Millions Tune in for Thomas Gottschalk's Farewell on "Wetten, dass..."
An astounding 12.13 million viewers tuned in to witness the final chapter of Thomas Gottschalk as the host of ZDF's beloved classic "Wetten, dass...?" According to a Sunday announcement on the broadcaster's website, this equates to a staggering market share of 45.3%.
The highly-anticipated evening event saw Gottschalk give his heartfelt goodbye in Offenburg, having previously announced his retirement. The 2021 revival show, held in Nuremberg, saw an impressive 13.8 million viewers, while the second edition from Friedrichshafen attracted around 10.1 million.
"Wetten, dass..." has been a beacon of entertainment in German television since its inception on Valentine's Day, 1981. The show's mastermind, Frank Elstner, presided over the first 39 episodes, establishing it as a significant success. Thomas Gottschalk joined the fold in September 1987, infusing the show with his unique style, which the audience warmly embraced. His first show attracted approximately 21 million viewers.
While the revival shows have managed to attract viewers, they have yet to surpass the record-breaking viewership of Thomas Gottschalk's initial tenure as the host. The show's viewing figures became a topic of discussion in various media outlets.
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During its tenure, "Wetten, dass..." has experienced notable fluctuations in viewership. In its early years, under Frank Elstner, the show garnered high ratings, setting the stage for its success. When Thomas Gottschalk took over in 1987, initial criticism greeted his more daring and bold approach. However, the show quickly adapted, leading to explosive growth and unparalleled popularity.
Wolfgang Lippert took the reins for a brief period when Gottschalk stepped down. Despite his best efforts, the show's numbers began to dwindle. Lippert's tenure was marked by high viewership, with approximately 12 to 16 million viewers tuning in for his final show in 1993.
The show's return in 2021 with its original host, Thomas Gottschalk, received mixed reactions. Though it managed to grab some viewers, it failed to regain the following it enjoyed in its heyday. With Gottschack's final appearance in November 2023, the show's future remains uncertain.
In summary, the viewership of "Wetten, dass..." has taken a significant plunge since Thomas Gottschalk's initial stint as the host. While recent revivals have managed to entice some viewers, they have not been able to replicate the show's past success, suggesting a shift in viewer preferences and the evolution of German television.
