Barbara Schöneberger recently revealed that talk show host Markus Lanz told her to “do something substantial” when she asked why she is no longer invited to his ZDF program.
The Shift from Entertainment to ‘Substance’ in Talk Shows
During a conversation with TV chef Tim Mälzer, Schöneberger described a chance encounter with Lanz where she noted that guests are seemingly only invited if they have something political to say. Lanz’s response—”Mach doch mal wieder was Substanzielles!” (Do something substantial again!)—was characterized by Mälzer as a “Wurst-Ansage” (a blunt or crude statement).
Schöneberger admitted she likely no longer fits the current concept of the show.
Did you know? Barbara Schöneberger remains a powerhouse in German TV, currently hosting “Verstehen Sie Spaß?”, the “Starnächte,” and the “NDR Talk Show,” alongside her new project “Wer weiß wie wann was war?”
The Decline of the Traditional Celebrity Circuit
Schöneberger expressed nostalgia for a previous era of television. She cited a time when entertainers could move between shows like “Genial daneben,” “Markus Lanz,” and “Johannes Kerner” to promote a new album or share personal stories. According to the entertainer, that specific ecosystem of celebrity promotion “doesn’t exist anymore.”
Comparison: The ‘Lanz’ Era vs. The ‘Kerner’ Era
| Feature | Traditional Format (e.g., Kerner) | Modern Format (e.g., Lanz) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Celebrity promotion & personal anecdotes | Political discourse & social analysis |
| Guest Profile | Artists, musicians, entertainers | Politicians, experts, activists |
| Tone | Light-hearted/Conversational | Interrogative/Substantial |
Adapting to the ‘Substance’ Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Barbara Schöneberger not on Markus Lanz?
According to Schöneberger, Lanz believes she needs to provide more “substantial” or political content to fit the current concept of his show.
What is “Mit den Waffeln einer Frau”?
It is the podcast hosted by Barbara Schöneberger where she discusses her life, career, and encounters with other celebrities.
What shows is Barbara Schöneberger currently hosting?
She is involved with “Verstehen Sie Spaß?”, “Starnächte,” the “NDR Talk Show,” and the new show “Wer weiß wie wann was war?”
What do you think? Has the era of the “celebrity chat” ended, or should talk shows bring back more light-hearted entertainment? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights into the evolving world of media.
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