"It's Time to Say Goodbye to the Legend": Thomas Gottschalk Retires from Entertainment Reign
Longtime host Thomas Gottschalk steps down from his role as showmaster.
After a career spanning an impressive 35 years, TV icon Thomas Gottschalk has announced his retirement from hosting Saturday night shows. This move comes as he approaches his 75th birthday, jokingly citing that he's reaching an age where he's older than the Pope.
In the RTL show "Denn sie wissen nicht, was passiert" with Barbara Schöneberger and Günther Jauch, Gottschalk revealed his plans, echoing, "I've been hosting Saturday nights for 35 years, and that's a mighty fine run." The studio audience showered him with applause, acknowledging his remarkable television presence.
Gottschalk is renowned as one of Germany’s most successful showmasters, having achieved stardom through hosting the iconic ZDF show Wetten, dass..? multiple times, notably parting ways in 1992, 2011, and most recently in 2023. For decades, he's been synonymous with Saturday night TV entertainment, shaping the scene and garnering respect and affection across generations of viewers with his engaging hosting style. In recent years, he has frequently shared the screen with Barbara Schöneberger and Günther Jauch on RTL.
Thomas Gottschalk's career tracks an inspiring three-and-a-half-decade reign over Saturday night television, leaving an indelible mark with Wetten, dass..? and other high-profile shows. As he steps down from his hosting duties, he'll make a final farewell appearance in a special TV show in early December 2025.
Sources: ntv.de, hul/dpa
- Thomas Gottschalk
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- RTL
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Thomas Gottschalk’s career is celebrated for three-and-a-half decades of dominating Saturday night television, particularly with Wetten, dass..? and other high-profile shows. After turning 75, he has chosen to conclude his active showmaster career while planning a final farewell broadcast later this year.
I'm not going to be able to do this for an extended period anymore, as Thomas Gottschalk has announced his retirement from hosting Saturday night shows on RTL after a three-and-a-half-decade-long career in television entertainment. Gottschalk, a legendary entertainer, is best known for his work on ZDF's iconic show Wetten, dass..?, where he made multiple appearances throughout his career. Despite his retirement, he will be remembered for his decades-long impact on German television and his endearing hosting style that captured the hearts of numerous celebrities and fans.
