Overview

• ZDF-Fernsehgarten closed its 2025 season on 28 September with an Oktoberfest-themed show from Mainz-Lerchenberg featuring acts including Stefan Mross, Stefanie Hertel, voXXclub, Die Draufgänger and Schürzenjäger.
• Stefan Mross surprised host Andrea Kiewel with a live kiss on the mouth, the pair publicly downplayed any rivalry between their Sunday shows and shared brief co-moderation duties.
• Barbara Schöneberger appeared late in the broadcast to admit she had planted insulting Lebkuchenherzen for a Verstehen Sie Spaß? prank that left Kiewel briefly in tears before the reveal.
• TV chef Johann Lafer struggled with the ceremonial keg tapping as the tap failed to seat, beer spilled onto the stage and the keg had to be turned to stop the flow.
• Same-day ratings reports cited a season low of about 1.21 million viewers and an 11.9% market share, with coverage of the athletics world championships drawing audience share to ARD.