ZDF reshapes summer 2026 TV schedule, cancels Fernsehgarten for Giovanni Zarrella Show

ZDF announced several schedule adjustments for the summer of 2026. The programme grid for week 27/26 was altered, followed by further changes in week 28/26, including the postponement of two "Friesland" crime dramas to accommodate the FIFA World Cup semifinals. On 9 August 2026 the long‑running live show "ZDF‑Fernsehgarten" will not be broadcast because the channel is staging an open‑air edition of the "Giovanni Zarrella Show" on the Mainzer Lerchenberg, with a quiz broadcast in its place. Overnight, ZDFinfo will replace the "heute journal" at 00:45 h with the documentary "Ermittler! Bis der Tod euch scheidet". The morning magazine "ZDF‑Morgenmagazin" will see Maral Bazargani, a former athlete and logo! presenter, take over as a substitute host from early July. Additionally, ZDF‑Fernsehgarten presenter Andrea Kiewel gave a televised interview reflecting on the show's 40‑year history and revealed a personal nickname for her partner, generating additional publicity for the programme. These adjustments reflect ZDF’s effort to balance flagship live events, regular entertainment, and seasonal specials while maintaining audience continuity during the World Cup period.