ZDF has released its latest press announcements for mid-December 2025, detailing a range of upcoming programs, achievements, and events. Highlights include the recognition of Peter Arens with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and plans for the New Year’s Eve special “Willkommen 2026,” broadcast live from Hamburg. Viewers can also stream the “So war 2025” year-in-review series. Political discussions feature prominently, with “maybrit illner” addressing Ukraine’s options and “Was nun, Herr Merz?” focusing on Ukraine talks in Berlin. Markus Lanz will interview Volodymyr Zelenskyy in “Das Jahr 2025.” New series launches include “Ku’damm 77,” while the documentary “Soldaten des Lichts” explores influencers and “Reichsbürger.” The broadcaster also reported achievements, such as “Berlin direkt” reaching a 14.7 percent market share in 2025, and KiKA’s 70 percent digital reach. Further developments include an expanded cooperation for ZDF podcasts on ARD Sounds and the “Sportler des Jahres 2025” gala.

Source: https://presseportal.zdf.de/pressemitteilungen/