After an impressive decade on the popular ARD quiz show “Wer weiß denn sowas?”, Elton is set to bid farewell. As one of the beloved team captains alongside Bernhard Hoëcker, he has captivated millions of viewers with his humor and knowledge under the guidance of host Kai Pflaume since the show debuted.
The final regular episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, leading up to a grand farewell edition scheduled for April 26, 2025. This XXL edition promises to encapsulate Elton's journey on the show that began on July 6, 2015, and quickly became a staple of German television.
Throughout its run, “Wer weiß denn sowas?” has attracted consistently high ratings, often exceeding three million viewers and sometimes even breaking into the four-million mark during its evening slot on weekdays. This success speaks volumes about the show's engaging format that combines trivia with a heavy dose of entertainment—a blend that Elton and Hoëcker have perfected over the years.
With Elton's departure, the focus now turns to finding a successor who can fill his shoes in about 150 episodes per year. The criteria are high: potential candidates must possess a solid general knowledge, are likable, and must show no fear of being goofy during the show. As it stands, a list of notable personalities has emerged as possible replacements.
Wigald Boning is a front-runner in fan discussions; he is often referred to as a natural successor due to his frequent appearances on other ARD shows alongside Pflaume. His wide-ranging knowledge and entertaining persona make him an ideal choice.
Another strong contender is Bastian Bielendorfer, who has been a guest multiple times and has the potential to attract a younger audience due to his fresh and relatable humor. Christoph Maria Herbst's vast experience as a guest, having appeared 23 times, also positions him as a strong candidate.
Annette Frier, known for her sharp improvisational skills, and Henning Baum, who possesses a wealth of general knowledge, are also among the contenders. Baum's performance has shown he can hold his own against Hoëcker’s trivia expertise and carries a similarly charming demeanor.
While other stars like Anke Engelke and Olli Dittrich bring their unique flavor to the table, they have rarely ventured into quiz formats like this. Engelke's popularity as an entertainer is well noted, but her previous avoidance of quiz shows raises questions about her commitment to the format.
Jürgen Vogel, who is familiar with the show, might be another interesting name; however, his focus on acting and other commitments could complicate an ongoing role.
As the show prepares for its new chapter, fans are left speculating about who could step into the role. Other names floating around include Nora Tschirner, Torsten Sträter, and Judith Rakers, each bringing their own appeal and skillsets to the mix. Rakers, notably, holds the record for the most guest appearances, contributing significantly to the show's dynamics.
The excitement surrounding the potential successor is tempered by the bittersweet nature of Elton’s exit. In a heartfelt farewell, he shared, “The decision was anything but easy for me. It has simply been fun to be a part of this show. And it has especially been an honor to entertain such a large audience every evening at 6 p.m. Now I say goodbye—with a tearful yet smiling eye.”
Elton’s remarkable journey on “Wer weiß denn sowas?” stands as a testament to his talent and the show's enduring appeal. With the current season running through April 22, 2025, audiences will continue to enjoy the wit and charm that the show delivers. As for the mystery of who will take over, fans will have to stay tuned to find out who can carry on the legacy of this beloved quiz show.
