ZDF’s ‘Willkommen 2026’ Lags ARD After Rainy Hamburg Debut With Thin Crowd

Overview

• ZDF’s New Year’s Eve special from HafenCity averaged about 2.47 million viewers versus ARD’s 4.65 million, according to Quotenmeter.
• The broadcast delivered a 14.1% market share overall, with roughly 0.76 million younger viewers translating to a 21.8% share.
• Producers moved the show from the Brandenburg Gate to a floating stage in Hamburg, reshaping the look and logistics of the event.
• Attendance on site was reported at roughly 9,000 against an expected 12,000, with rain, wind, and technical glitches dampening the atmosphere.
• Host Andrea Kiewel’s on-air slips, including the line “Noch zwei Jahre lang 2025!”, drew ridicule on social media as cameras showed visible gaps in the crowd.