'Specialists Zagreb' brings together the tense police investigation: 'We are waiting for a dynamic and powerful series'

The Croatian television network RTL has announced the launch of its first-ever crime series, Specijalisti Zagreb, which promises to bring viewers into the complex world of police investigations on Zagreb's streets. The show, produced in collaboration with Gal Medija, is set to debut on September 7th in prime time, marking a significant milestone for RTL as it ventures into the realm of original scripted content. This new series aims to blend suspenseful criminal plots with the rich cultural and geographical diversity of Zagreb, offering a unique narrative that reflects both local and universal themes.

Set entirely within Zagreb, the series will utilize the city’s distinct neighborhoods, landmarks, and contrasts as integral elements of its storytelling. From the historical lower and upper parts of the city to the brutalist blocks of Novi Zagreb, the working-class quarters of Trešnjevka, and the layered social dynamics of Dubrava, each location contributes to the atmosphere of the show. In addition to these real-world settings, authentic sets have been constructed at the Zagreb-based Jadran Film studio, meticulously designed to replicate the environment of a genuine police station down to the smallest detail.

Each episode of Specijalisti Zagreb will focus on a separate case, ranging from corruption and greed to underworld reckoning, all resolved through evidence collection, witness interviews, and forensic analysis. At the center of the narrative are four main characters—police inspectors with vastly different personalities whose relationships, conflicts, and synergies evolve throughout the season. These characters represent a mix of youth and experience, as well as personal stories that unfold alongside their professional challenges.

Leading the team is Inspector Zoran Jukić, portrayed by renowned Croatian actor and theater director Peđa Gvozdić. Zoran is depicted as a traditional cop who relies on instinct, experience, and associative memory developed before the era of the internet and mobile phones. Once an amateur boxer, he is divorced and his daughter Mia is the most important person in his life. As the team leader, Zoran brings a sense of authority and seasoned judgment to the group.

Supporting him is Inspector Ana Kirin, played by Vini Jurčić, one of the most convincing young talents in Croatian cinema and television. Ana serves as the emotional anchor and moral compass of the team. Calm, patient, and relying on empathy and diplomatic skills, she often mediates between her male colleagues and can reach witnesses and suspects in ways others might not. With a strong background in both domestic and international productions, Jurčić brings depth and authenticity to her role.

Another key figure in the team is Senior Inspector and team analyst Luke Horvata, portrayed by Toni Gojanović. Luke is guided by cold logic and pattern recognition, having built a career in Europol. After the death of his wife, he returned to Croatia for his son Borne. While possessing a brilliant mind, Luke struggles with everyday human interactions, adding layers of complexity to his character.

The youngest member of the team, Inspector Toni Kovačić, is brought to life by Ivan Barišić, a beloved public figure and star of RTL’s popular show Divlje pčele. Toni is a newcomer to the team, originally from Split, and was transferred to Zagreb after an unclear incident involving his previous work with USKOK. Impulsive, passionate, and somewhat unpredictable, Toni possesses an innate charm that can disarm or provoke others equally. His greatest challenge lies in confronting the "sins" of his past.

The production team behind Specijalisti Zagreb includes directors Filip Heraković and Filip Mojzeš, two exceptionally talented young domestic filmmakers already recognized for their work. The screenplay is crafted by experienced writers Nikola Kuprešanin and Pavo Marinković. The project is produced under the direction of executive producers Christoph Mainusch and Iva Grahor, along with creative producer Heike Richter-Karst, and managed by Danijel Ivoš.

According to Iva Grahor, the executive producer, this project demands a high level of realism and attention to detail—from the script and locations to the overall performance. Each episode introduces a new case, requiring continuous dynamism, numerous locations, and ongoing involvement of new characters. She emphasized the excitement of collaborating with a large number of exceptional domestic and international actors, stating that viewers can expect a series unlike anything they’ve seen on RTL before—dynamic, compelling, visually powerful, yet deeply human, focusing on characters and their relationships.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds among fans and critics alike, eager to see how Specijalisti Zagreb will capture the essence of Zagreb’s streets while delivering engaging narratives rooted in the complexities of human emotion and the pursuit of justice. With its unique blend of local culture, professional rigor, and cinematic quality, the series is poised to become a defining moment in Croatian television history.