Overview
- The broadcaster announced the 2026 run will be the last, leaving nine regular episodes plus a special on September 6 and ending a series that ran more than 30 years and 370 episodes.
- Host Stefan Mross said he was shocked when told of the cancellation and has framed the remaining broadcasts as a farewell he intends to enjoy for the audience.
- The live shows have featured emotional tributes and unscripted moments, including on-air thank-you stunts by guests, a guest’s minor kitchen injury, and a moment when Mross could not find complete guest names on his cue cards.
- Mross confirmed he is holding talks with other broadcasters and plans a 2027 live tour under the working title "Immer wieder Stefan," while ruling out participation in certain reality formats.
- The decision affects production staff and regular contributors and may shift summer programming at ARD, with commercial partners such as Europa-Park Rust reported as interested in continuing related live events.