Kommissar Rex (1994–2004) User Reviews

Nice show, this dog is a genius!

[eLeKtriK-EyE · 24 September 2004]

This series aired also in Greece several years ago, but unfortunately it has been translated into Greek. Subtitles would be better, but anyway.

The Austrians have done a great job, the dog is very clever and Tobias Moretti is ideal for his role.

Apart from the action, the mystery and the whole plot on each episode, passion and humor is also present. I was watching it as a kid, but there are some violent and/or sexual scenes, so parents better be careful with that.

I don't know if the show airs on other countries, but if so give it a shot, I believe it's worth it.

Background of various characters

[captainspong · 10/10 · 28 June 2006]

I love Inspector Rex. The humour and intelligence of the dog, learning a little about Austrian culture, the humans in Homicide, etc. I enjoy, also, seeing the Austrian countryside and how murder mysteries are solved. That said, I wish I could find more information, dossiers perhaps, on Bradtner and Bock, as I don't know much about them. Also, I feel that, even though I don't speak German, the subtitles do not quite keep up with the spoken word and that sometimes things are not translated.

Tobias (whose other name I would need to see again to spell properly) was fantastic as Moser - a lonely bachelor who bonded with Rex very deeply, who was willing to sacrifice his career in 'Target Rex' to save the dog from possible death. The chemistry between dog and human does not work so well, or has been somewhat submerged, when Moser dies and Rex has to work with Alex Bradtner.

REX 4ever

[cinamon_at · 10/10 · 4 September 2005]

I'm Austrian but not living there. Whenever I see Rex I become home-sick. I know all the places where the series where shot and the people are real Austrians. Their behavior, their WURSTSEMMEL (this is the bread Rex ant the policemen always eat), their cars,..... it's all sooo real.

I wish I could see it in my mother-tongue but so far I wasn't lucky. I've seen it in dutch and Spanish so far and it makes me laugh how they spell the austrian names.

I'm glad this series was such a success that I can watch it almost anywhere in the world. Also in the Dominican Republic where I will live in the near future.

Life as a Dog

[Cemetarygirl · 10/10 · 3 May 2007]

I have been a fan even before Rex got a job on the force and have not missed many episodes. I have loved all the series especially Moser and then Gideon. Wonderful actors and very strong roles. I have to disagree with the others that say the plots are weak. At least these guys do some thinking and work out who did it, unlike other detectives who work on the premise that they all did it. As mentioned by other fans of Rex, he is very popular over here in Oz and we can never get enough and go into withdrawals when the series isn't repeated often enough. Tobias's relationship with Rex was great and you felt that they belonged together. So much so that I still haven't seen the last episode with him in it. I just cant bring myself to watch it. We also get to watch it in Austrian rather than dubbed which is a blessing as I would hate to hear these guys with an Anglo-American accent. YuK! I also loved the less than hard-core attitude of the detectives, such as when that separated mum with a young daughter was having money problems and they took her out food shopping. Just cant imagine that happening in even an Australian cop show. All In all one of the best shows on the telly and Rex one of the smartest dogs. I try to get my dogs to watch it and learn something but they don't quite understand it when I tell them to watch this. Rex forever.

A consistently delightful and enchanting viewing experience, but...

[rjmccrae · 9/10 · 8 June 2006]

A consistently delightful and enchanting viewing experience, though I think the depth of warmth and empathy between Brandtner/Rex falls short of the tone set by Moser/Rex. Compensated a little by the playful moments with Bock. PS: What's with the phone box mysteriously appearing outsider Moser's house in "Dangerous Mission" - never there in previous episodes, and not sighted since! Why, in Brandtner's introductory episode "The New Guy", is the reason for Rex's distress referred to in such oblique tones? Moser's name isn't even uttered. We don't even get to learn what happened to his mentor Max. Despite these irritations, one draws a lot of pleasure from watching the Viennese locations, the well-written stories and the thoroughly charming, intelligent and witty interplay between Inspector Rex and his human crime-fighting colleagues, despite the heartbreak of Moser's demise.

Great fun

[Lupercali · 16 April 2004]

A cult favourite TV series in Australia, where it is screened in German with subtitles (have you noticed almost all the comments are from Australia), Kommissar Rex is an Austrian show, now in its ninth season.

Try to imagine a German language version of Jim Belushi's K9 movies, with a Viennese backdrop, and you are somewhere in the ball park. A loner male cop paired with a German Shepherd police dog, though Rex veers a little more towards action/mystery than comedy.

The show itself is a little confounding in some respects. It can be rolling along in G-rated family mode, and then they will find a dismembered body in a sewer, or there will be scenes of someone shooting up junk. This doesn't seem to phase Australian viewers but it may mean it will never get a US release (that, and the subtitles.)

Basically there have been three incarnations of Rex. The first four season featured Moretti as Rex's partner. He was good looking, charismatic, and the chemistry was perfect. These trend to be regarded as the classic seasons. A further four seasons followed with another male lead, whereupon the entire cast (including Rex) were replaced and we now have a new male lead who has a female cop love interest. In my opinion this badly interferes with the man-dog chemistry (the male lead should be a confirmed loner/bachelor) - but it's still a likable show even in this incarnation.

Audiences in Australia have been known to become extremely upset if this show is temporarily taken off air. It's a shame it's not available in the US, because it would garner plenty of fans.

Excellent animal/detective series!

[janburn007 · 9/10 · 11 October 2006]

I've been hooked on "Inspector Rex" ever since just happening to come across an episode on SBS TV in Australia a few years ago. I don't know quite what it is about this series, but for a foreign-language series with English subtitles on SBS (the sort of show that is not ordinarily high on an Australian's viewing list)it seems to have gained an extraordinarily large following here. Perhaps it's our love of animals and Rex himself that make us love this show. Many people I know are fans, and like myself, would not miss an episode.

The series starts out with Rex's police dog handler being shot and killed in the line of duty, and Rex being left to pine for his former master. A young detective by the name of Richard Moser is involved in that same shoot-out, and ends up shooting the criminal who killed Rex's master. Thus, Moser meets Rex. Rex is now a dog without a master, and Moser is also companion-less, having recently gone through a divorce, so is a bachelor once more. What each of them really needs is a new companion, and Moser eventually convinces Rex that they need each other. So, after much bureaucratic red tape, Moser gains ownership of Rex, and the two team up to make a dynamic duo.

It soon becomes evident that Moser doesn't really know very much at all about dogs, but at least his heart is in the right place, and he manages to fumble his way through, at times with considerable prompting from Rex himself. Moser gets permission to take Rex to work with him at the "Mordkommission" (homicide squad), where Rex's expertise and training as a police dog (sniffing out drugs, explosives, dead bodies, and being able to follow a scent trail) prove extremely handy in solving the murders that take place in Vienna. Who would have thought that such a beautiful city could be the back-drop to so much foul play? Moser and Rex very quickly become inseparable, and there is an excellent rapport and chemistry between the dog and his new master. Rex also befriends Moser's work colleagues, Stockinger and Hoellerer.

Unfortunately, this new relationship, it seems, is just too good to last. Once again, in Series 4, Rex is left without a master when Moser is also killed in the line of duty. Moser's work colleagues at that time, Boeck (having replaced Stockinger who moved to Salzburg) and Hoellerer, are left to care for a pining Rex, until the arrival of "The New Guy", Alex Brandtner (Moser's replacement). Alex makes a very dashing entrance in Series 4, and coincidentally just happens to know a bit about dogs. Alex also surprises his new work colleagues by introducing himself by his first/Christian name, and also addressing them by their first names (an unusual practice in Germany/Austria where work colleagues normally use their surnames). Boeck does a background check on Alex and discovers that he was actually once a police dog handler, but decided not to work with dogs again after his own dog was killed in an explosion in the line of duty. Alex and Rex very quickly take to one another, and soon Rex has a new master (Alex), and is back at the office helping to solve a new murder every week.

Alex is quite a different character from Moser, and his relationship with Rex is somewhat different. He is much more athletic and likes to work out and keep himself in shape, whereas Moser was a bit on the lazy side when it came to physical exercise, and only indulged in it rather reluctantly. At first, Alex and Rex did not seem to have quite the same rapport and chemistry as Rex and Moser, but having now seen many of the Alex/Rex episodes, I'm beginning to like them more than I did at first. However, I still do tend to prefer the Moser/Rex episodes on the whole.

I love the way the plots develop each week, against the beautiful Viennese background. I also love the way we see the relationship develop between Moser and Rex, and later Alex and Rex. In the early Moser/Rex episodes, we would often see Moser teach Rex a new "skill", and then get to see Rex having to utilise that skill later in the episode.

This series is highly recommended and certainly a must for all animal lovers!

This show was my childhood

[janete123 · 10/10 · 17 July 2021]

I was flipping through TV channels the other day looking for something to watch and happened upon one that was broadcasting Rex. You couldn't imagine how nostalgic I was. Rewatching the first seasons (The ones with Moser were on another level, and Brandtner was good too) brought back so many memories. Not only do I still love it because of my connection to it from when I was younger, but because it simply has its heart in the right place. The relationships are genuine, especially the one between the dog and its owner. It has humor, it has crime, it has been crafted with love, it's brilliant. Would take it over any Netflix show that's airing today.

Great show, especially the series with Mosser

[dulebajko · 10/10 · 9 October 2020]

Just saw it on TV while having lunch and it refreshed my childhood memory. This is one of the best series ever I just love it. Was watching it non stop as a kid, and I will do so again now as an adult. Huh, what to say, besides perfect and epic show, you know it has a "soul" as we in the Balkans say, the v9nnection between Rex and Moser is so close that you can both see it and feel it. It is a masterpiece. I remember the episode when Moser died, huh was crying like hell even now I belive a tear would come out, wince it is just a sad ending to the Moser and Rex seasons..

Rex return please...!!!

[miguel149 · 10/10 · 14 September 2008]

Rex is simply genial, it's not a complex TV production but it is what makes this series so amazing.

The guideline its a kind repetitive but every story is different and very interesting, you will be able to see lots of places in Austria..

a lot of thriller, action, suspense that makes you stay in front of the TV the entire hour..

If you like action series and are tired of those American series Rex is the way to go..

i hope it returns soon with new series....................................

Dog'n cops Austria style

[haleyangel · 31 July 2003]

This show is brilliant, believe me. I've been totally hooked since seeing this show for the first time a few years ago. Rex steals the show; Rex is amazing; Rex is my hero!

If you like cop shows; if you don't mind subtitles (for those who don't speak German); if you like European locations (the nice and not so nice sides of Vienna); if you like action and a touch of humour; and you love dogs (or don't) - you'll love Kommissar Rex.

Great series to watch

[sunyx-26086 · 10/10 · 19 February 2023]

A really great series. The casting is also great I love Richard Moser, Alex Brandtner and Marc hoffman!how he interacts with Rex in the first place. The later two cops, Hoffman and Brantner, also played the leading roles in the Moser's part!.All of them are handsome and charming.

Also like Bock and Stockinger also Nikki and Kunz. No available resources for Stockinger found online!

All seasons available on youtube!

Rex is a staple of the series! He's smart and funny. He is a huge fan of ham rolls! He also likes to eat other people's ham rolls! It took me almost a few months to finish all 10 seasons! I now don't know where Nikki went in the last two episodes of season 10! I wish I knew where brandtner went at the end of season 7. Maybe his contract is up, or maybe there's still a separate series for him at the end of season 7.

I started watching this after I watched hudson&rex and realized it was a remake of the show.

Does anyone know where I can watch the Stockinger series?

Good show early on

[i-like-movies-1 · 9/10 · 10 November 2011]

This show went for quite a while and as a result did drop off in quality towards the end. I'd recommend watching the earlier seasons with Richard Moeser and Alexander Brandtner. The show is definitely carried by Rex but you do grow fond of the other characters as well (not that doctor guy though).

Some of the episodes might not be the best but the show is overall enjoyable. I do also like the theme song and the opening credits with the horrible over-acting.

I do highly recommend people watch the show but it isn't something i'd recommend you buy unless you are a serious fan of the show.

Little wonder this show has enjoyed faithful followers worldwide.

[judithhu · 18 September 2001]

Great dog show. In the tradition of all dog shows, the dog is smarter than most of the characters (all human) on the show. Tight but easy to follow plotlines with the cute Inspector Rex hogging all the limelight from his equally cute owner/trainer. This show does not pretend to be anything deep and meaningful, or try to be gritty and edgy like all the other police shows that are on at the moment. But rather it uses its police storylines to show us the beauty of Vienna, the essence of the Viennese, and of course Rex. It is its simplicity and the star of the show Rex that are the secret of its appeal. In short, if you like dogs of any kind, you will not want to miss an episode.

Good series

[eunice-3 · 6 August 1999]

Moretti is the best. He´s convincent (good actor) with Rex and you can believe the relation man-animal is true. When Moretti disappeared, the series lose suspense and charme. The end of Moser, was an original touch in a tv movie and the tragic scenes impacts all the spectators and fans of Moretti's courage. So is notable the use of humor in the book.

Why is this show not on American TV?

[pefrss · 20 November 2011]

I discovered this show on PBS' Spanish program and though I do not speak Spanish watch it regularly. Such a refreshing different approach to police work than the all the other police shows. These Austrian police men not only use the fabulous dog in their work, but they also know how to shoot. All the criminals are hit in the leg, so they cannot run, not killed like the local police seems only be able to do. It would be so nice if one of the networks would buy it, so that I could understand it. The show gives an interesting look into life in Vienna and I think that is so refreshing. Americans need to see how other people live.

Excellent TV Show!!!

[amxenoi · 10 January 2004]

I only started watching this show and I love it. It has everything a cop show should have - excellent characters, suspense, drama, action and comedy. Rex steals the show - as well as most of the food! - in this outstanding German TV Series.

Fantastic stuff!

[fifo-2 · 21 April 2000]

While the human acting in this show is often quite poor, and the storylines often predictable, I just seem to love it. The acting from Rex is brilliant as he seems to communicate with his dog mumbles and head tilts. While the series has its faults the two policemen work well together and with Rex often provide moments of comedy in between some serious moments.

The real star of the show is Rex, and anyone who owns a dog will be able to enjoy this show. If not, I recommend watching it because it is one of my favorites.

TV series about a genius dog

[Atreyu_II · 12 September 2007]

"Kommissar Rex" is a great TV series with everything: comedy, drama, tension, suspense, thriller, danger, action and crime. At the same it gives us enough entertainment, it is about serious subjects, bad things that happen in real life, which makes this TV series very realistic.

"Kommissar Rex" is an austrian production. It is made in Austria and takes place in that beautiful country. The language here is German, but that's not a problem for me. This is an interesting and well done foreign TV show.

The actors, in general, are great and I also like the characters they play. But we mustn't forget the greatest talent which really makes this TV show as good as it is: our friend Rex, a beautiful and very intelligent German Shepperd. He's such a gorgeous dog! He's also sweet and adorable. Funny too, naturally and sometimes jealous.

This TV show is also notorious for changing its actors occasionally. They are all great and interesting characters, but it's almost impossible not to feel sorry for Rex. After all, to change masters must be difficult and sad for him.

When they changed actors for the third time, I considered it the weakest point of "Kommissar Rex" and I still do. Nevertheless, it is always a worthy TV series.

NOT ONLY CRIME, MORE THINGS TO SEE

[HANA-2 · 7 October 1998]

Excellent script! It is not only dealing with police drama but also introducing various sides of Vienna. Humorous side of characters makes the drama vivid. You'd be amazed at how clever a dog can be.

I'm hooked!

[adelaide08 · 2 July 2006]

I am new to the fairly large fan base that exists for this t.v. series which started when I viewed the last show that wrote Tobias Moretti out of the series. From there, we have rented DVD's of the series, but alas, all episodes of every series are not available for rental. Though some of the earlier story lines have been rather weak and there could have been more involvement regarding the dog actor, all this was fortunately corrected along the way, just as we were debating whether or not to continue watching. Now that we have become familiar with the character quirks and are well and truly hooked on the series, only time will tell if we will want to continue watching, as it will definitely feel strange without Moser. As for the subtitles, it would seem beneficial if the subtitling were done with immaculate detail to the true German meaning of the words, as it is somewhat disconcerting to be hearing the German dialect and reading a translation of Aussie slang. I just feel that the translating is so important, it can make or break an episode, and that fans want the German authenticity to come through. As for the theme music, nowhere can I find credit for a person or group, but if you have a legit music sharing program, you can download off the net as we have. Type in the search bar "T.V.Themes.SAT1.ORF1-Kommissar Rex(96). I believe this will get you the theme version you want. We had to try 3 times for the right one. I can't seem to find more info about the dogs who have played Rex through the years. It has been interesting to find out more about the different actors and their bodies of work outside of this series. Great board, lots of very good feedback and information. Thanks from this transplanted Canadian.

the series is convincing and agreeable. moretti is charming

[frank-82 · 29 December 1998]

the series is convincing and agreeable. tobias moretti is charming.

Great show - dog lovers must see this....

[rberry-5 · 19 January 2006]

This is a magical show - who even notes the subtitles? It draws you in so fast they seem to disappear. In Australia the Baby Rex movie has just appeared and it was a good background to someone like me who has come recently to the show - clever people those Austrians to do a prequel. I am unsure how the show will continue when Moser leaves - may stop watching then. Is the song available anywhere for purchase? - it really put you in a positive move when it starts the show... This show, with its interplay between dog, owner, and the investigating team is very clever - no wonder the Rex trainers get so much of the credits - it is a great advert for anyone considering purchase of such a dog.

the admirable Rex

[Kirpianuscus · 18 April 2022]

The premise is just encouraging - a divorced cop, a police dog, cases , not very easy, Vienna and locations near it. But, more than premises, the mix of humor and action works in surprising beautiful way. Not only crimes but realistic and charming portraits of characters, a dog becoming more than the best partner but perfect buddy and the whaw ! Of childhood from the viewer. Short, just charming serie.

Kommisar Rex - the ultimate in entertainment, without sex!

[patlightfoot · 11 March 2006]

Unfortunately in Australia the series on SBS didn't start with Series l, 2 and 3, when Tobias Moretti played Inspector Richard Moser who was the main character/actor with his Rex. And his long term supporting actors/characters. It started being screened with Alex the second Inspector character, then reverted back to Moser, and recently fans of this programme were treated to a late night 90 minute 'Moser Tod' or Moser's Death. Some what an amazing convoluted form of continuity and annoyance to long time fans. And then there was another inspector and his female assistant that followed on after Alex Brandht, and wasn't too popular, and the series ended. Fans feel a little let down and manipulated!!!!

The people who followed Alex Bradnt became rather devalued actually and the series folded. Both Tobias and Gedeon were quite handsome attractive actors, but the last one, was a short bloke, barely 5 ft 5. No disrespect there, but Rex then was not allowed his ham rolls, but treated to chocolate cake? Because a female detective had intervened. This was filmed in Austria, and most fans went out and bought ham and put it in rolls, to remain in the spirit of their idols.

Some what a bit like Star Trek rise, fall and rise again in popularity, maybe it will be resurrected one time with or without subtitles and Rex and his police comrades will still enjoy their ham rolls and NOT chocolate cake.(Come on guys!) And I hope they still film it in Vienna. It appears a beautiful city and this series should be great advertisement and promotion for this city.

Pat Lightfoot