"Broadcast of 'Tator' leaves no room for doubt, starring Matthias Schweighöfer"
News Article: "Rebroadcast of 'Tatort' Episode 'Because They Are Evil' Draws High Ratings"
The rebroadcast of the "Tatort" episode "Because They Are Evil," starring Matthias Schweighöfer, received a significant viewership on August 3, attracting 5.06 million viewers. This marked a 21.7 percent market share for the episode, making it the most-watched programme of the evening.
In "Because They Are Evil," Schweighöfer plays Balthasar Staupen, the arrogant son of a victim, who manipulates a single father, Rolf Herken, portrayed by Milan Peschel, into committing further murders. Herken, a distraught father seeking help for his autistic son, ultimately succumbs to a fit of rage and kills the family patriarch.
The episode's success in the recent rerun can be attributed to several factors. Tatort episodes with unique storylines, strong character development, or tackling controversial or topical social issues often stand out and attract high ratings. "Because They Are Evil" may have resonated with viewers due to its emotionally intense and morally complex narrative, featuring unexpected plot twists.
Moreover, the episode's special status could be due to renewed interest from anniversaries, cast changes, or word-of-mouth recommendations. High ratings in reruns could also result from media buzz, critical acclaim, or availability on popular streaming platforms.
However, the specific reasons for the episode's success in the recent rerun remain unclear, as direct sources such as broadcaster statements, critic reviews, audience feedback, or Tatort fan sites did not provide concrete facts and context about the episode's uniqueness and popularity.
Interestingly, the investigation in "Because They Are Evil" leaves investigators Sänger (Andrea Sawatzki) and Dellwo (Jörg Schüttauf) uncertain: whether Herken is a pawn or a calculating serial killer. The episode's thrilling storyline may have kept viewers engaged, contributing to its high viewer count and market share.
In contrast, the "Maria Wern, Kripo Gotland" series failed to maintain its viewership, with a market share of only 5.8 percent in the young target group and a total viewer count of 2.25 million. The rebroadcast of "Because They Are Evil" topped both the younger and overall audience, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
The rebroadcast of "Because They Are Evil" reached a million viewers at prime time (20:15) and had a market share of 15.8 percent among viewers aged 14 to 49, with 690,000 viewers in this demographic. This suggests that the episode continues to resonate with a broad audience, not just among the general population but also among younger viewers.
The "Tatort" series is available in the ARD media library for viewers who missed the initial broadcast or want to rewatch this intriguing episode. With its gripping storyline and compelling characters, "Because They Are Evil" remains a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
Movies-and-TV enthusiasts who enjoy crime dramas would find the "Tatort" series, specifically the episode "Because They Are Evil," an engaging choice for entertainment. This particular episode, with its emotionally intense and complex narrative, attracted high ratings and a large viewership, making it one of the most-watched programs of the evening.