On Christmas Eve, German broadcaster ZDF made waves by replacing its long-standing festive show "Weihnachten mit Carmen Nebel" with a special edition of the popular antique game show "Bares für Rares" featuring host Horst Lichter. While the network aimed to bring something fresh to its festive programming, the response from viewers was markedly negative.
For the first time since 2012, ZDF opted to air "Bares für Rares" during prime time on December 24, 2024. Instead of the musical entertainment promised by Nebel’s traditional Christmas show, viewers were treated to Lichter and his guest dealers celebrating the season at the picturesque Schloss Drachenburg near Bonn. The decision to stray from the beloved holiday format puzzled many loyal ZDF fans.
Many viewers expressed disappointment over the abrupt programming change. “Actually, a nice Christmas evening with music and Carmen Nebel would have been nicer than 'Bares für Rares' every day,” vented one frustrated fan on Facebook, illustrating the widespread sentiment. Another viewer irately added, “Thanks for nothing, along with the decision to remove Carmen Nebel?!”
Online commentary quickly piled up as audience expectations for a festive experience were unmet. One particularly harsh critique described the decision to air this show during Christmas as “an embarrassment for German television,” emphasizing how much they missed the lively atmosphere typically presented by Nebel. A commentator echoed this feeling, stating, “This is so kitsch, one wonders why such antics are showcased, costing viewers.”
Throughout the evening special, which included holiday anecdotes instead of the usual appraisals and shenanigans, Lichter’s interactions with his expert guests did little to redeem the situation. Scores of viewers felt the effort was poorly executed; harsh words poured out on social media platforms where viewers didn't hold back. Comments such as “The cringe factor is through the roof” were indicative of the general backlash.
Despite widespread disapproval, some viewers surprisingly defended the special, appreciating the deviation from tradition. Comments like “A very nice show, even if it's not as festive as Andy Borg's, thanks!” showed there was still some affection for the new iteration. Yet, these would-be cheerleaders were largely overshadowed by the cacophony of disappointment.
The backlash seems to stem not only from this one change but also from frustrations about the frequency with which "Bares für Rares" has been aired. Many felt the show's consistent presence on the schedule over the past week was excessive, prompting comments like “You really have nothing more to show” and “Even on Christmas, we’re subjected to this?” This indicated viewers' fatigue with the show’s format, expressing feelings of being overwhelmed.
ZDF's programming strategy this holiday season has left many questioning its judgment, with fans longing for the charm and warmth they associated with Nebel's Christmas specials. The long-standing host has been credited with infusing the holidays with her unique energy and musical selections, opinions reflected poignantly by the viewers who miss her presence.
Reflecting on the viewer reaction, it's largely clear ZDF has encountered the harsh realities of altering beloved programming without proper notice or preparation for their audience. The struggle to introduce something new and engaging needs to be balanced carefully against audience loyalty and tradition.
With the overwhelming feedback indicating dissatisfaction, ZDF may need to reconsider its holiday programming strategy for future Christmases to avoid similar pitfalls. It seems evident; when it came to Christmas Eve programming this year, the gamble on "Bares für Rares" appears to have missed the mark for many viewers.
