The NDR Talk Show: Germany’s Enduring Friday Night Institution

Hamburg, 23 January 2026 – For over four decades, the NDR Talk Show has been a fixture of German television, offering a unique blend of celebrity conversation, personal stories, and light-hearted debate. As the second-oldest still-running talk show in the country, it has become a beloved ritual for millions, broadcast three Fridays a month from its Hamburg studios.

A Legacy of Conversation

First piloted in February 1979 from the legendary Hamburg club “Onkel Pö,” the show officially launched later that year. It was conceived as a platform where the guest is the star, a philosophy that has remained unchanged. Unlike more confrontational political formats, the NDR Talk Show focuses on creating an intimate atmosphere where a diverse mix of six to seven guests—from A-list actors and musicians to scientists and everyday people with extraordinary stories—can speak openly about their lives and work.

The show has celebrated numerous milestones, most notably its 1000th episode in October 2023, which featured a special 150-minute broadcast with guests including Günther Jauch, Carolin Kebekus, and Tim Mälzer. Production takes place in the NDR studios in Hamburg-Lokstedt, and demand for studio audience tickets is so high that hopeful attendees face a waiting list of several years.

The Faces of the Show

The moderator duos are as iconic as the format itself. Since 2008, the primary pairing has been entertainer Barbara Schöneberger and journalist Hubertus Meyer-Burckhardt. A second strand of the show has seen several co-hosts alongside Bettina Tietjen. Following the departures of Jörg Pilawa and later Johannes Wimmer, Steven Gätjen was announced as Tietjen’s new permanent co-moderation partner in late 2024, with their first show together airing in January 2025.

This structure allows for three editions per month, ensuring a consistent presence in the late-Friday slot from 22:00 to 00:00. The show is recorded “live-on-tape” shortly before broadcast.

Key Facts & Figures

Moments, Strikes, and Enduring Appeal

The show’s history is not without its notable incidents. It was cancelled on 7 June 2024 due to a warning strike by the ver.di union, which was demanding better pay for NDR staff. Instead of the planned guests like Marcel Reif and Ranga Yogeshwar, a “best of” compilation was aired. Earlier, in May 2024, another strike led to an episode being recorded on smartphones and streamed live via Instagram.

Despite such disruptions, the show’s appeal remains strong. Surveys indicate sustained public interest in talk show formats in Germany. The NDR Talk Show has also evolved with the times, launching the digital-native spin-off deep und deutlich in 2020 to engage a younger audience online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get tickets to see the NDR Talk Show recorded?

Due to extremely high demand, tickets are allocated via a waiting list system managed by the NDR. The waiting time is typically several years. Registration is possible through the official NDR website.

What makes the NDR Talk Show different from other German talk shows?

Its longevity and consistent format set it apart. It is less about heated political debate and more about creating a conversational space for guests from all walks of life. The focus is firmly on the guests’ stories, with the moderators facilitating rather than dominating the discussion.

Can I watch old episodes?

Yes. While the show airs on NDR Fernsehen, most episodes are made available shortly after broadcast on the ARD Mediathek, the public broadcaster’s online streaming platform, where they can be accessed for a limited time.