Markus Lanz, one of Germany's most popular talk show hosts, continues to engage audiences with his insightful discussions on current affairs. His show, which airs on ZDF, has become a staple of late-night television since its first broadcast on June 3, 2008. Known for his ability to extract significant statements from high-profile guests, Lanz's ratings soared during the pandemic in 2020, reflecting the public's appetite for political discourse during uncertain times.
Every week, Lanz invites guests from various sectors, including politics, media, and sports, to discuss pressing issues that resonate with the public. This Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 23:15, viewers can tune in to the latest episode, which promises to delve into international political developments.
In the previous episode, which aired on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the focus was on the ongoing coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD. This week, the discussion shifts to global political dynamics, particularly the unrest in Turkey and its implications for Europe.
Among the guests for the March 26 episode are:
- Franziska Brantner, the newly elected chairperson of the Green Party, who will discuss her party's role in opposition, their negotiation strategies concerning the debt package, and their push for a European defense union.
- Michael Bröcker, editor-in-chief of Table.Media, who will analyze the German government's handling of President Erdoğan amidst the unrest in Turkey and provide insights into the Green Party's stance.
- Deniz Yücel, a journalist from the Welt, who will comment on the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, who finds himself imprisoned in the same facility where Yücel was held seven years ago.
- Guido Steinberg, a Middle East expert, who will discuss Turkey's significance for Europe as a key negotiating partner in NATO matters and migration policies.
The discussions are expected to cover a range of critical topics, such as the challenges facing the Green Party in their opposition role and the financial and security implications of recent events in Turkey.
Markus Lanz's ability to foster engaging dialogues has earned him accolades, including being named "Journalist of the Year" in the Entertainment category by Medium Magazin in 2018. His show has consistently attracted large audiences, with approximately 1.45 million viewers tuning in during 2019, which represented a market share of 12.3 percent. The show reached even higher ratings in 2020, with an average of 1.8 million viewers.
In addition to his talk show, Lanz has hosted various programs on ZDF, including the cooking show "Lanz kocht" and temporarily took over the hosting duties of the popular show "Wetten, dass...?" from October 2012 to December 2014.
Markus Lanz's career began in the early 1990s with a traineeship at Radio Hamburg, followed by a position as a news anchor for RTL Nord in 1995. He has since established himself as a prominent figure in German television, known for his incisive questioning and ability to navigate complex topics with ease.
As the show continues to evolve, it remains a platform for discussing significant social and political issues. The upcoming episodes are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 23:15
- Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 23:15
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 22:45
For those who miss the live broadcast, past episodes can be accessed through the ZDF Mediathek, allowing viewers to catch up on discussions that matter.
Markus Lanz's show not only entertains but also informs and challenges its audience, making it a crucial part of Germany's media landscape. As the political climate continues to shift, Lanz's platform will likely remain a key venue for dialogue and debate.
