Jan Böhmermann Revives Iconic 'Hallo Spencer' in Satirical Film

The new film blends nostalgia and media critique, reimagining the beloved puppet series for a modern audience.

The film, written and produced by Jan Böhmermann, brings back the beloved characters of the 'Hallo Spencer' puppet series, originally aired from 1979 to 2001.
Rainer Bock stars as Jakob Sesam, a character inspired by the show's real-life creator, Winfried Debertin, who struggles to preserve his legacy amid modern media pressures.
The story critiques the contemporary media landscape, satirizing streaming platforms, content commodification, and performative diversity initiatives.
Original puppets, sets, and voice actors from the series were used, creating a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling for both long-time fans and new viewers.
The film is available on the ZDF-Mediathek starting December 13 and will air on ZDFneo on December 25 and ZDF on December 27.