On the evening of September 21, 2025, German viewers of ARD Das Erste will be treated to a double feature of political and cultural debate, as two flagship programs—"Caren Miosga" and "ttt - titel, thesen, temperamente"—take on some of the most pressing and polarizing issues of the current moment. These broadcasts, airing at 21:45 and 23:05 respectively, reflect a society grappling with questions of democracy, freedom of expression, and the shifting dynamics within the arts and politics.
The earlier of the two programs, "Caren Miosga," will focus squarely on the tense political climate in the United States. According to ARD, the discussion will center on the recent murder of political activist Charlie Kirk and the Trump administration's ongoing attacks on press freedom—developments that have left many observers deeply concerned about the resilience of American democracy. The show aims to unpack the broader implications of these events, not just for the U.S., but for democratic systems worldwide, including Germany's own.
Jens Spahn, chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag and a self-described transatlanticist, is set to play a central role in the discussion. Spahn, who has long advocated for a pragmatic approach toward U.S. President Trump, sees areas of alignment between German and American interests, particularly in defense, energy policy, and relations with China. Yet, as ARD reports, the murder of Kirk and the administration's aggressive stance toward the media have thrown into sharp relief the vulnerabilities inherent in even the most established democracies.
Joining Spahn on the panel are political scientist and U.S. expert Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook and journalist Kerstin Kohlenberg, a former U.S. correspondent for Die Zeit. Together, they will explore what lessons can be drawn from the current state of U.S. politics and how the rise of populist movements—often marked by anti-elite rhetoric and skepticism toward traditional institutions—may threaten the stability of democratic systems elsewhere. The show promises a lively exchange, with questions such as: Can established democracies withstand the pressures of polarization and populism? What, if anything, can Germany do to safeguard its own democratic institutions in the face of similar challenges?
While politics may be the focus of "Caren Miosga," the later broadcast of "ttt - titel, thesen, temperamente" shifts the spotlight to the world of arts and culture—though the themes of division and debate are just as pronounced. As reported by ARD, one of the headline stories is the ongoing controversy surrounding the exclusion of Jewish-Israeli conductor Lahav Shani and the Munich Philharmonic from the Belgian Gent Festival of Flanders. Shani was disinvited because he refused to make a public statement condemning Israel's actions in Gaza or distance himself from what festival organizers described as a "genocidal regime." This decision, coming in the wake of the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, has ignited fierce debate across the European cultural scene.
The incident has turned Shani's tour with the orchestra into a political flashpoint, with artists increasingly pressured to take public stances on international conflicts. As ARD notes, "While in Germany, artists have often faced criticism for voicing opinions critical of Israeli policy, Shani is the first to be excluded for not expressing criticism of Israel." The Berlin chapter of PEN International weighed in on the matter, stating, "Freedom of expression also includes the right to remain silent." The program will feature a discussion with artist Candice Breitz, journalist Deniz Yücel, and writer Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus, probing whether the arts are heading toward a new era of ideological litmus tests—and questioning where, if not in art, space remains for genuine dialogue.
In another segment, "ttt" delves into a heated feminist debate sparked by the anthology "Das Pen!smuseum," authored by Austrians Mareike Fallwickl and Eva Reisinger. The collection, which features stories of women defying social expectations, became a lightning rod for controversy when feminist writer Gertraud Klemm was excluded from the book after being accused—on social media—of making allegedly transphobic statements. After speaking with Klemm, Fallwickl and Reisinger decided to remove her contribution, igniting a public debate even before the book's release. As ARD puts it, the controversy raises the question: must women always stand together, or are there lines that cannot be crossed even within feminist circles? The show will feature conversations with all three authors, exploring their perspectives on feminism, solidarity, and the boundaries of inclusion.
Not all of "ttt" is about conflict, however. The program also celebrates the boundary-pushing work of Belgian artist Miet Warlop, whose latest production, "Inhale Delirium Exhale," recently toured Europe and made a stop in Hamburg. Warlop, known for her anarchic stage spectacles that blend rock concerts, dance, and visual art, will represent Belgium at the Venice Art Biennale next year. Her new show, featuring six performers manipulating a three-kilometer-long silk fabric, is described by ARD as "an ode to fantasy and art." It's a reminder that, even in turbulent times, creativity and imagination can provide moments of awe—and perhaps even healing.
The cinematic arts also receive their due, with a segment on "Amrum," the latest film by director Fatih Akin. The film is based on the childhood memories of renowned Hamburg filmmaker Hark Bohm, who spent the final months of World War II on the North Sea island of Amrum. Bohm's parents were staunch Nazis, and his struggle with their legacy forms the emotional core of the movie. "Amrum," which premiered to acclaim at Cannes and is now screening at the Hamburg Film Festival before its October cinema release, tells the story of a boy named Nanning as he comes of age amid ideological turmoil and the hope for peace. ARD describes the film as "a visually impressive story about loyalty, ideology, and growing up in times of upheaval."
Rounding out the program is a documentary about Eva Ries, a German music manager who broke barriers in the male-dominated world of 1990s hip-hop. After working with bands like Nirvana and Guns N' Roses, Ries became the marketing and tour manager for the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, helping to shape the trajectory of one of the most influential rap groups of all time. The documentary "Evil-E - Eva Ries und der Wu-Tang Clan" features interviews with Wu-Tang members, rare archival footage, and insights into both the rise and fall of the music industry during that era. As ARD notes, Ries's story is not just about music, but also about female empowerment and the collision of cultures. The film is now available in the ARD Mediathek.
Both "Caren Miosga" and "ttt - titel, thesen, temperamente" offer viewers a window into the debates and dilemmas shaping politics and culture in 2025. Whether it's the fragility of democracy, the boundaries of artistic freedom, or the search for solidarity in divided times, these programs remind us that the questions of our age are rarely simple—and that the answers, when they come, are often found in conversation and reflection.
