Saying goodbye for real this time: Thomas Gottschalk bids adieu to "Wetten, dass..." on November 25
As the curtain falls for good, Gottschalk is ready to part ways with "Wetten, dass..." on Saturday night. The iconic show host is looking forward to an all-star lineup, featuring Cher, Take That, Matthias Schweighöfer, Jan Josef Liefers, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Ana Ivanović, among others. Helene Fischer and Shirin David are set to impress with a special "Breathless" duet.
"I'm more relaxed than ever before," says Gottschalk about his farewell, admitting that it won't be easy to say goodbye. Though Saturday night entertainment will be a thing of the past, Gottschalk remains grateful for the memorable moments they shared.
The show that sparked millions of conversations
Gottschalk has presented a staggering 153 episodes of "Wetten, dass..." over the course of nearly 36 years. Some of these appearances have left lasting impressions, including the mustard dive, Swan Lake dance, and even his leopard and check-patterned outfits.
The star-studded show consistently drew millions of viewers to their screens, with ZDF bringing back the popular format in 2021, after a hiatus in 2014. The revival show attracted 13.8 million viewers in Nuremberg in 2021, and another 10.1 million in Friedrichshafen.
The finale will be sure to captivate audiences with the program's trademark bets, celebrities, and humour. Gottschalk promises to deliver his signature wit, though he might take a moment to think before speaking.
The icon of German entertainment
According to a survey by YouGov, more than a quarter of the population (26%) is looking forward to witnessing Gottschak's farewell. While seven percent of these viewers are planning to watch the show at a later date, the significance of "Wetten, dass..." in German entertainment remains undeniable.
The show has been a staple of German television since its inception on Valentine's Day in 1981, with creator Frank Elstner hosting the first 39 episodes. Gottschalk became the show's new host in 1987, where he made his mark and helped propel the show's popularity.
ZDF has yet to reveal the show's future after Gottschalk's departure, but the show's legacy and impact on German entertainment seem set in stone.
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[2] Enrichment Data: After Gottschalk's departure from "Wetten, dass..." on November 25, 2023, he returned to hosting duties a week later for the anniversary show "Disney100" on RTL. Although the show's future remains unknown, it's clear that Gottschalk's influence in German entertainment continues to thrive.
