After a remarkable ten-year run, popular German entertainer Elton is leaving the ARD quiz show "Wer weiß denn sowas?" The announcement has come as a surprise, accompanied by a special farewell episode that will air on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 20:15 on ARD. Elton has played a pivotal role in the show, serving as one of two team captains alongside his co-host Bernhard Hoëcker, where they engaged audiences with their light-hearted banter and challenging questions posed by moderator Kai Pflaume.
This farewell marks the end of an era for a program that has garnered a loyal following; the average viewership for the show is a staggering 3.3 million daily, with special Saturday episodes drawing over five million viewers. The show's format, which combines trivia and entertainment, has attracted an array of prominent guests and celebrities over the decade, making it a mainstay in German television.
ARD’s program director, Christine Strobl, expressed her appreciation for Elton's contributions during his time on the show, stating, "Elton has given this show much charm, wit, and heart. He has brought people together, young and old, quiz lovers and casual viewers, leaving behind great footprints – especially countless wonderful moments." Her remarks highlight the significant impact Elton has had, not just on the show's format, but on its viewers as well.
In a heartfelt statement regarding his departure, the 53-year-old entertainer revealed that stepping away from the show was not an easy decision. "The decision was anything but easy for me. Everything that has a name was a guest on our show. We were asked the most incredible questions. And it was really fun being part of this show. It was also an honor to entertain such a large audience every evening at 6 PM," he expressed, adding, "Now I say goodbye – with both a crying and a laughing eye. Over these ten years, we have grown into a wonderful team, and I will always cherish that memory."
Along with this announcement, Elton also shared his desire to reduce his workload to spend more time with friends and family. "In the future, I want to take it easy generally and just have more time for my family and friends, and especially for myself," he stated. This desire to prioritize family time resonates with many viewers who have grown to appreciate Elton's authenticity and relatability over the years.
The current season of "Wer weiß denn sowas?" will continue until April 22, 2025, airing Monday through Friday at 18:00. Fans of the show still have the opportunity to enjoy episodes featuring their favorite trivia format as the countdown to Elton's departure concludes.
As for the future of the show, the details remain unclear. While the show has thrived under Elton's leadership, the question arises: who will fill his shoes as team captain? Speculation continues about how the show's format may evolve moving forward, but for now, the focus is on celebrating Elton’s monumental contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.
Elton's farewell episode promises to be filled with surprises, as indicated by the teaser announcements from ARD. The episode will serve as a nostalgic farewell not only to Elton but also as a celebration of everything "Wer weiß denn sowas?" has accomplished over the past decade.
As the show prepares for this transition, fans are reminded of the meaningful connections made through the show and the host. The heartfelt appreciation from fans worldwide towards Elton reflects the widespread impact of his tenure. His departure signifies not just a change in broadcasting but also a transition in the hearts of many viewers who have come to see him as a friend.
Ultimately, the legacy of Elton on "Wer weiß denn sowas?" is characterized by laughter, learning, and community. The quiz format created an atmosphere that brought joy and education to many, proving that even in a competitive setting, the true winners were the viewers who tuned in and participated from their own living rooms. With the torch now passed to the next host, the hope remains that the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that Elton instilled will continue to thrive.
