Stefan Mross: End of the ARD hit show Always on Sundays again after two decades

Stefan Mross, the longtime host of the German television show Immer wieder sonntags, has announced his intention to continue with the program despite official plans to discontinue it after this year. The popular Schlager music show, which has aired on the public broadcaster ARD for nearly three decades, was scheduled to end its run following the final live broadcast planned for Sunday. However, Mross, who has led the show since 2005, expressed confidence that the series would not come to an immediate halt. During the penultimate live episode of the show, held in an open-air studio in Rust near Freiburg, Mross addressed speculation about the future of Immer wieder sonntags. Speaking in his native Oberbairische dialect, he stated, “If you think I’m going to sit on a beach in Greece with a bottle of red wine in my hand after Immer wieder sonntags ends, you’re completely wrong. Because we’ll keep doing Immer wieder sonntags, I know that!” Earlier in the evening, he had hinted that the format might become “history” after the upcoming Sunday’s broadcast. The decision to phase out Immer wieder sonntags was officially announced by ARD in March 2026. The network cited cost-cutting measures and a desire to invest in new digital entertainment formats as reasons for ending the long-running show. Additionally, both ARD and its partner station SWR aim to target younger audiences moving forward. Mross had previously voiced concerns about the future of the show during the early part of the year. He admitted, “Of course, I’m afraid of the future. That’s why I’ve always had a Plan B.” Despite these worries, he remained optimistic. In a recent interview with Spiegel, Mross commented on the abrupt decision to cancel the show, saying, “Now everything that’s successful is being thrown against the wall. I can’t explain it.” Nevertheless, he had kept his calendar free from July through September 2027 as a precaution. The show, which has been a staple of German television since its debut in the mid-1990s, has enjoyed consistent viewership over the years. Its unique blend of traditional Schlager music and lively audience participation has made it a cultural touchstone for many Germans. The decision to end the program has sparked debate among fans and industry insiders alike, with some questioning whether such a beloved format should be abandoned so quickly. Mross, known for his energetic hosting style and deep connection to Bavarian culture, has been instrumental in maintaining the show’s popularity. His commitment to continuing Immer wieder sonntags suggests that there may still be room for negotiation or compromise between him and the broadcasters. While ARD has not yet formally responded to Mross’s statements, the possibility of extending the show’s run appears more tangible than ever before. As the final episodes air, attention turns to how the transition will unfold. Whether the show continues beyond its initially planned end date or undergoes a transformation into a different format remains uncertain. For now, Mross’s determination to carry on offers hope to fans who have followed the program for generations. The coming weeks will determine whether Immer wieder sonntags becomes a memory or evolves into something new.