Joko, Klaas & Co.

Gottschalk talks about the future of “Wetten, dass…?”

Thomas Gottschalk

(Bild: Philipp von Ditfurth / dpa / picturedesk.com)

Is there a future for "Wetten, dass...?"? Long-time host Thomas Gottschalk believes that new concepts can still save the show. Barbara Schöneberger and Joko and Klaas are among those being discussed to host the show.

Almost four months have passed since Thomas Gottschalk said goodbye to his loyal "Wetten, dass...?" followers. To date, ZDF has not yet made a decision on whether and in what form the popular TV show will be continued.

Apparently, innovative concepts are on the table, as Gottschalk hinted in his RTL podcast "Die Supernasen", which he presents together with Mike Krüger, that there could well be promising plans.

"Wetten, dass...?" presenters could take turns
In a recent episode, the two long-time friends and companions answered questions from viewers. Two fans were interested in what Gottschalk would think of alternating presenters on "Wetten, dass...?".

Their suggestion: In future, the show could be presented by different hosts in order to surprise the audience again and again. They used the ProSieben success "Wer stiehlt mir die Show?" as a comparison. In this quiz, participants have the opportunity to win not a cash prize, but the hosting of the next episode.

Thomas Gottschalk hosted "Wetten, dass...?" from 1987 to 1992, from 1994 to 2011 and then again in annual revival specials from 2021 to 2023. His third farewell to the show was now to be his irrevocable last.

(Bild: ORF)

It remains to be seen whether ZDF will take up this idea and breathe new life into "Wetten, dass...?" in this way. The future of the show remains uncertain after Gottschalk's departure. A successor is being eagerly discussed, both at the broadcaster and in the media and among fans. Gottschalk himself seems to be open to change.

Schöneberger, Joko and Klaas as possible successors
"I've already heard that in the discussion," Thomas Gottschalk reveals in the "Supernasen" podcast, revealing that such plans have apparently already been discussed in ZDF circles. He himself "also thought the idea was great".

"For example, you could have given Barbara Schöneberger an edition of 'Wetten, dass...' for her 50th birthday, which I think she would have presented well," says the Franconian-born host, the first thing that comes to mind is his "Denn sie wissen nicht, was sie tun" (RTL) colleague.

He also believes "that Joko or Klaas would be able to present such a show". Gottschalk doubts whether Joko Winterscheidt and Klaas Heufer-Umlauf could also work as a duo on the Saturday evening classic, on the other hand he "also worked as a duet" with Michelle Hunziker for several years.

No comeback for Gottschalk
Gottschalk is unlikely to return as a guest on the sofa, according to another fan question read out in the podcast: "I don't think I'll be invited back. The presenter won't do that to himself. Because I would always take the microphone from him and say: 'I'll carry on at this point, that's not going to work'."