunold's departure from the series, which he made in January 2024, attributing his decision to age and the quest for authenticity within his character. He emphasized the importance of credibility and the narrative's integrity, stating, "Es war wichtig für mich, die Figur in den Ruhestand zu versetzen," meaning it was important for him to retire the character.
The series finale was, indeed, a significant television event and an indicator of changing viewer habits. The market reality that saw "Der Staatsanwalt" additionally impacted subsequent programming on ZDF. Following the finale, "heute-show" maintained viewer interest with 3.87 million viewers overall and a 21.1 percent market share, contributing to a healthy Friday evening lineup. Other shows, such as "Let's Dance," also performed well, securing an 18.6 percent share in the 14-49 demographic.
Despite fluctuating numbers, the legacy of "Der Staatsanwalt" will endure in the annals of German crime television as one of its defining series. It has carved out a space for storytelling that resonates emotionally with viewers and has influenced future productions considering character depth and narrative integrity.
In light of the series’ conclusion, the future remains uncertain for ZDF as it seeks to fill the void left by this iconic show. Programming executives must now contemplate what new offerings can replace such a beloved series. Given the current television landscape, where viewer preferences shift rapidly, crafting a new series with similar success patterns is no easy task.
As the dust settles on this significant television moment, fans are left reminiscing about the gripping storylines and stellar performances that marked the series' long history. The legacy of "Der Staatsanwalt" will likely continue to influence how crime dramas evolve in German television, always holding a special place in the hearts of its audience.
Ultimately, the grand farewell to "Der Staatsanwalt" encapsulates the bittersweet nature of television history—where endings also pave the way for new beginnings. The journey of crime drama in Germany is far from over; it simply takes a new shape. Given the changing dynamics in viewer engagement, ZDF's next steps will be crucial in maintaining audience trust and drawing in new viewers.
