Overview
- The WDR will clear prime time on Friday, September 18 for a six‑hour Kölner Treff marathon that begins with a two‑hour live anniversary show at 20:15.
- Susan Link and Micky Beisenherz will host the live edition and will be joined by high‑profile guests including Carolin Kebekus, Guido Maria Kretschmer, Jörg Pilawa, Motsi Mabuse, Tommi Schmitt and Senta Berger.
- After the live show the schedule includes a 45‑minute documentary using rare archival material at 22:30, a reaction/clip programme at 23:15, and a late‑night best‑of from 00:15 to 02:15.
- Link has framed the celebration around the idea that audiences seek “depth and humanity” in media, reflecting the programme’s long standing mix of everyday people and celebrities.
- By dedicating full prime time to the anniversary the WDR highlights the format’s regional roots in North Rhine‑Westphalia and signals how the show has adapted to new channels such as Instagram, YouTube and podcasts.