ZDF cancels annual New Year's Eve live show

ZDF has announced the cancellation of its annual live New Year's Eve show, ending a tradition that began in 2010. The decision follows a shift in programming strategy after the most recent broadcast from Hamburg's Hafencity.

Reports indicate that the move is largely due to intense competition from ARD's 'Silvester-Schlagerboom' hosted by Florian Silbereisen. Recent viewership figures highlighted this gap, with Silbereisen's program attracting approximately five million viewers, while the ZDF show drew only 2.47 million.

As a replacement, ZDF will broadcast a special of 'Der Quiz-Champion' on December 31. The program will be hosted by Johannes B. Kerner, with Andrea Kiewel joining as part of the expert team. Unlike previous years, this special will be pre-recorded in Berlin rather than broadcast live.