Germany's television scene continues to thrive, with familiar formats returning to delight audiences as the year winds down. Two shows, "Wer weiß denn sowas?" and "Genial daneben," are paving the way for entertaining evenings filled with laughter and intrigue.
First up is "Wer weiß denn sowas?", hosted by Kai Pflaume. On December 30, 2024, the show will feature its special edition, "Wer weiß denn sowas XXL," aiming to raise funds for charitable causes. The episode will see six celebrities, including well-known television personalities like Markus Lanz, Richard David Precht, Annett Louisan, Melissa Naschenweng, Till Reiners, and Felix Lobrecht, compete for €50,000 to support good causes. It's hard not to get excited about the camaraderie and the stakes of this event, which blends fun knowledge with philanthropy. Viewers can tune in at 20:15 CET, ensuring they're part of this lively gathering.
Simultaneously, on RTL2, the autumn schedule has kicked off with fresh episodes of the classic comedy show "Genial daneben." This beloved show returned on October 28, 2024, at 20:15, continuing its legacy of improvisational humor. Aimed at entertaining viewers with its quirky format, the show features five comedians and celebrities who answer quirky questions posed by the audience. The key here is not necessarily to provide the right answers but to tackle the questions humorously, making for some peculiarly entertaining banter. Originally debuting back in 2003, "Genial daneben" remains relevant and adored, showcasing the evolution of comedy on German television.
The current season of "Genial daneben" is hosted by the ever-engaging Hugo Egon Balder, who brings the same spirited energy to his role. The show retains its humorous charm, with questions ranging from general knowledge to bizarre trivia. If the panel fails to answer correctly within the time limit set by Balder, the solution gets revealed, and the question's sender is awarded €500. Such interaction not only keeps the participants on their toes but also ensures audience engagement, which is one of the show's strongest suits.
This season features twelve episodes airing weekly on RTL2. Audiences can look forward to the following airtimes: Episode 1 aired on October 28, 2024, followed by Episode 2 on November 4, Episode 3 on November 11, and so forth, culminating with the twelfth episode on January 13, 2024. The delightful team comprises established comedians including Bastian Pastewka, Mike Krüger, Ralf Schmitz, and many more, each contributing their unique style to the show's dynamic.
The continued success of "Genial daneben" can be attributed to the show's adaptability over time. Initially, the panel featured Hella von Sinnen and Bernhard Hoëcker, but following its revival, von Sinnen returned, joined by new talents like Wigald Boning. This approach keeps the content fresh and engaging for both new viewers and nostalgic fans.
For those who may have busy schedules, both shows offer viewing options beyond their initial airings. "Genial daneben" episodes are not only available for live viewing on RTL2 but can also be streamed on the RTL+ platform, provided viewers subscribe to the service. A monthly subscription starts at €8.99. The latest episodes stay available for seven days post-airing on RTL+, providing flexibility for audiences wanting to catch up. Alternatively, for fans of traditional viewing, reruns air later the same evening at 23:20, allowing for convenient viewing.
These programs highlight the rich variety within Germany's television offerings, combining entertainment with humor and knowledge, ensuring their place as staples of the German cultural television scene. Their interactivity, clever formats, and engaging hosts make returning to these shows not just about viewing, but about joining in the experience of laughter and learning.
So, as the New Year approaches, don't miss out on the chance to engage with these shows. Whether you're laughing along with the improvisational antics of "Genial daneben" or cheering on your favorite celebrities as they aim to win for charity on "Wer weiß denn sowas?", there’s plenty of entertainment options to fill your evenings.