On Thursday the ZDF changes its program to a special program. Maybrit Illner returns from summer vacation in no time.
If you make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission, which supports our editorial work. The price for you remains unchanged. These affiliate links are marked with a symbol. Find out more.
While much of the world eagerly awaits the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, normal life does not stand still. This also applies to political operations in Germany, where a large package of reforms is currently due to be adopted, including several important areas such as pensions, taxes and social security contributions.
Friedrich Merz would like to make a big splash and, among other things, to implement all the proposals of the so-called “Pension Commission”, which has just published its theses, but, as we know, the chancellor does not rule alone.
How far this package actually costs will be the topic of a special issue of the magazine. “Maybrit Illner” on Thursday, July 2, 2026, 7:25 p.m. is sent. The originally planned broadcast of the episode “Zersplittert” from the series “Notruf Hafenkante” has been cancelled, as can be seen on the ZDF press portal.
The special broadcast did not affect the ZDF’s afternoon program. As usual, an episode of the popular trash show “Bares für Rares” will air at 3:05 p.m. KST. In the video you can find particularly emotional moments from the long-playing hit.
Maybrit Illner will not take part in the World Championships
Maybrit Illner’s regular episode of Polit-Talk usually airs later, at 10:25 p.m. The reason this slot was not chosen for Thursday’s program change is the World Cup.
ARD is simulcasting the round of 16 between Spain and Austria, which would create too much competition for an interview with Friedrich Merz. Whether Illner will still question the chancellor about his poor message following the German team’s elimination remains to be seen, but it could certainly happen. The journalist and presenter will return to the screen in her format on Thursday, July 16, 2026.