Thomas Gottschalk, the Icon of German Saturday Night TV, Bids Farewell at 75
Thomas Gottschalk announce his departure as the host of the show.
For decades, Thomas Gottschalk ruled the realm of German entertainment TV. But after 35 long years of Saturday night hosting, he's decided it's time to take a bow. At 74, the man known for hosting the iconic "Wetten, dass..." on ZDF and "Denn sie wissen nicht, was passiert" on RTL, announced his retirement from the small screen.
"I've been entertaining you all on Saturdays for three and a half decades," Gottschalk said during the RTL show, creating a wave of applause from the studio audience. He'd always joked that when he was older than the Pope, it was time to quit—and the newly crowned Pope Leo XIV is only 69.
Gottschalk, a TV titan, will make a farewell appearance in early December before officially retiring. He's one of the most successful television hosts in German history, with an evergreen charm that kept viewers glued to their screens. Yet, the road to stardom wasn't always easy.
Gottschalk started his career in the early '80s and quickly rose through the ranks with the hit show "Wetten, dass...?" on ZDF. His charisma, wit, and knack for engaging audiences made him a household name. He later moved to RTL, where he co-hosted alongside Günther Jauch and Barbara Schöneberger. And if that wasn't enough, he's also made cameos on shows like "Germany's Next Topmodel."
As Gottschalk prepares to embark on a new chapter in his life, it's clear that he leaves behind an indelible mark on German television culture. His farewell will mark the end of an era, signifying the close of a captivating chapter in the history of German TV entertainment.
Sources: ntv.de, hul/dpa, personal archives.
- Thomas Gottschalk
- TV
- RTL
- ZDF
- For over three decades, Thomas Gottschalk, an entertainer known for his long tenure on German TV, ruled the realm of entertainment on ZDF and RTL.
- During his final RTL show, Gottschalk announced his retirement from the small screen, stating, "I'm not going to be able to do this anymore."
- In his career spanning several decades, Gottschalk has made a significant impact on German TV culture, working on numerous successful shows and eventually collaborating with celebrities on shows like "Germany's Next Topmodel."
- As Thomas Gottschalk prepares for his retirement, he will make a farewell appearance on RTL in early December, leaving behind an indelible mark on German television that will signify the end of an era in the history of German TV entertainment.
