1. Overview
Tatort: Fackel (2026) is the third cold-case story featuring the Frankfurt duo Kommissarin Maryam Azadi and Kommissar Hamza Kulina. The episode centers on a devastating high-rise fire from years earlier that claimed 13 lives. When Almila Adak, whose mother died in the blaze, asks her ex-partner Kulina to look into inconsistencies, the investigation uncovers uncomfortable connections to a major construction materials company and a mysterious death officially labeled a suicide. Under director Rick Ostermann, the film unfolds as a tense political thriller that mixes institutional power, personal loss, and a search for justice.
Key facts at a glance
- Year: 2026
- Genre: Crime, Cold Case, Political Thriller
- Main investigators: Maryam Azadi and Hamza Kulina
- Central event: High-rise fire with 13 fatalities
- Director: Rick Ostermann
2. Trailer and where to watch
The official trailer for Tatort: Fackel is available in the programme’s online media library. The trailer gives a first impression of the film’s tone: atmospheric, tense, and concerned with the consequences of a public tragedy. If you want a quick sense of the story, the trailer highlights the emotional stakes, the Cold-Case investigation, and hints at political entanglements that drive the plot.
What the trailer reveals
- Images of the high-rise fire and its aftermath, establishing the central crime.
- Scenes showing Almila Adak pressing for answers and the personal toll on survivors.
- Clues pointing to corporate responsibility and political scrutiny ahead of an inquiry.
- A glimpse of the mysterious death connected to the investigation, raising questions about foul play.
3. Plot, themes and tone
Fackel builds on the series’ strength for combining procedural work with human drama. At its heart is a cold-case investigation that reopens old wounds and forces characters — and institutions — to face uncomfortable truths. The story balances suspense with emotional depth, showing not just the mechanics of a criminal inquiry but the long-term suffering of victims’ families.
Main themes
- Grief and the search for justice — the long-term impact on survivors like Almila Adak.
- Corporate accountability — questions around the role of a construction materials company and its leadership.
- Political pressure and public inquiries — how official investigations interact with media and politics.
- Mystery and suspicion — a death recorded as suicide that may hide darker motives.
Investigation focus
- Re-opening a cold case tied to a fatal high-rise fire.
- Following leads that connect the disaster to corporate decisions and possible cover-ups.
- Interrogating witnesses, uncovering inconsistencies, and confronting powerful opponents.
- Balancing professional duty with personal involvement for the investigators.
4. Cast and crew
| Role | Person |
|---|---|
| Kommissarin Maryam Azadi | Melika Foroutan |
| Kommissar Hamza Kulina | Edin Hasanovic |
| Almila Adak | Seyneb Saleh |
| Steffen Böttcher (company chief) | Stephan Luca |
| Director | Rick Ostermann |
| Year | 2026 |
| A focused ensemble driving a politically charged cold-case drama | |
5. Why watch Tatort: Fackel
If you appreciate crime dramas that combine meticulous investigation with emotional storytelling, Tatort: Fackel promises a gripping experience. The episode highlights the human cost of public disasters, raises questions about corporate and political responsibility, and offers strong performances from its lead actors. Watching the trailer is a good first step to gauge the mood and decide if the full broadcast fits your interests.
Broadcast and further coverage
The episode is scheduled for broadcast on Sunday at 20:15 local time. For the trailer and on-demand viewing, check the programme’s official online media library. Critical reviews and press coverage offer additional perspectives on the episode’s handling of tragedy, accountability, and the emotional lives of those left behind.
