Inspector Rex
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Peter Hajek and Peter Moser |
| Headquarters | Austria, Italy |
Area served | Austria, Italy, international |
| Products | Television series |
Inspector Rex (known as Kommissar Rex in German and Il commissario Rex in Italian) is a police procedural television series produced jointly by Austria and Italy, created by Peter Hajek and Peter Moser. The show originally broadcast in Austria on ORF 1 from 1994 until 2004. It was later revived in 2008 as a collaborative Austro-Italian production airing on Rai 1. Starting in 2009, the series’ production moved entirely to Italy, although some episodes continued to be set in Austria. Rai 1 ended the series in June 2015 after completing eight seasons produced in Italy.
The storyline revolves around Rex, a German Shepherd police dog, his human partners, and the homicide division of the Vienna Kriminalpolizei as they work together to solve criminal cases. From 2008 onward, the narrative shifted to Rome.
A spin-off titled Stockinger, centered on Ernst Stockinger, an original member of the homicide team, was broadcast in 1996. Various international adaptations have been produced, including the Polish series Komisarz Alex (2012–present), Russian Muhtar's return (2004–2019), Portuguese Inspetor Max (2004–present), Lithuanian Inspektorius Mažylis (2014), Slovak Rex (2017), and Canadian Hudson & Rex (2019–present).
In October 2024, it was announced that Inspector Rex is slated for a television comeback in 2026.
Synopsis
Set originally in Vienna, the series follows a trio of officers working within an office of the Kriminalpolizei—Austria’s Criminal Police—specifically within the homicide division known as the Mordkommission. The core team is assisted by Rex, a German Shepherd who plays a crucial role as a cadaver dog, narcotics and contraband detector, and an invaluable sensory asset for investigations.
The original lineup featured Richard Moser, Ernst Stockinger, and Peter Höllerer, supported by forensic specialist Dr. Leo Graf and retired officer Max Koch. Over time, significant cast changes took place: Christian Böck succeeded Stockinger; Alexander Brandtner replaced Moser; Fritz Kunz took over from Höllerer. The final Austrian team included Marc Hoffmann and Nikki Herzog alongside Kunz. Dr. Graf was the sole character present throughout all Austrian seasons.
Beginning with season eleven, the setting transitioned to Rome, where Inspector Lorenzo Fabbri partnered with Rex. Episodes were produced bilingually in Italian and German. At that season’s conclusion, Rex sustains serious injuries while defending Fabbri but is shown still alive before the credits roll. The twelfth season confirms Rex’s recovery following treatment at an animal hospital.
Production
During its first ten seasons, the series was scripted exclusively in German, incorporating Austrian dialects. Filming took place primarily on location in Vienna and its surroundings, though some geographic details were not always accurate. Internationally, the show was distributed with subtitles or dubbing in countries such as France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Ratings declined throughout seasons eight and nine, leading to cancellation midway through production in 2004. Consequently, season ten consisted of only four episodes without a definitive finale. Despite this setback, the series maintained strong international appeal—particularly in Italy and Austria—ensuring continued syndication for many years.
In 2007, Italian broadcaster RAI secured rights to revive the program, moving production to Rome. Season eleven was co-produced by Austria and Italy; from season twelve onwards, production was fully Italian-based. Altogether, eighteen seasons aired by 2015, with scripts and filming predominantly conducted in Italian from 2008 forward, although some episodes remained set in Austria.
Season Numbering in Australia
For broadcasts on SBS and DVD releases in Australia, the season numbering was modified, leading to some discrepancies compared to the European episode organization. Seasons one through eight were consolidated into seven extended seasons without altering the chronological episode sequence. Both seasons nine and ten were designated as "season eight." From there, the official numbering resumed, with season eleven labeled as nine, season twelve as ten, and continuing similarly.
Rex
Rex, a highly trained police dog officially named "Reginald von Ravenhorst," serves as the central figure of the series. Opening scenes frequently depict him performing various skills—such as unlatching doors, pushing carts, or indicating the presence of narcotics or bodies—that prove instrumental throughout episodes. He often tracks suspects using a GPS device to assist law enforcement officers.
As a young dog, Rex was abducted by criminals but managed to escape and contributed to solving his first case alongside a boy. Initially, he lived with Moser in an apartment in Wien-Landstraße before they relocated to a house in Purkersdorf after Rex warned the owner about a gas leak.
Rex consistently plays a pivotal role in resolving emergencies: helping a traumatized girl, preventing suicides, retrieving Moser's phone during investigations, and even assisting in hostage crises by intimidating offenders. His character also brings humor—he has a strong fondness for ham rolls ("Wurschtsemmln"), introduced by Moser. Rex frequently irritates Officer Stockinger by stealing his ham rolls, creating a recurring comedic dynamic.
Beyond crime-solving duties, Rex enjoys playing pranks on colleagues and resists household chores. He demonstrates affection toward horses—once rescuing one from mistreatment and bravely entering a burning barn to save another. Rex reacts adversely to terms like "frau" (woman) and "tierarzt" (veterinarian), reflecting jealousy over Moser's attention toward women. Nevertheless, he once stole a rose for Alex to present to a coworker.
When Moser works undercover, uttering "vet" prevents Rex from greeting him—a strategy notably employed by Stockinger at crime scenes.
Four dogs have portrayed Rex in European productions: Santo vom Haus Zieglmayer ("Beejay"), his double Rhett Butler (lead in 2000), Henry (revival in 2008), and Nicky (2012–2013). In the Canadian adaptation Hudson & Rex, the German Shepherds cast as Rex are descendants of Santo and his great-grandsire VA5 Elch vom Trienzbachtal.
Rex’s Partners
Richard Moser (Tobias Moretti, 1994–1998)
Richard "Richie" Moser serves as the initial team leader, characterized as a resilient officer coping with a difficult divorce while quitting smoking. Formerly a truck driver, he credits Max Koch for steering him away from criminal activity. After the death of Rex’s original trainer, Moser adopts the dog despite lacking formal documentation. Athletic and charismatic, Moser frequently performs daring stunts during pursuits; producers emphasized his appeal through several nude scenes.
As Moser’s personal circumstances improve, the series adopts a lighter tone highlighting his humor and romantic interests. He begins dating local veterinarian Sonja, whom Rex initially dislikes but eventually accepts. Sonja later departs for work in America. In season four’s episode "Moser’s Death," Moser dies heroically while saving his psychologist lover Patricia Neuhold. The episode poignantly portrays Rex grieving over Moser’s passing.
Alexander Brandtner (Gedeon Burkhard, 1998–2001)
Brandtner takes over leadership after Moser and aids Rex in overcoming depression. Having lost his previous dog in an explosion that also impaired his hearing, Brandtner initially hesitates to work with canines but quickly forms a bond with Rex. He moves into Moser’s former residence to accommodate him.
Physically agile and attractive, Brandtner performs daring feats such as diving into the Danube River and parachuting with Rex to apprehend suspects. He frequently goes undercover and possesses an intuitive ability to discern guilt or innocence. During Burkhard’s tenure, international viewership increased significantly. Unlike Moretti, Burkhard’s image was less exploited; his most revealing scene involved being compelled to parade in underwear.
Marc Hoffmann (Alexander Pschill, 2002–2004)
Hoffmann succeeds Brandtner as team leader and is portrayed as clever and enthusiastic, often outwitting criminals. He maintains a close yet occasionally contentious relationship with Nikki Herzog. Hoffmann studied forensic science under Graf and preserves a respectful mentor-student rapport that contrasts with those of his predecessors.
Lorenzo Fabbri (Kaspar Capparoni, 2008–2012)
In season eleven, Rex moves to Rome where he partners with Italian homicide Chief Inspector Lorenzo Fabbri. Rex adapts swiftly to the Italian setting. Fabbri dies during season fourteen when caught in a Mafia ambush involving a car explosion.
Davide Rivera (Ettore Bassi, 2012–2013)
Following Fabbri’s death, Rivera assumes leadership in season fourteen. Initially hesitant, he forms a friendship with Rex guided by his grandfather’s wisdom. Rivera's final appearance is in season fifteen's finale "Legami di sangue"; his absence during season sixteen is not addressed.
Marco Terzani (Francesco Arca, 2013–2015)
Terzani replaces Rivera as team leader starting with season sixteen.
Other detectives
Ernst Stockinger (Karl Markovics, 1994–1996)
Stockinger, nicknamed "Stocki," acts as the pragmatic foil to Rex and Moser, gradually becoming a more endearing figure. Lean and solemn in appearance, he conceals clever tactics aimed at outsmarting Rex, who frequently mocks him. Although he feigns aversion to dogs, Stockinger jeopardizes his position to assist Moser in rescuing Rex after the dog is abducted. His sincere affection for Rex becomes evident in his concluding episodes, where he openly shows warmth and expresses how deeply he will miss the team. Married, Stockinger's spouse often disapproves of his professional path. He regularly brings up his stomach surgery at ill-timed moments. Eventually reassigned to Salzburg, he departs the series following an incident where Rex saves him from an assault. Stockinger later headlines the spin-off series Stockinger and is succeeded by Christian Böck.
Peter Höllerer (Wolf Bachofner, 1994–1999)
Höllerer serves as a source of humor, working mainly from the office and displaying reluctance toward field assignments, yet surprising others with his quick reflexes and adept driving. He manages operational coordination with a calm demeanor during unusual circumstances. Over time, Höllerer grows fond of Rex, even monitoring competitions between Rex and Böck. Upon retiring to care for his ill mother, Fritz Kunz takes over his role. Höllerer's pronounced Viennese dialect can pose comprehension difficulties for speakers of standard German.
Christian Böck (Heinz Weixelbraun, 1996-2001)
Initially introduced as a dubious member of a near-illegal car club, Böck is later unveiled as an undercover detective. After joining Moser's unit, his covert skills are less frequently employed; however, his affable nature proves valuable during interrogations. By the time Brandtner arrives, Böck’s youth and athleticism lead him into numerous foot pursuits. His exchanges with Kunz offer continual comic moments, especially their muddled conversations during witness questioning. Böck maintains a playful rivalry with Rex, often trying to outwit the dog but seldom succeeding, occasionally doubting Rex’s top-tier status.
Fritz Kunz (Martin Weinek, 1999-2004, 2008)
Taking over from Höllerer, Kunz transitions from the statistics department and initially finds adapting to Brandtner’s more relaxed office environment challenging. Known for his compulsive need to keep his desk meticulously organized—often disrupted by Rex—he frequently supplies obscure crime data during investigations. Although primarily assisting via phone during cases, Kunz reluctantly undertakes undercover assignments in various disguises. Demonstrating unexpected courage, he once wielded an axe to protect Alex from a murder suspect.
Nikki Herzog (Elke Winkens)
Herzog stands as the sole female officer on the team, partnering with Hoffmann amid underlying sexual tension; they unknowingly share a night together before discovering they are colleagues. More composed and physically capable than Hoffmann, her presence proves advantageous when dealing with suspects who tend to underestimate her due to her gender.
Giandomenico Morini (Fabio Ferri)
Morini works alongside Lorenzo Fabbri on all cases but fails to gain Rex’s obedience. He temporarily assumes care of Rex during Fabbri’s injury. At the start of season 14, Morini transfers to Milan and exits the series.
Alberto Monterosso (Domenico Fortunato)
Monterosso replaces Morini following his transfer out of the team.
Additional Characters
Dr. Leo Graf (Gerhard Zemann)
Dr. Leo Graf serves as the forensic pathologist frequently consulted by the detectives. While predominantly working in his laboratory, he occasionally appears at crime scenes or the police station. Gerhard Zemann uniquely portrayed this character consistently throughout the series.
Known for his somewhat abrasive demeanor and dry humor, Graf often shares graphic murder details with the investigative team. His ease with death starkly contrasts with officers like Moser and Stockinger, who display noticeably different emotional responses to fatalities.
Graf sometimes shows frustration under police demands; for instance, Moser once offered Cuban cigars as compensation for weekend duties, and Graf responded sharply when his vehicle was impounded during an inquiry.
Over time, Graf’s rapport with Moser's unit develops: his interactions with Brandtner start formally but grow more relaxed, while with Hoffmann and Herzog, he assumes a more advisory and mentoring role, appearing less frequently during active investigations.
When Rex relocates to Rome alongside Lorenzo Fabbri, Graf remains Vienna’s primary forensic expert, as depicted in a special episode where they reunite to solve a case.
Max Koch (Fritz Muliar)
Max Koch is a retired police officer who once mentored Moser and frequently offers vital guidance grounded in his understanding of human nature, particularly regarding female behavior. Early in the series, Moser consults him in social settings like cafés and billiard halls.
Koch later functions as an unofficial informant when the police team’s visibility becomes problematic. He occasionally uncovers breakthroughs in cases and, despite reluctance, is repeatedly drawn into assisting Moser. After Stockinger’s transfer, Koch aids in reorganizing the office and humorously critiques Stockinger’s files and workspace before exiting the series following Moser’s demise.
Katia Martelli (Pilar Abella)
Katia Martelli acts as the forensic specialist in Rome and develops a romantic connection with Fabbri, despite Rex’s disapproval. She actively pursues opportunities to get closer to Fabbri, including creating a role-playing game profile to infiltrate suspects online. Morini teases their budding relationship, which advances to them spending the night together after an evening out.
Filippo Gori (Augusto Zucchi)
Initially antagonistic towards Rex, Filippo Gori is Fabbri's superior who seeks Rex’s removal but ultimately acknowledges Rex’s value after they successfully break up a prostitution ring. In the episode "A Man Alone," when Gori becomes a suspect following his partner's murder, Fabbri works to clear his name.
Filippo (Morini's fish)
Morini names his aquarium fish Filippo—unaware that this is also his boss’s name—resulting in humorous misunderstandings during Gori’s visits.
Prominent Admirers
German clergyman and choir director Georg Ratzinger mentioned that he and his brother Pope Benedict XVI regularly watched Inspector Rex together. They also had personal acquaintance with Helmut Brossmann, the owner of the German Shepherd portraying Rex, who resides near Regensburg.
International Broadcasts
Kommissar Rex has been distributed globally with localized titles and language adaptations (dubbing or subtitles) tailored to each region:
| Nation | Local Title | English Translation | Broadcasting Channel(s) | Language Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:ARG | Comisario Rex | Inspector Rex | The Film Zone Magazine TV |
Latin American Spanish dubbing |
| Template:AUS | Inspector Rex | Inspector Rex | SBS network | German audio with English subtitles |
| Template:AUT | Kommissar Rex | Inspector Rex | ORF | Original German audio |
| Template:BEL | Rex, chien flic | Rex, police dog | VTM RTL-TVI |
German audio with Dutch subtitles; French dubbing |
| Template:BRA | Comissário Rex | Inspector Rex | Multishow Band |
Brazilian Portuguese dubbing and subtitles |
| Template:BUL | Комисар Рекс | Inspector Rex | BNT 1 Diema Nova TV |
Bulgarian dubbing |
| Template:CAN (Template:QC) |
Rex | Rex | Séries+ | Quebec French dubbing |
| Template:CHL | Comisario Rex | Inspector Rex | Chilevisión The Film Zone TVN |
Latin American Spanish dubbing |
| Template:COL | Comisario Rex | Inspector Rex | Caracol Citytv Bogotá The Film Zone |
Latin American Spanish dubbing |
| Template:HRV | Inspektor Rex | Inspector Rex | HRT 2 Nova TV Doma TV |
German audio with Italian and Croatian subtitles |
| Template:CYP | Υπαστυνόμος Ρεξ | Police Lieutenant Rex | Sigma TV | Greek dubbing |
| Template:CZE | Komisař Rex (seasons 1-10) Návrat Komisaře Rexe (seasons 11-...) |
Inspector Rex Return of Inspector Rex |
Prima Network TV Nova |
Czech dubbing |
| Template:DNK | Kommissær Rex | Inspector Rex | TV 2 Charlie | German audio with Danish subtitles |
| Template:DOM | Comisario Rex | Inspector Rex | The Film Zone | Latin American Spanish dubbing |
| Template:EST | Komissar Rex | Inspector Rex | Kanal 2 TV1 DUO3 Kanal 12 |
German audio with Estonian subtitles |
| Template:FIN | Poliisikoira Rex | Police Dog Rex | Nelonen MTV3 Sub |
German audio with Finnish subtitles |
| Template:FRA | Rex, chien flic | Rex, police dog | France 2 France 3 |
French dubbing |
| Template:DEU | Kommissar Rex | Inspector Rex | Sat.1 ZDF |
Original German audio |
| Template:GRC | Υπαστυνόμος Ρεξ | Police Lieutenant Rex | Alpha Alter Skai TV |
Greek dubbing |
| Template:HUN | Rex felügyelő | Inspector Rex | TV2 M1 AXN |
Hungarian dubbing |
| Template:ISL | Lögregluhundurinn Rex | Police Dog Rex | Sjónvarpið | German audio with Icelandic subtitles |
| Template:IRI | Komiser Rex | Inspector Rex | PMC Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Rubix |
Persian dubbing |
| Template:ISR | המפקח רקס | Commissar Rex | Israel Plus | Russian voice-over |
| Template:ITA | Il commissario Rex (seasons 1-10) Rex (seasons 11-...) |
Inspector Rex Rex |
Rai 1 Rai 2 |
Italian dubbing |
| Template:JPN | REX～ウィーン警察シェパード犬刑事～ | Rex - Vienna Police Shepherd Dog Inspector | Mystery Channel | German audio with Japanese subtitles |
| Template:LAT | Komisārs Reksis | Inspector Rex | LTV1 LNT Fox Crime |
Latvian voice-over |
| Template:LIT | Komisaras Reksas | Inspector Rex | BTV LTV |
Lithuanian voice-over |
| Template:MEX | Comisario Rex | Inspector Rex | The Film Zone TVC (until 2009) |
Latin American Spanish dubbing |
| Template:MAR | Rex, chien flic | Rex, police dog | French dubbing | |
| Template:NLD | Commissaris Rex | Inspector Rex | RTL 4 Tien RTL Crime ONS |
German audio with Dutch subtitles |
| Template:NZL | Inspector Rex | TVNZ 1 | German audio with English subtitles | |
| Template:NMK | Комесарот Рекс | A1 | German audio with Macedonian subtitles | |
| Template:NOR | Rex | TV2 | German audio with Norwegian subtitles | |
| Template:PAR | Comisario Rex | The Film Zone Unicanal Paravisión |
Latin American Spanish dubbing | |
| Template:PER | Comisario Rex | The Film Zone Latina Televisión Red Global (now NEXT TV) |
Latin American Spanish dubbing | |
| Template:POL | Komisarz Rex / Komisarz Alex (Polish edition) | TV4 TVP1 AXN Crime TV6 |
Polish voice-over alongside original Polish-language content | |
| Template:POR | Rex, o cão polícia | SIC | German audio paired with Portuguese subtitles; European Portuguese dubbing since 2013 | |
| Template:ROM | Comisarul Rex | Prima TV TVR1 TVR2 |
German audio accompanied by Romanian subtitles | |
| Template:RUS | Комиссар Рекс | Russia-1 STS M1 (First Moscow) Domashny Viasat |
Russian voice-over |
Home releases
In Italy, DVDs for the initial six seasons were distributed featuring solely the Italian-language dub. Meanwhile, in Germany, only the first two seasons were released with German audio tracks.
For the Australian market, Region 4 DVDs with English subtitles encompass the first sixteen seasons, though they are labeled as fourteen due to the Australian numbering. The Italian-produced seasons were promoted under the title "Rex in Rome."
On 10 October 2007, a special edition DVD named "Rex By Request" was launched, containing five episodes selected by fans, an interview with producer and writer Peter Hajek, as well as a training segment showcasing Rex alongside trainer Teresa Ann Miller.
Australian Releases:
- Inspector Rex - Series 1 (4 Disc Box Set) - 20 June 2005
- Inspector Rex - Series 2 (4 Disc Box Set) - 22 September 2005
- Inspector Rex - Series 3 (4 Disc Box Set) - 24 January 2006
- Inspector Rex - Series 4 (5 Disc Box Set) - 31 March 2006
- Inspector Rex - Series 5 (4 Disc Box Set) - 16 August 2006
- Inspector Rex - Series 6 (4 Disc Box Set) - 10 November 2006
- Inspector Rex - Series 7 (4 Disc Box Set) - 7 February 2007
- Inspector Rex - Series 8 (4 Disc Box Set) - 7 June 2007
- Inspector Rex - Series 9 (2 Disc Set) - 17 November 2008
- Inspector Rex - Series 10 (3 Disc Set) - 27 November 2009
- Inspector Rex - Series 1 To 5 (21 Disc Box Set) - 1 December 2010
- Inspector Rex - Series 6 To 10 (17 Disc Box Set) - 5 October 2011
- Inspector Rex - Series 11 (3 Disc Set) - 2 November 2011
- Inspector Rex - Series 12 (3 Disc Set) - 20 November 2013
- Inspector Rex - Series 13 (3 Disc Set) - 5 November 2014
- Inspector Rex - Series 14 (3 Disc Set) - 4 November 2015
- Inspector Rex - Series 11 to 14 (12 Disc Set) - 9 September 2017
- Rex Special Unit - Season 1 (3 Disc Set) - 9 September 2017
- Rex Special Unit - Season 2 (3 Disc Set) - 3 October 2018