After 27 beloved years, the ARD-Buffet has officially aired its last live broadcast on December 19, 2024, from the SWR studio in Baden-Baden. Known for its engaging mix of recipes, viewer interactions, and light-hearted discussions, this day marked not just the end of a show but the closing of a cherished part of many viewers' daily routines.
Throughout its tenure, ARD-Buffet became synonymous with lunch hour viewing for millions, making it incredibly poignant when moderator Evelin König welcomed the audience for the final time by saying, "Es ist schön, dass Sie dabei sind" ("It’s nice to have you with us") as she greeted them from the studio.
The finale was not just any episode; it was crafted to evoke the fond memories and emotions built over nearly 6,500 broadcasts. For this special occasion, three acclaimed chefs — Jörg Sackmann, Jacqueline Amirfallah, and Sören Anders — teamed up to create a festive three-course Christmas menu, showcasing the culinary brilliance the show has celebrated throughout its run.
These culinary delights brought back comforting memories of festive gatherings, coupled with stories shared by the viewers. Many viewers wrote heartfelt messages, reflecting on the series' impact on their lives. One fan shared, "Viele Jahre war das 'ARD-Buffet' der feste Bestandteil meines Mittags. Ich werde euch alle so vermissen und wünsche dem gesamten Team alles Gute für die Zukunft" ("For many years, the ARD-Buffet was a staple of my lunch. I will miss you all so much and wish the entire team all the best for the future"), which echoed the sentiments of gratitude from many others.
During this last broadcast, numerous clips highlighted some of the most memorable moments from the program, bringing laughter and tears alike as former guests and viewers alike shared their appreciation for the warmth and sense of community the show created. Evelin König, choking back tears, concluded the program with, "Ich denke, wir haben ein kleines Stück Fernsehgeschichte schreiben dürfen" ("I think we have been able to write a little piece of television history"), firmly cementing the show’s legacy.
With the ARD-Buffet now concluded, changes are already underway for its previous time slot. Starting December 20, 2024, the popular quiz show "Wer weiß denn sowas?" will take over the 11:15 AM slot. This decision aligns with broader programming restructuring announced by ARD over the past year, which was officially stated back in summer 2023 when the future of ARD-Buffet was first called to question.
The quiz show is expected to bring its own charm and engage the audience, yet the transition reflects how networks are adjusting to viewer preferences and market trends amid fluctuated ratings seen by the ARD-Buffet. A double feature of this quiz show will air until the end of the year, maximizing viewer engagement during the festive season.
Future reruns and special editions of ARD-Buffet are still planned for viewers to relive the moments and cooking tips they loved, which will begin airing on December 23, 2024, at 12:40 PM. This allows fans one last chance to experience their cherished segments and recipes, providing some comfort after the regular show's departure.
For many, the ARD-Buffet was more than just a cooking show; it was woven intricately through the fabric of everyday life, bringing enjoyment and valuable cooking tips directly from the kitchens of Germany. While the end has come for the live broadcast, the fond memories and legacies will continue, reminding viewers how much warmth and inspiration the show brought to their lives.
Indeed, whenever you turned on the TV around lunchtime, the familiar faces and friendly banter of the ARD-Buffet welcomed you like family. And even though the screen may now be devoid of it, the connection it created with its audience will persist. So, as viewers turn the page to this new chapter filled with quiz shows, they will carry the recipes, stories, and heartfelt emotions with them from the ARD-Buffet, forever etched within their hearts.
