German music show Immer wieder sonntags airs final regular episode after 30-year run

The final live broadcast from Europa-Park

German public broadcaster Das Erste will air the final regular edition of the Sunday music show Immer wieder sonntags at 10:00 on 6 September 2026. The live programme will broadcast from the open-air arena at Europa-Park in Rust, bringing an end to a summer entertainment fixture that first premiered in 1995. Host Stefan Mross, who has presented the Schlager and folk music show since 2005, will front the final live transmission after 21 years in the role. Production staff barred Mross from rehearsals in the days leading up to the finale to ensure the concluding programme remains a surprise for him. Austrian singer Andy Borg and German singer Stefanie Hertel will appear as guests during the broadcast, which will feature a dedicated send-off during its final 30 seconds. Das Erste will air a subsequent best-of compilation episode one week later on 13 September.

I will miss nothing, because I know it will continue. The optimism is there that it will continue.

Broadcaster austerity and linear television shifts

Public broadcasting networks ARD and SWR decided to cancel the production due to financial austerity measures and a strategic pivot toward new digital programming. SWR reported that despite steady market shares, the show faced structural declines, reaching roughly 30% fewer viewers than it did a decade ago as audiences shifted away from linear television. In its previous season, the programme attracted an average audience of 1.26 million viewers per episode, delivering a 17% market share. Mross, who was born in Traunstein, Bavaria, stated that he and his partner were notified of the cancellation only hours before the public announcement.

Host reactions and prospective future formats

The termination of the series will lead to job losses for the production crew that assembled the weekly broadcasts across southern Germany. Mross, who defined the show's identity through live trumpet performances and direct audience interaction, described learning about the end of the production with tears alongside his colleagues and partner.

I have grown fond of this show like a child, and with it my loyal audience. I am honest: with my show Immer wieder sonntags, a part of me also dies. It was the show of my life!

Ahead of the final show, Mross and his partner of three years, singer Eva Luginger, followed their tradition of spending the preceding night in a motorhome parked under the stars at Europa-Park. Luginger regularly supported Mross from the audience and performed as a musical guest on the programme. Mross confirmed that he has conducted exploratory talks with other television networks regarding a continuation of the format. He has already reserved the regular May-to-September broadcast window in his 2027 schedule for potential future productions.