Reports suggest a potential reduction in the frequency of Jan Böhmermann’s satirical show, “ZDF Magazin Royale” on German public broadcaster ZDF. According to information obtained by “Stern” magazine, the number of episodes planned for next year may be significantly reduced from the current 33 to approximately 20.
While ZDF did not explicitly deny the reported shift when questioned by “Stern”, the broadcaster confirmed ongoing discussions with Böhmermann and the production company, Unterhaltungsfernsehen Ehrenfeld UE GmbH, behind the show. A ZDF spokesperson stated in a response to “Stern” that ZDF intends to continue its collaboration with Jan Böhmermann in 2026, encompassing both “ZDF Magazin Royale” and his other program, “Lass dich überwachen”. However, details regarding the scope of this collaboration remain undisclosed. The production company itself declined to comment on the matter when contacted by the magazine.
The potential change comes amidst heightened scrutiny of late-night television programming, particularly in the United States, where Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show was recently briefly cancelled and subsequently reinstated following public reaction.
“ZDF Magazin Royale” has been a fixture on ZDF’s Friday evening schedule since November 2020, with episodes typically becoming available on the broadcaster’s online platform prior to their television broadcast.
