Fans of the popular ARD quiz show Wer weiß denn sowas? were taken by surprise when the network abruptly announced the cancellation of its episode scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025. Instead of the anticipated quiz, viewers were treated to reruns of Gefragt – Gejagt, hosted by Alexander Bommes, leaving many questions about the reasons behind this sudden programming change.
The core issue stemmed from Bernhard Hoëcker, one of the show’s team captains, who is accused of engaging in political campaigning. Reports indicate Hoëcker contributed to a social media video for the Green Party during the federal elections, which contravened regulations set by ARD. These rules prevent prominent personalities involved in election campaigns from appearing on air within the last six weeks leading up to elections.
According to DWDL, ARD officials stated, “According to the regulations of the regional broadcasting institutions of ARD, prominent program figures engaged in election campaigns may not appear on air or receive screen or microphone time within the last six weeks before an election.” This policy is aimed at maintaining impartiality during the highly charged electoral season.
The decision not only affects Hoëcker’s appearance, but also resulted in the cancellation of the specific episode featuring actress Stephanie Stumph and her father, Wolfgang Stumph, who were slated to be guest participants. Although fans were disappointed by the unexpected cancellation, the ARD confirmed via social media channels of the new plans for the show.
Viewers can expect the show to return after the conclusion of the elections on February 23. The ARD has assured fans of Wer weiß denn sowas? and its guests, including both Stumphs, would find their way back to the screen. The return on Monday, February 24, is already generating buzz among audiences eager to see how the show continues post-election.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time broadcast networks have had to adhere to such rules. A similar situation unfolded recently at ZDF, where comedian Max Uthoff was also barred from appearing on air after being involved with election promotion for the Left Party. Both networks face substantial scrutiny when it involves the intersection of entertainment and politics, as they strive to uphold the guidelines set forth to maintain their neutrality.
Fans of Wer weiß denn sowas? expressed their frustration over social media, questioning the abrupt changes. Many had been eagerly anticipating the new episode, especially with beloved guests like Stephanie and Wolfgang Stumph. Consequently, the spokesperson for ARD noted the episode which was supposed to air on Friday could potentially be rescheduled for broadcast later.
This disruption highlights not only the challenges faced by entertainment networks during election seasons but also the inherent appeal of political involvement by celebrities like Hoëcker. While many fans may pine for their favorite personalities on screen, the clarity of these rules serves as both protection for audiences’ viewing experiences and fidelity to broadcast regulations.
Post-election, it is expected the show will resume its regular scheduling with familiar faces, including the return of Bernhard Hoëcker. Interestingly, even with the governmental restrictions, it seems audiences are still very much dedicated to confident entertainers who engage with the political process, indicating their vested interest both in the show and the cultural dialogue surrounding these matters.
While the recent program modifications come as disappointing news, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of broadcast integrity and the anticipated excitement of viewers eager to engage with their favorite quiz show once again when it returns following the election.