Thomas Gottschalk on “Betting
“Everything comes to an end at some point”
The last “Wetten,dass..?” program will be broadcast on ZDF on November 25th.
© imago/Horst Galuschka
The Thomas Gottschalk era on “Wetten,dass..?” comes to an end – a final, big farewell is imminent. He doesn’t see himself as a victim.
Next Saturday, November 25th, 2023, the time has finally come: Thomas Gottschalk (73) will host the ZDF cult show “Wetten,dass…?” for the very last time. moderate. In a big interview with the “Bild” newspaper, the entertainer speaks in advance about his thoughts on his last appearance in front of the legendary “Wetten,dass…?” sofa. Even though he has now returned twice after previous resignations, he is now sure. But there are parallels here too, as Gottschalk confirms:
“I was sure every time. The first time was over twenty years ago. Back then I started with a late-night show on RTL,” says Gottschalk. But then the then ZDF director brought him back. Even during the second withdrawal it was clear to him: “After Samuel Koch’s accident the moment really came when I was convinced: That was it.”
However, the audience convinced him “that there was still juice in the lemon, and I got back into the ring.” Now the juice is finally out. Television has changed completely: “The cozy thing is gone. The Saturday evening in front of the television, where the whole family met, no longer exists. Everyone goes their own way, has their own programs or makes their own.” This development cannot be stopped, nor does he want to. He doesn’t feel any bitterness: “My business area has simply ended.”
Thomas Gottschalk: “Everything comes to an end at some point”
However, Gottschalk doesn’t see himself as a victim: “I had a great time and would do everything the same again.” He has no reason to complain about anything, since he helped shape television in its heyday: “Everything comes to an end at some point. Pop music has changed, cinema is different today.” It’s part of his business that stars rise and fall again: “I saw some come and go. And I never wanted to trade places with one.”
Incidentally, he wasn’t nervous before his last show: “If I had ever been nervous, there would be no reason at all this time. They can’t throw me out anymore!” And there probably won’t be a party after the last “Wetten, dass…?” edition. The reason from his point of view: “ZDF is currently on a cost-cutting spree. I think the last mega party was when Inge Meysel was a guest.” And she died in 2004…