Das Erste

Das Erste is the flagship public-service television channel of the ARD consortium in Germany. Its daily schedule includes national news broadcasts such as the main evening edition, along with regional news bulletins produced by member broadcasters. The channel airs a range of German-produced drama series, feature films, and documentaries covering history, nature, and science. Entertainment programming includes talk shows, comedy formats, and music events. Cultural content, such as opera performances and art documentaries, appears regularly, as do sports broadcasts, notably football matches and major international tournaments. Religious programming, including Catholic and Protestant services, is also part of the weekly lineup.

Viewers can watch Das Erste via terrestrial, cable, and satellite television. The channel also offers a live stream and an on-demand library through the ARD Mediathek platform, which provides access to recent broadcasts and selected older content. Electronic program guides list the current week’s schedule, with daily updates for time-sensitive events like breaking news or live sports. The channel’s programming is ad-free on weekends and public holidays, though limited commercial breaks occur on weekdays.