Based loosely on the case of the kidnapping of Jakob von Metzler. In ensuing interrogation of suspect Magnus Gäfgen the police commissioner Wolfgang Daschner allowed the use of psychological pressure. Daschner later had to stand up in court for that decision (Daschner-Prozess).
Actor Bjarne Mädel who plays leading Detective Peter Nadler, became known as Der Tatortreiniger (2011), a fringe comedy series about a crime scene cleaner.
The two parts Ferdinand von Schirach: Feinde - Gegen die Zeit (2021) and Ferdinand von Schirach: Feinde - Das Geständnis (2021) were broadcast simultaneously on different channels, showing the two perspectives of Detective Peter Nadler and Defence Attorney Konrad Biegler. Editing made it possible to switch between the two versions.
The broadcast of the two parts Ferdinand von Schirach: Feinde - Das Geständnis (2021) and Ferdinand von Schirach: Feinde - Gegen die Zeit (2021) was marketed as a television event, with station ARD displaying a countdown on screen for eight hours until the start of the simultaneous screening.