The German public broadcaster ARD will discontinue its long-running Schlager show “Immer wieder sonntags” after more than three decades. According to the leading station SWR, the final season will air in 2026, concluding with the last episode of the regular run. From 31 May 2026 a final dozen live broadcasts will be transmitted, followed by a special edition on 6 September and a “best‑of” compilation on 13 September.
SWR programming director Clemens Bratzler described the cancellation as “painful, but necessary”. He said that the channel’s financial situation forces the decision, even though the program has been hugely successful. ARD programming director Christine Strobl added that the savings will be partly reallocated to new digital entertainment formats. She stressed that SWR, even under growing cost pressures, remains “a strong provider of public‑service entertainment and large live experiences”. The network will develop new formats and “strategically align them with changing media‑consumption habits”.
“Immer wieder sonntags” has been broadcast live on Sunday mornings during the summer months on the main public channel since 1995. Since 2005, Schlager star Stefan Mross has hosted the show. Prior hosts included Max Schautzer and a brief stint by Sebastian Deyle.