Overview
- Germany’s weather service warned of heavy snow, ice and transport disruptions as Sturmtief Elli hit the north, with Hamburg particularly affected.
- NDR formed a production crisis team and announced an improvised “Not-Programm” on social media to keep the Friday broadcast on track.
- Originally planned guests Hape Kerkeling, Michaela May and Sigmar Solbach canceled because they could not reach the studio.
- The revised lineup featured on-site attendees Melissa Naschenweng, Anna-Lena Forster and Thomas Ulbrich, plus additions Frank Böttcher, Dr. Viola Andresen, Ulrich Wickert and Hinnerk Baumgarten.
- Hape Kerkeling appeared via video after his flight returned to Munich, and Hinnerk Baumgarten joined the broadcast about 20 minutes late.