Fans of "Wer wird Millionär?" need not miss their favorite show even during Christmas, as the German quiz show returns with its special episodes during the festive season, reporting RTL.
Since 1999, "Wer wird Millionär?" has been one of the most popular quiz shows on German television, and this year, it treats fans to two Christmas specials airing on December 25 and 26 at 8:15 PM each night. These special episodes have historically included unique thematic elements, like the football or Oktoberfest specials, inviting candidates connected to the theme. For the Christmas specials, participants have the chance to utilize additional jokers or safety levels, making the gameplay even more engaging.
During the special on December 25, something unexpected happened. Following the correct answer to the €500 question, host Günther Jauch had to interrupt the quiz due to the distracting noise from a malfunctioning ceiling spotlight. "What does this defect mean? Something is stuck or jammed," Jauch humorously remarked, showcasing his characteristic wit. Attempts to ignore the issue quickly proved futile as the noise persisted, prompting intervention from the technical crew.
Despite the distraction, Jauch maintained his composure, continuing to engage with Dr. Fabian Krauss, the first candidate of the evening, until the production team could resolve the issue. "We need to come to the set now," radioed the production team, leading to some laughs from both the audience and viewers at home as Jauch prompted his candidate to share more personal anecdotes. He wittingly asked, "Will this be aired or not?" when informed he was still on camera, igniting laughter across the studio.
The ambience shifted slightly as maintenance crew entered to fix the light, forcing Jauch and Krauss to relocate next to another crew member dressed as a Christmas tree. The entire situation reflected the playful spirit of the festive quiz special, as they adapted amid the circumstances. Luckily, the situation was resolved, and Dr. Krauss continued his participation. By the end of the night, he had successfully won €32,000.
That wasn’t the only excitement during the Christmas special. The competition for viewers was intense, as Jauch's program went head-to-head with classic films broadcast on other channels. On December 25, the popular film "Kevin – Allein in New York" aired on Sat.1, captivating younger viewers and achieving notable ratings. According to DWDL, the Christmas film attracted 970,000 young viewers, capturing 19.6% market share, with a total audience of 2.05 million. Despite the holiday film's solid performance, Jauch’s episode of "Wer wird Millionär?" managed to draw 3.08 million viewers, thereby securing its place as one of the key shows during the holiday television schedule. It reached 13.4% within the coveted target demographic.
The festive episodes not only offered entertainment but also sought to engage viewers with the inclusion of special dynamic gameplay. This year, candidates were allowed to pick from several joker options before starting their rounds. They could opt for the classic option of three jokers, which included the audience joker, where members of the audience could stand up if they believed they knew the answer. There was also the participant joker, where only candidates from the program could stand and assist. A unique twist was introduced with the Jauch joker, allowing the host himself to advise contestants on strategic questions, enhancing the show's interactive experience.
Overall, the Christmas special not only provided excitement through gameplay but also displayed the humorous side of Jauch, particularly during the unexpected technical difficulties. With the momentum it has built since launching, "Wer wird Millionär?" continues to secure its standing as one of Germany’s go-to shows during the festive period.
Günther Jauch, known for his steady presence on the show since its inception, shared his past experience as he moderated the Christmas specials. Having started his career initially studying law before shifting to journalism at the Deutsche Journalistenschule, Jauch has captivated audiences not only with "Wer wird Millionär?" but also with shows such as „stern TV“ and his political talk show, underscoring his diverse career.
Whether through special episodes or unplanned glitches, the show's legacy as Germany's beloved quiz format remains intact with millions tuning in over the holiday season. These adaptations, combined with the engaging atmosphere, are set to continue attracting enthusiastic viewers long after the New Year.
