About This Episode
When German Public Service Meets True Crime
ARD Crime Time stands distinctly apart from commercial true crime formats. Produced by Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb) and hosted by Anne Eichhorn, Felix Gebhardt, and Mattis Kießig, the podcast adheres to ARD's strict editorial guidelines with emphasis on fact-based journalism over sensationalism.
This means thorough research, interviews with investigators, witnesses, and experts—and reconstructions grounded in evidence rather than speculation. Respectful treatment of victims is central to the production, marking a clear separation from private true crime podcasts that often prioritize emotional escalation over factual accuracy.
Time for In-Depth Investigation
With 60-90 minutes per episode, ARD Crime Time gives hosts space to handle complex criminal cases thoroughly. This allows for exploration of background context, multiple perspectives, and analysis of the broader societal dimensions of each case.
Episodes are available on ARD Mediathek and the ARD Audio App, ensuring broad public access. Integration into ARD's platforms creates synergies with other true crime formats such as the series "Im Visier."
From Routine Stop to Murder Mystery
Among notable episodes is "Mord auf Streife – Im Visier des Wilderers," released in May 2026. The 80-minute episode begins with a routine traffic stop but unfolds into a complex murder case with connections to wildlife poaching networks.
In Season 3, Episode 3, the podcast covers "Der LKW-Mörder," a solved murder case in a trucking context. The systematic treatment of such varied cases—from serial murder cases to individual crimes of particular social interest—demonstrates the format's range.
Three Hosts, One Voice
The three hosts each bring their own expertise to the podcast. Their collaboration is characterized by balanced hosting that respects the emotional dimension of cases while maintaining necessary journalistic distance.
Through their research, even decades-old cases receive fresh scrutiny. They work closely with law enforcement, forensic pathologists, and legal experts to construct the most complete picture possible.
Higher Standards Than Commercial True Crime
As a public broadcasting format, ARD Crime Time must meet higher standards than commercial productions. Objectivity, source criticism, and victim protection are non-negotiable—these principles shape the entire production from case selection to final editing.
The podcast deliberately avoids the dramatic musical underlays that many true crime formats use for tension-building. Instead, focus remains on research quality and the facts themselves. This commitment to substance makes ARD Crime Time a serious contribution to the true crime landscape—where journalistic excellence meets public interest in criminal cases.
