Overview
- ARD’s Maischberger on December 9 at 22:50 examined Germany’s reform backlog and the new U.S. security strategy with guests Peer Steinbrück, Thomas de Maizière and Peter Neumann, alongside commentators Dirk Steffens, Julia Ruhs and Anna Lehmann.
- ZDF’s Markus Lanz on December 9 centered on Washington’s new strategy under President Trump, with Karin Prien, Elmar Theveßen, Florence Gaub, Eva Quadbeck and surgeon Jan Wynands assessing implications for NATO, Europe and humanitarian needs in Gaza.
- Maischberger’s December 10 edition featured Cem Özdemir on Green reform politics, while Jan van Aken and Christian Mölling discussed a new U.S. security concept with commentary from Petra Gerster, Susanne Gaschke and Gordon Repinski.
- A late-night December 10/11 Lanz episode showcased Digital and State Modernization Minister Karsten Wildberger outlining a four-year plan to streamline administration for the AI era, with analysis from journalist Michael Bröcker.
- Both shows released the episodes shortly after broadcast in the ARD and ZDF Mediatheken; Maischberger enters a holiday pause with returns expected in January 2026, while Markus Lanz continues on its regular schedule.