Observed Signal · Jun 1, 2026 · Programming Update · Source: DWDL · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
ZDF's 'heute-show' spin-offs return for summer
ZDF will bring back four spin-offs of its satirical program 'heute-show' for the summer, starting July 17 after the World Cup. The schedule begins with 'heute-show extra – Die unglaubliche Geschichte des Gianni Infantino' (streaming from 20:00, linear at 22:30), hosted by Valerie Niehaus and featuring ensemble members in fictional roles. On July 17 at 23:00 the first of four weekly new episodes of 'heute-show extra – Das Quiz' returns, moderated by Lutz van der Horst, with a mix of politicians and other celebrities as contestants. On July 24 Fabian Köster's 'Next Stop Köster' returns with an episode featuring Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. In the second half of August ZDF will air three new 'heute-show Spezial' episodes hosted by Lutz van der Horst and Fabian Köster covering waste, gambling, and the Saxony-Anhalt state elections. The article was published on 2026-06-01 by Uwe Mantel.
A broadcaster's summer programming schedule is of limited direct impact to the AdTech/MarTech industry; relevant mainly to media buyers and planners targeting ZDF linear inventory.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ZDF will relaunch four 'heute-show' spin-offs beginning July 17, 2026.
- 'heute-show extra – Die unglaubliche Geschichte des Gianni Infantino' streams at 20:00 and airs linear at 22:30 on July 17, 2026; Valerie Niehaus leads the episode about FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- 'heute-show extra – Das Quiz' returns July 17, 2026 at 23:00 with four weekly episodes through August 7, 2026; Lutz van der Horst moderates.
- Fabian Köster's 'Next Stop Köster' features Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on July 24, 2026.
- Three new 'heute-show Spezial' episodes air in the second half of August 2026, covering waste, gambling, and the Saxony-Anhalt state elections.
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TV total Returns in August with Two Specials
ProSieben confirms that the comedy show "TV total" with host Sebastian Pufpaff will return from its summer break in August with two special episodes. A "Summer Edition" is scheduled for Tuesday, 11 August 2026 at 20:15, followed by a "Retro Edition" on 18 August; the first regular post-break episode is planned for 25 August. DWDL reports the show has been a reliable ratings success since its comeback, averaging over 900,000 viewers and more than 11% share in the 14–49 demographic, with a season peak of 15.8%. Separately, Stefan Raab's RTL show will remain on a longer pause, with recordings eyed for 15 and 17 September and new scheduling including a late-Thursday slot and an additional Tuesday episode exclusive to RTL+.
Till Reiners to Host ZDF Comedy Sommer
ZDF is reviving its late‑night stand‑up series "ZDF Comedy Sommer" after a two‑year break. The broadcaster has announced six new episodes and confirmed that comedian Till Reiners will serve as the fixed host for all installments. Recordings will take place at the Cologne event venue Die Halle Tor 2 and are produced by Prime Productions. Sessions are scheduled for July 3, 4 and 6, with two episodes recorded back‑to‑back on each date. Guests announced include Tony Bauer, Abdelkarim, Helene Bockhorst, Atze Schröder, Moritz Neumeier, Carl Josef, Tahnee and Assane Badiane. No concrete broadcast date has yet been given.
Welt launches new talk show 'Unter Vier' in September
German news broadcaster Welt is launching a new political talk show titled 'Unter Vier' in September. Hosted by chief reporter Anna Schneider and journalist Sebastian Vorbach, the live format features two journalist guests discussing current political developments with the hosts. The show will air every Monday and Thursday at 16:15 throughout September, initially as a limited run. Welt frames the launch around a 'super-election month' in Germany, with state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well as the Berlin state election. The first edition will welcome Welt colleagues Dorothea Schupelius and Ulf Poschardt; later guests include journalists from Tagesspiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and RBB. Editor-in-chief Helge Fuhst said the format responds to viewers' need for journalistic analysis during an intense political phase. A continuation beyond September has not been ruled out.
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