# Inspector Rex > police procedural drama originally made in Austria and aired from 1994 to 2004 **Wikidata**: [Q500032](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q500032) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Rex) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/inspector-rex ## Summary Inspector Rex is an Austrian police procedural drama television series that originally aired from 1994 to 2004. The show follows a police dog named Rex and his human partners as they solve crimes in Vienna. ## Key Facts - Original network: Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF), Sat.1, and RAI - Country of origin: Austria, Italy, and Germany - Genre: Crime television series and comedy television series - First aired: November 10, 1994 - Last aired: June 19, 2015 - Total episodes: 45 seasons across multiple versions - Original language: German - IMDb ID: tt0108829 - Wikidata ID: Q5398426 - Wikipedia title: Inspector Rex - Sitelink count: 39 ## FAQs **What is Inspector Rex about?** Inspector Rex is a police procedural drama that follows a German Shepherd police dog named Rex and his human partners as they solve crimes in Vienna, Austria. The show combines crime-solving with comedic elements and features Rex's intelligence and loyalty as key assets in investigations. **Where was Inspector Rex produced and aired?** The series was originally produced in Austria and aired on Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF). It was later broadcast on German network Sat.1 and Italian network RAI, making it a transnational production with multiple language versions. **How many seasons and episodes does Inspector Rex have?** Inspector Rex has 45 seasons across its various versions and international adaptations. The original Austrian series ran from 1994 to 2004, with subsequent versions continuing the franchise until 2015. **What type of dog is Rex?** Rex is a German Shepherd, specifically trained as a police dog. His breed is central to the show's premise, as his tracking abilities, intelligence, and loyalty make him an invaluable partner to the human detectives. **Why did Inspector Rex become popular internationally?** The show's combination of crime drama, humor, and the appealing character of Rex the police dog made it accessible to international audiences. Its success led to adaptations and broadcasts in multiple countries, particularly in Europe. ## Why It Matters Inspector Rex represents a significant milestone in international television co-production and the popularization of crime procedural dramas featuring animal protagonists. The series demonstrated the commercial viability of transnational television formats, successfully adapting to different cultural contexts while maintaining its core appeal. Its longevity and multiple international versions established it as a template for future crime dramas that blend procedural elements with character-driven storytelling. The show also contributed to positive perceptions of working police dogs and their capabilities in law enforcement. ## Notable For - Pioneering international police procedural format with animal protagonist - Successful transnational adaptation across Austrian, German, and Italian markets - Longest-running European crime drama featuring a police dog - Popularizing German Shepherd police dogs in mainstream media - Creating template for future crime dramas with animal partners - Maintaining audience appeal across different cultural contexts - Combining crime-solving with family-friendly entertainment - Establishing successful format for international television co-productions ## Body ### Origins and Development Inspector Rex was created as a police procedural drama that would appeal to both adult and family audiences. The concept centered on a highly intelligent German Shepherd police dog working alongside human detectives in Vienna's homicide division. The show was developed by Austrian television producers who recognized the potential for combining crime drama with the universal appeal of animal protagonists. ### Production and Broadcast The series was produced by Austrian national broadcaster Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF) and first aired on November 10, 1994. Its success led to co-production deals with German network Sat.1 and Italian network RAI, expanding its reach across Central Europe. The original Austrian version ran for 10 seasons until 2004, after which the format was adapted for different markets while maintaining the core concept of a police dog solving crimes. ### Format and Structure Each episode typically follows a self-contained crime story where Rex and his human partners investigate murders, robberies, and other serious crimes in Vienna. The format combines traditional police procedural elements with lighter moments centered on Rex's personality and interactions with his human colleagues. The show balances crime-solving with character development and often includes comedic relief through Rex's antics. ### International Versions The success of the original Austrian series led to multiple international adaptations. The German version, produced for Sat.1, featured different human characters but maintained Rex as the central character. The Italian version, broadcast on RAI, further adapted the format for Italian audiences while preserving the core premise. These international versions helped establish Inspector Rex as a transnational television franchise. ### Cultural Impact Inspector Rex significantly influenced public perception of police dogs and their capabilities in law enforcement. The show portrayed German Shepherds as intelligent, loyal, and capable partners in crime-solving, contributing to increased interest in police dog programs across Europe. The series also helped popularize Vienna as a setting for international television productions and demonstrated the commercial potential of crime dramas featuring animal protagonists. ### Technical Aspects The production utilized professional animal trainers to work with the canine actors portraying Rex, ensuring realistic depictions of police dog work. The show incorporated actual police procedures and terminology, adding authenticity to the crime-solving elements. Multiple dogs typically portrayed Rex throughout the series, with careful selection based on temperament and trainability. ### Character Development While Rex remained the central character throughout all versions, the human characters evolved across different seasons and international adaptations. The original Austrian series featured various police partners for Rex, each bringing different dynamics to the team. The German and Italian versions introduced new human characters while maintaining Rex's consistent personality and abilities. ### Legacy and Influence Inspector Rex established a template for future crime dramas featuring animal protagonists and demonstrated the viability of transnational television formats. The show's success influenced subsequent productions that combined procedural elements with character-driven storytelling and animal characters. Its longevity and international reach made it one of the most successful European television franchises of its era. ### Related Media and Spin-offs The popularity of Inspector Rex led to various related media, including merchandise featuring Rex and books based on the series. The show's format has been referenced and parodied in other television productions, cementing its place in popular culture. The success of the international versions also demonstrated the potential for adapting television formats across different cultural contexts while maintaining core appeal. ### Awards and Recognition The series received various awards and nominations throughout its run, recognizing both its entertainment value and its positive portrayal of police work. The show's success in multiple international markets demonstrated its broad appeal and contributed to its status as a significant television production in European broadcasting history. ### Distribution and Syndication Inspector Rex achieved widespread distribution through international syndication, making it accessible to audiences beyond its original broadcast markets. The show's format proved adaptable to different time slots and programming schedules, contributing to its longevity in various television markets. Its availability on multiple platforms helped maintain audience interest across different generations of viewers. ### Production Companies and Creative Team The series was produced by Austrian production companies in collaboration with international broadcasters. The creative team included writers, directors, and producers who understood both the crime procedural genre and the unique challenges of working with animal actors. The production maintained high standards throughout its run, contributing to its consistent quality and audience appeal. ### Audience Demographics Inspector Rex attracted a diverse audience spanning different age groups and demographics. The combination of crime drama and family-friendly elements made it accessible to both adult viewers interested in police procedurals and younger audiences drawn to the animal protagonist. This broad appeal contributed to its success across different international markets. ### Broadcast History The original Austrian series aired from 1994 to 2004, establishing the format and characters that would be adapted for international versions. The German version continued the franchise on Sat.1, while the Italian adaptation on RAI further expanded its reach. The various versions collectively maintained audience interest until the final episodes aired in 2015, representing nearly two decades of continuous broadcast history. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Online-Filmdatenbank 3. The Movie Database 4. FilmVandaag.nl