Dieter Hallervorden views discussions as commodification for television programs

Dieter "Didi" Hallervorden, the renowned German actor known for his work in television and film, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of German talk shows. Born in 1935, Hallervorden made television history with sketches in "Nonstop Nonsens" in the 70s and starred in films like "His Last Race" and "Honig im Kopf."

In a recent statement, Hallervorden reminisced about a time when German talk shows had more substantive and heated debates. He mentioned examples of heated debates between notable figures such as Herbert Wehner (SPD), Franz Josef Strauß (former CSU leader), Willy Brandt, and Helmut Kohl.

Hallervorden believes that if people who have never met and have nothing in common are on a talk show, there can be no tension. He criticizes that today's talk shows are sales shows, focusing on promoting books, films, or political party programs. This perceived shift in focus from substantive debate to self-promotion, according to Hallervorden, has resulted in a lack of genuine conversation on German talk shows.

People, according to Hallervorden, have no connection with each other, and there is no real conversation taking place in current television talk shows. His comments suggest a desire for more authentic and engaging conversation on German talk shows, echoing his earlier statements about this perceived shift in focus.

Hallervorden's busy schedule running three theaters in Berlin and Dessau, and his personal interests, leave him little time for television. He rarely watches it anymore. His comments may reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of German public discourse, as he has previously expressed a desire for more authentic and engaging conversation.

As Hallervorden turns 90 on September 5th, his impact on German entertainment remains significant. He runs the Schlosspark Theater and the cabaret "Die Wühlmäuse" in Berlin, and opened the Mitteldeutsche Theater in the Dessauer Marienkirche in 2022. Despite his advanced age, his voice continues to resonate, calling for a return to more substantive and engaging conversation on German talk shows.