On the Festive Bus: Charly Hübner Becomes a Christmas Bus Driver - On the Festive Bus: Charly Hübner Becomes a Christmas Bus Driver
ARD’s new Christmas dramedy Same Time Next Year follows four travellers on a long-distance bus ride across Germany. Each Christmas Eve, the same passengers board, and over four years, their relationships slowly change. The film stars Charly Hübner as Robert, a grumpy but warm-hearted bus driver in a Santa hat, and explores love, loneliness, and the meaning of the holidays.
The story unfolds across four separate Christmas Eves, with each journey revealing new layers of the characters’ lives. Robert, played by Hübner, drives the same route yearly, greeting passengers with his usual dry wit. At one point, he admits his ex-girlfriend refused to date a bus driver—a rare moment of vulnerability for the otherwise stoic man.
Among the passengers is Kathrin (Maria Simon), a single mother whose young child suffers from a heart condition. She dismisses the idea of seasonal romance, insisting she needs someone reliable all year round. Meanwhile, Felix (Klaus Steinbacher) boards the bus planning to propose to his girlfriend, only to find himself unexpectedly drawn to fellow traveller Hanna (Sinje Irslinger). Hanna’s sharp-witted grandmother (Lisa Kreuzer) adds humour and perspective, describing herself as a 'passive-mode elderly lesbian'. Her observations often cut through the tension, reminding the group what Christmas is truly about: connection. The film balances warm humour with poignant moments, showing how small interactions can shift lives over time. Steinbacher and Hübner previously worked together, bringing an easy chemistry to their scenes. The script’s sharp dialogue and vivid characters keep the journey engaging, even as the bus follows the same route each year.
Same Time Next Year will premiere on ARD at 8:15 PM on Christmas Eve. The dramedy blends humour, heartache, and holiday spirit, following four strangers whose annual bus ride becomes a tradition of its own. With standout performances and a focus on human connection, the film offers a fresh take on what it means to spend Christmas with the people who matter.
