ZDF to bring entertainment format Wetten, das..? back to German screens for first time in 10 years

Bill and Tom Kaulitz will present the rebooted Wetten, das..?

ZDF in Germany has greenlit a reboot of famed gameshow Wetten, dass..?, bringing the influential entertainment series back to German screens in a regular format for the first time since 2014.

The new version will see Bill and Tom Kaulitz – founding members of pop band Tokio Hotel – preside over spectacular bets as well as appearances from celebrities and music stars. It is scheduled to premiere on December 5.

Wetten, das..? debuted on ZDF in February of 1981, initially presented by the show’s creator, Frank Elstner. It was broadcast around six to eight times a year from different cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The show was cancelled in 2014 after ratings dropped, but Thomas Gottschalk hosted one special episode each year from 2021 to 2023.

Local language adaptations have been produced in multiple countries, including Belgium, China, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia and Spain. In the UK it was commissioned by commercial broadcaster ITV and re-titled You Bet!, while in the US it is known as Wanna Bet?

Ralf Rückauer, head of department, ZDF Studios: “‘Wetten, dass..?’ is a fundamental part of European entertainment history, and the enthusiasm for the show remains unbroken across generations.

“Being able to announce its comeback so early in the year is a special moment for us, also in terms of international sales – and having secured Bill and Tom Kaulitz as hosts makes it all the more exciting.”