RTL's holiday special of "Denn sie wissen nicht, was passiert", which aired on December 14, 2024, was brimming with festive cheer and comedic drama. This lively edition was hosted by Victoria Swarovski and showcased popular figures such as Thomas Gottschalk, Günther Jauch, and Mike Krüger.
The format of the show, which is well-known for its unpredictability, this time combined light-hearted games with the joyous chaos of Christmas-themed activities. One of the standout segments was the "Haustier-Quiz", where two teams answered animal-related questions, with the twist being the teams received adorable real puppies rather than points. Barbara Schöneberger was particularly delighted by this, describing it as "the cutest game ever" and readily accepting her furry companions.
"We thought we would make you happy on your birthday!" exclaimed commentator Thorsten Schorn enthusiastically about the surprise element. This remark set the stage for comical confusion. The airs swelled with festive spirit until Schöneberger, caught off guard, revealed she was born on March 5, 2025, invaliding Schorn's birthday well-wishes.
Shock spread across the studio as Schöneberger reiterated uncertainly, "I’m not celebrating today!" The other participants, including Swarovski and Jauch, quickly joined in congrats adding to her surprise before gravitating back to meet the real birthday guest, Mike Krüger, whose actual birthday fell on the same day as the airing. Realizing the mix-up, the cast sang for Krüger, highlighting not only the festivities but also the inherent merriment of the evening.
Aired just before Christmas, the atmosphere was inherently jolly, featuring cheer-inducing games including competitive challenges for celebrity teams. Krüger partnered with Gottschalk, competing against Jauch and Schöneberger. Participants displayed their ability to blend humor typical of the show with the festive spirit, showcasing quirky antics from embarrassing moments to slapstick humor.
It was humorously noted as Krüger attempted to convince showgoers over phone calls, with Schöneberger teasing him by asking, "Who exactly calls on Saturday evenings?" This engaging banter led to unconventional methods during gameplay such as pulling cloths from beneath glasses, which Krüger humorously stated, "You need to pull the topper out of the bottle!"
Toronto native Jauch is known for his competitive nature, which he humorously acknowledged during the gameplay narrative, stating, "I never give kids any wins during Monopoly." Krüger, who now celebrated his own birthday amid the chaos, simultaneously stole the spotlight with his effortless humor and comedic timing.
The unexpected and lighthearted nature of the evening steered clear of seeming overly polished, encouraging guests and viewers to embrace spontaneous humor, with the energy culminating as the clock ticked near the midnight marking the closer of the show. The entertainment proved infectious, painting the screen with heartfelt laughter and cheer.
Viewers were not only entertained but also engaged by the dynamic personalities and their camaraderie. Schöneberger's hilarious expression post-mix-up with the birthday wishes highlighted the unscripted nature of the show. The festive vibes made for memorable moments, transcending the usual TV norm, reminding fans of the charm found within this unpredictable format.
Though approaching the end of the year, the spirit of good-natured fun prevailed with occasional sharp humor syncing with fair doses of Christmas warmth. Jauch, Gottschalk, and Krüger led audiences on amusing pranks and delightful laughter through festive challenges incorporating pet activities, where even comedic misunderstandings blended seamlessly with heartfelt holiday cheer.
All things considered, this special edition of "Denn sie wissen nicht, was passiert" embodied the joyous essence of Christmas, portraying genuine interactions and the whimsical nature of holiday entertainment. Connected through laughter and camaraderie, the evening triumphed as heartwarming content ensuring good cheer lingered long after the credits rolled.
With engaging twists and heartfelt connections, this RTL special delivered everything viewers had hoped during this festive season, proving once again the enduring appeal of its hosts and the enchantment of unanticipated surprises.
