The return of one of television’s most iconic characters has been met with overwhelming audience enthusiasm, as the premiere of Rex Vienna Calling delivered a standout performance.
In Austria, the series made a triumphant debut on ORF, securing a staggering 29% market share and drawing 754,000 viewers who remained tuned in until the very end. The momentum carried over to Germany, where the first episode on SAT.1 achieved a 9.9% share in the key 14-49 demographic, significantly outperforming the channel’s primetime average.
Despite facing stiff competition, Rex Vienna Calling attracted 1.6 million total viewers, while a follow-up broadcast of the original 1994 pilot garnered nearly a million viewers, underscoring the enduring multi-generational appeal of the franchise.
Local critics have lauded the revival, praising its “Viennese charm and fresh cast” while describing Rex and his new partner as a “perfect detective duo.” Reviews further highlighted the show’s ability to offer a “comforting sense of familiarity” without appearing outdated. With world sales handled by Beta Film, these impressive early results once again demonstrate the global power and timeless resonance of the legendary police dog franchise.
