ZDF Studios announces Bill and Tom Kaulitz as new hosts of "Wanna bet?"
A proven international hit with numerous successful local adaptations
Mainz, January 28th, 2026
ZDF Studios is delighted to reveal that internationally acclaimed entertainers Bill and Tom Kaulitz will take over as hosts of the legendary show Wanna bet? for its highly anticipated comeback on ZDF on Saturday, 5 December 2026. The return marks the first new edition of the iconic format and opens an exciting new chapter for one of the most successful TV shows in German broadcasting history.
The Kaulitz twins – global music stars, performers and founding members of Tokio Hotel – will welcome audiences to an evening filled with spectacular challenges, top-tier musical performances and a high-level line-up of international celebreties on the world's most iconic talk-and-performance sofa.
Since its debut on 14 February 1981, Wanna bet? has aired 218 episodes, featuring 1,030 challenges, supported by 1,254 celebrity guests, and hosting 863 musical acts, while consistently receiving around 10,000 ticket requests per episode. The format has shaped television entertainment for generations, with its widespread appeal and enduring cultural impact unmatched in the international formats business.
The show has enjoyed significant success, with local adaptations produced in Belgium, China, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom. Most recently, the British version – You Bet!, hosted by Stephen Mulhern – returned with two primetime seasons on ITV1 and ITVX, offering audiences epic challenges, astonishing feats and celebrity‑driven suspense.
Bill and Tom Kaulitz became global household names in 2005 with their breakthrough hit Durch den Monsun and continue to enjoy an active international career with Tokio Hotel alongside their TV and entertainment ventures. For 2026, the band is preparing a major arena tour. Bill is widely recognised for his distinctive vocal style and iconic fashion presence, while Tom, a guitarist, songwriter and producer, resides in Los Angeles and is married to model Heidi Klum.
Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted, ZDF Studios: “Wanna bet? is a foundational part of European entertainment history, and the enthusiasm for the show remains remarkably strong across generations. Announcing its comeback so early in the year is a special moment for us, also for the continued international distribution of the show – and securing Bill and Tom Kaulitz as the new hosts makes it even more exciting. Their energy, creativity and international fan base will bring a fresh dynamic to a much‑loved classic. We couldn’t imagine a better duo to lead the show into the future.”
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates, spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, D-55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, E-mail: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com