Otto Waalkes honored with a lifetime achievement award in television
Otto Waalkes, a renowned comedian, actor, musician, and artist, is set to receive the Honorary German Television Award in 2025. This prestigious accolade recognises Waalkes' significant influence on the understanding of humor in Germany since the 1970s.
The German Television Award, an annual event supported by ARD, RTL, Sat.1, ZDF, and Deutsche Telekom, will be broadcast on 10 September. This year, the television platform ZDF will be airing the event, with MagentaTV taking the lead for the first time. In the lead-up to the event, MagentaTV will offer a special free streaming feature of the nominated shows and films from 9 to 17 September, without the need for login.
Waalkes, known for his role as the hyperactive jack-of-all-trades ("Holladahiti!"), expressed a positive view of the changes in the TV industry over the past few years. His appreciation was echoed by Arnim Butzen, TV chief of Deutsche Telekom and chairman of the German Television Award 2025, who described Waalkes as a gifted comedian and one of the most versatile entertainers in German television history.
In 1973, Waalkes' TV show became a hit, with the third episode achieving a viewing share of 44 percent. Since then, he has been seen in various productions, including the comedy hit "LOL - Last One Laughing" on Amazon Prime Video in 2024, where he was almost revered by his younger colleagues.
Streaming services Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video are partners of the German Television Award, and for the first time in 2025, Apple TV+ will be a sponsor. The event will see Waalkes receive the award in cooperation with ZDF and Deutsche Telekom's offer, MagentaTV.
The German Television Award is traditionally passed on from year to year, and this year it will be presented to Waalkes in recognition of his humor that has accompanied entire generations. Waalkes humbly accepted the honor, expressing his surprise and feeling honored to receive the award.
In his characteristic style, Waalkes humorously referred to a debate from 2023 where his old TV shows were labeled with warning notices. Despite this, his influence on German humor remains undeniable, and his contribution to the industry will continue to be celebrated.
