Viewers were touched by the senior citizens
What is the ZDF format about? Six sprightly pensioners travel around the world under the title "Around the world at 80". Because it's never too late to make dreams come true and embark on great adventures. The seniors Bernd (77), Christina (77), Lothar (80), Marianne (79), Erika (82) and Norbert (81) were accompanied on their journey by ZDF presenter Steven Gätjen (45). In each episode, a personal dream came true for one of them. Now the second season has been commissioned!
Dr. Oliver Heidemann, head of the main editorial department for the show at ZDF: "We know from the extremely large and positive response that viewers were touched by the moving life stories of the senior citizens, their enthusiasm about the journey and the emotional insight into their lives. Steven Gätjen was also able to show new sides of himself and was convincing in this special format. I am delighted that we are embarking on the journey again."
Death during the filming of season 1
The filming was overshadowed by a death: 80-year-old Lothar died of pneumonia and old age during filming in Thailand. The season was canceled and all participants flew home. A few weeks later, however, it was decided to continue the format and fulfill Norbert's dream of Sweden. All participants are said to have undergone stress tests before filming.
Market leader with the new format
With up to 1.86 million viewers and a market share of 12.8 percent, ZDF was the market leader in the simultaneous competition with all six episodes of "Around the World at 80".