RTL’s ‘2024! People, Images, Emotions’ will air on December 11, hosted by Steffen Hallaschka, featuring discussions with notable guests like Chancellor Olaf Scholz. ARD’s year-in-review on December 18 will cover global issues and sports highlights, hosted by Esther Sedlaczek. ZDF will present ‘Markus Lanz – The Year 2024’ on December 19, while a satirical recap airs December 13. n-tv features insights from Gysi and Schmidt on December 23, and a quiz show hosted by Kai Pflaume concludes the year on December 28.
Today, Wednesday, RTL presents ‘2024! People, Images, Emotions’, a comprehensive review of the year. Over the next few weeks, several other TV networks will also reflect on the key events and themes that defined 2024. Here’s a look at what to expect.
RTL’s Year-End Reflection
Steffen Hallaschka, 53, will take the reins as host for RTL’s year-in-review special airing on December 11 at 8:15 PM (also available on RTL+). This marks Hallaschka’s second time leading the ‘People, Images, Emotions’ program, a show previously helmed by the renowned Günther Jauch, 68. This year’s lineup features notable guests, including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, 66, who will engage in conversations with Hallaschka about the developments following the collapse of the traffic light coalition and the subsequent elections. Other guests include former Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher, 49, his partner Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne, 35, celebrated entertainer Hape Kerkeling, 60, and Regina Halmich, 48, who will discuss the Raab boxing match.
ARD’s Insightful Overview
On December 18 at 9:45 PM, ARD will present its year-in-review segment, diving into pressing global issues such as conflicts, natural disasters, and societal divisions felt both in Germany and abroad. The program will also address the prevalence of misinformation and political coalitions. On a lighter note, it will celebrate positive moments in sports, including the European Championships and the Olympic Games, alongside trending pop phenomena. The review will be hosted by Esther Sedlaczek, 39, and will feature comedian Guido Cantz, 53, ‘Tagesthemen’ moderator Julia-Niharika Sen, 57, ARD meteorologist Sven Plöger, 57, and ‘Tatort’ commissioner Wolfram Koch, 62.
ZDF’s Year in Focus
Mark your calendars for December 19 at 8:15 PM when ‘Markus Lanz – The Year 2024’ will air on ZDF. Host Markus Lanz, 55, will guide viewers through an engaging two-hour recap of the year’s significant topics, showcasing both celebrities and everyday individuals. The show will incorporate video highlights to illustrate the stories that shaped society, politics, film, music, and sports.
A Humorous Take on 2024
ZDF will also feature a satirical year-in-review on December 13 at 11:30 PM, presented by Werner Doyé and Andreas Wiemers. The comedic duo will tackle topics like the US elections, the traffic light coalition’s downfall, the AfD, and more. They’ll pose intriguing questions such as whether the potato should return to South America if the AfD’s repatriation plans materialize. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, this satirical review first aired in 2005. Another highlight will be the ‘today-show special – That Was 2024’, airing on December 28 at 11:25 PM, where hosts Fabian Köster, 29, and Lutz van der Horst, 49, will revisit the year’s best satire and performances.
n-tv’s Insights with Gysi & Schmidt
On December 23 at 11:30 PM, n-tv will present ‘Gysi & Schmidt: The n-tv Review’, featuring the dynamic duo of left-wing Bundestag member Gregor Gysi, 76, and moderator Harald Schmidt, 67. They will provide their entertaining and sharp insights into the most significant topics from the past year.
The Classic Year-End Quiz
No year-end programming would be complete without a quiz show! ‘2024 – The Quiz’ will air on December 28 at 8:15 PM, hosted by Kai Pflaume, 57. This beloved tradition will feature guessing games with guests including Günther Jauch, Barbara Schöneberger, 50, title defender Florian Silbereisen, 43, and Jan Josef Liefers, 60, all vying for the title of annual champion. This marks the 17th edition of the show, which will reflect on the year’s most significant and emotional moments through various themed questions. Topics will range from the traffic light coalition’s collapse and train disruptions to the US elections, the Olympic Games in Paris, and the impact of Taylor Swift. Pflaume will also welcome additional guests such as Olympic champions, music icons, and comedians.