Will "Wetten, dass...?" continue without Gottschalk?
Thomas Gottschalk has gone. And although "Wetten, dass...?" never really took off without him in the past, there are currently plans to continue the format. The first rumors about who could host the show in the future are already doing the rounds.
The audience sweetened Thomas Gottschalk's departure as "Wetten, dass...?" presenter once again: more than twelve million people watched as he hosted the ZDF show for what was presumably the very last time on Saturday, bringing a piece of television history to an end. This meant that the 73-year-old even surpassed last year's equally high ratings.
A spokeswoman for ZDF said: "We are delighted with the great response to this show, with which Thomas Gottschalk bid farewell to 'Wetten, dass...?' and would like to say thank you once again for many unforgettable moments." However, despite the great public interest and many positive reactions to Gottschalk's last edition of "Wetten, dass...?", it is apparently not yet clear what the future holds. "ZDF will decide how to proceed with the format in due course," says the broadcaster briefly and concisely.
Show comeback in 2025?
While ZDF is officially keeping a low profile, according to information from the "Bild" newspaper, preparations for a new edition of the show are already underway in the background. According to the report, the broadcaster secured an extensive rights package to the "Wetten, dass...?" brand from the German Patent and Trademark Office last year. This is valid until at least August 31, 2032.
The newspaper also writes that it has learned from ZDF circles that there are supporters of a "Wetten, dass...?" show without Thomas Gottschalk in the summer of 2025. Giovanni Zarrella and Barbara Schöneberger, among others, are being discussed as possible successors.
Meanwhile, Gottschalk explained in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper that he is now looking forward to his life as a "happy pensioner" with more time for his private life alongside his partner Karina Mroß. "I just had a great vacation in Florida with a woman who loves me, but who doesn't necessarily have to enjoy me on TV. But who also has fun with me in private," says Gottschalk. "I'm still fit enough to enjoy my life and as long as the audience still wants me, they should have me." He will be back on television on December 2 as the host of "Disney 100 - Die große Jubiläumsshow" on RTL.
- Despite fans' hopes for a Thomas Gottschalk return, ZDF is considering continuing 'Wetten, dass...?' with a new host, such as Giovanni Zarrella or Barbara Schöneberger, for a summer 2025 comeback.
- Even without Gottschalk, there are plans for the TV show 'Wetten, dass...?' to continue on ZDF, sparking curiosity and discussions about who will take over from the beloved entertainer.
- Besides betting on potential successors for 'Wetten, dass...?', German viewers can tune into ZDF for Thomas Gottschalk's next appearance as a TV host, showcasing his versatility in the world of entertainment.
Source: www.ntv.de
