On March 26, 2025, the popular talk show Markus Lanz returns to ZDF, promising an engaging discussion on current topics and events. The show, which has been a staple of German television since 2008, continues to attract viewers with its insightful interviews and diverse guest lineup.
Scheduled to air at 23:15, the episode will last 75 minutes, following the documentary Die Spur, which features the episode titled "Bordell in der Ferienwohnung." While the specific guests for this evening's show have not yet been announced, they will be revealed shortly before the broadcast.
Markus Lanz, a prominent figure in German media, has hosted the nightly talk show since its inception. Over the years, he has conducted more than 10,000 interviews with notable personalities, including political leaders, celebrities, and influential figures from various sectors. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show's focus has shifted more towards political discussions, reflecting the current societal climate.
In the previous episode aired on March 25, 2025, Lanz welcomed a panel of four guests to discuss pressing issues such as coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD, the inaugural session of the new Bundestag led by Gregor Gysi, and diplomatic talks between the United States and Russia held in Riyadh.
The guests featured in this episode included:
- Thorsten Frei, a CDU politician who provided insights into the status of coalition negotiations, emphasizing the need for compromises on migration and domestic policies.
- Anke Rehlinger, the SPD Vice Chair and Minister President of Saarland, who shared her party's priorities in the ongoing negotiations and how they plan to overcome recent crises.
- Eva Quadbeck, editor-in-chief at RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland, who analyzed both the coalition talks and the newly convened Bundestag.
- Rüdiger von Fritsch, a former ambassador to Moscow, who discussed the implications of the U.S.-Russia talks regarding Ukraine.
The Markus Lanz show has consistently garnered high ratings, achieving a market share of 15.2 percent in 2024, an increase from 14.3 percent the previous year. Additionally, the show has set a record in the ZDF media library, accounting for 3.0 percent of all on-demand video views.
For those unable to catch the live broadcast, episodes are available for streaming on the ZDF media library, typically from around 1 a.m. the following day. This includes not only the latest episodes but also a selection of past shows, allowing viewers to revisit their favorite discussions.
As a testament to its enduring popularity, Markus Lanz celebrated its 2000th episode on October 22, 2024, marking a significant milestone in its long-running history. The show airs three evenings a week—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—making it a regular fixture for audiences interested in current affairs and social issues.
In the upcoming episode, viewers can expect Lanz to explore a variety of important topics with his guests, reflecting the show's commitment to providing substantive discussions that resonate with the public. The ZDF network typically announces guest lineups just hours before the show, building anticipation among its audience.
Markus Lanz, born into a farming family in South Tyrol, has become one of Germany's most recognized television hosts. With dual German and Italian citizenship, he began his career in media at Radio Hamburg before making a name for himself at RTL and eventually transitioning to ZDF. His career spans nearly three decades, during which he has become known for his ability to engage guests in meaningful dialogue.
In a past interview, Lanz remarked, "What we do in the studio is simply craftsmanship. Someone says something, and I try to confirm it or argue against it." This approach underscores his commitment to fostering genuine conversations that inform and enlighten viewers.
As viewers tune in tonight, they can look forward to another thought-provoking episode of Markus Lanz, where the intersection of politics, society, and culture will be explored through the lens of its distinguished guests.
In summary, the episode airing on March 26, 2025, promises to continue the tradition of engaging discussions that have made Markus Lanz a beloved part of German television. With the dynamic format and a focus on current events, the show remains a vital platform for dialogue in today's rapidly changing world.
