How many seasons of Der Staatsanwalt are there?

Der Staatsanwalt has aired 20 seasons so far.

How many episodes of Der Staatsanwalt are there?

There are 123 episodes of Der Staatsanwalt across 20 seasons.

What is Der Staatsanwalt's IMDb rating?

Der Staatsanwalt holds an IMDb rating of 5.9/10 from 190 votes.

Crime

When Does Der Staatsanwalt Season 21 Come Out? Is It Renewed?

Name: Der Staatsanwalt
Genre: Crime
Rating: 5.9

Der Staatsanwalt Season 21 doesn't have an official release date yet. Based on the roughly 12-month gap between previous seasons, expect it around February 2026.

IMDb

5.9/10

Seasons

Episodes

123

Diagnostics

Network: ZDF
Genres: Crime
First aired: 2005-01-10
Last aired: 2025-03-21
Runtime: 50 min

Search interestRising ↗

Predictive Logic Analysis

Der Staatsanwalt occupies a stable niche in ZDF's programming lineup as a long-established crime drama that has maintained production for two decades. The fact that a new episode aired as recently as March 2025, coupled with TMDB's "Returning Series" designation, suggests the show remains in active rotation and has cleared internal renewal hurdles at the network level. German public broadcasters like ZDF tend to renew procedural series that have established audiences and fulfill regular scheduling slots, even if critical acclaim is not their primary driver. The show's longevity itself is a signal of institutional support and audience retention.

However, the absence of any explicit renewal announcement or industry coverage is notable, and the modest IMDb rating of 5.9 (based on 190 votes) suggests the show has neither passionate fan advocacy nor critical prestige. The rising search interest is a mild positive indicator, but without direct renewal confirmation from ZDF, there remains genuine uncertainty about the network's plans for season 21. The gap between the last airing (March 2025) and now will determine whether silence reflects a standard renewal cycle or an atypical delay in announcement.

What is Der Staatsanwalt about?

Der Staatsanwalt follows Bernd Reuther, a seasoned state prosecutor navigating the complex intersection of law, politics, and personal morality in the German criminal justice system. Each episode presents a new case that pulls Reuther into increasingly murky legal territories, where the letter of the law frequently collides with ethical gray zones and institutional pressures. The show's central appeal lies in its exploration of prosecutorial decision-making—what compels someone to pursue justice when the system itself may be compromised, and how far one should bend procedure to achieve what feels like the right outcome. For viewers drawn to intelligent crime drama that prioritizes legal and moral philosophy over procedural mechanics, Reuther's struggles provide both intellectual engagement and genuine dramatic tension.

The program operates as a character-driven legal procedural that privileges internal conflict over external spectacle. Rather than chase scenes or forensic pyrotechnics, Der Staatsanwalt dwells in courtrooms, interrogation rooms, and the quiet offices where decisions that ruin lives are made. Rainer Hunold's performance anchors the series, conveying a man whose idealism has weathered decades of compromise. The ensemble cast—particularly Fiona Coors as Kerstin Klar and Astrid Posner as Dr. Judith Engel—fills out a professional world where colleagues become both allies and obstacles. The tone is measured and reflective, favoring dialogue and ethical dilemma over action, which distinguishes it from more sensational European crime imports.

Over its two decades on air, Der Staatsanwalt has maintained a consistent presence on ZDF, establishing itself as a reliable fixture in German television rather than a cultural phenomenon. While international recognition remains limited, reflected in modest IMDb engagement, the show has clearly resonated with its core domestic audience—a testament to its longevity and renewal through twenty seasons. The series occupies a particular niche within European crime drama: neither the procedural efficiency of British legal thrillers nor the noir darkness of Scandinavian imports, but rather a distinctly German meditation on institutional justice and individual conscience.

Is Der Staatsanwalt renewed or cancelled?

Working toward renewal

high

Recent episode airing (March 2025) and TMDB 'Returning Series' status

high

20 seasons on a major public broadcaster (ZDF) indicates institutional support and stable audience

medium

Absence of explicit renewal or cancellation signals from ZDF

low

Rising search interest trend

Working against it

medium

Modest IMDb rating (5.9) suggests limited critical prestige and fan passion

medium

No recent renewal announcement from trade publications or ZDF

Der Staatsanwalt Season 21 Release Date

Given the regular airing schedule evident in the show's history and the March 2025 episode, a new season would likely air in late 2025 or early 2026, following ZDF's typical programming rhythms for established procedurals. German public television generally maintains consistent scheduling for shows like this, so if renewal has occurred (which is likely), production may already be underway or in pre-production. The timing of any official announcement typically comes a few months before air date on public broadcasters.