ZDF Fernsehgarten marks 40th anniversary with host Andrea Kiewel, guest Ramona Leiß and tribute to Ilona Christen

On 7 June 2026 the ZDF‑Fernsehgarten celebrated its 40th anniversary. Long‑time host Andrea Kiewel opened the live show with a performance of the Spider Murphy Gang’s “Skandal im Sperrbezirk”, a song that had recently been the subject of a city‑wide debate over its lyrics.

Former Fernsehgarten moderator Ramona Leiß returned to the studio, revisited her years on the programme, and even cut a Vokuhila haircut live on‑air. Kiewel and Leiß jointly honoured the show’s first presenter, Ilona Christen (who died in 2009), with Kiewel saying “Wir beide grüßen … ich muss dann immer weinen”. The broadcast combined nostalgic retrospectives of past decades, audience participation and emotional tributes.

The event highlighted the programme’s lasting cultural impact in Germany and featured guest appearances, musical performances and a reflection on the show’s history.