Hit show “Always on Sundays” ends after 31 years in Europa-Park

Tears and one last “Hello and goodbye”: After 31 years, the hit show “Always on Sundays” from Europa-Park went on air for the last time. To say goodbye, presenter Stefan Mross (50) stood on the stage at Europa-Park in Rust, visibly touched, surrounded by friends and long-time companions.

“I was pretty strong and yet in the end I couldn’t do it anymore,” said Mross at the end of the episode with tears in his eyes. “I actually wanted to say something for the last 30 seconds - but I can't think of anything else. That was “Always on Sundays”, 31 years, all the best.”

Numerous pop stars are guests

Mross had previously welcomed numerous big names from the pop scene to the show with a tie and leather trousers. Among others, Andy Borg appeared, who was the most frequent musical guest in the history of the format. Pop singer Vanessa Mai was also there. She made her first ever television appearance on “Always on Sundays” in 2013. Other pop stars such as Semino Rossi and the American pop singer Peggy March were also on the guest list.

There was a small comeback from the so-called “dream couple of folk music”, Marianne (73) and Michael (77) Hartl. The two retired from show business in 2024 and appeared on stage again once for the last edition.

There was also a short live link with presenter Andrea Kiewel before the ZDF television garden began. “Basically, I’m handing you the reins today,” Mross told her. “You’re the only one who’s allowed to entertain on Sunday mornings.”

After 31 years, “Always on Sundays” is over on the first. However, Mross had previously announced that he wanted to continue with the format. The Traunstein native initially left it open in what form. According to him, there have already been discussions with other television channels. During the final edition, the 50-year-old emphasized several times that it was the last episode “of this year”. The decision to dismiss is still incomprehensible to Mross.

First aired in 1995

“Always on Sundays” first aired on the first on June 11, 1995 and was moderated by Max Schautzer until 2003. Actor and presenter Sebastian Deyle took over in 2004, but only stayed for one season. Stefan Mross finally took over in 2005 - and with the musician as host and a new concept, the show's ratings increased significantly. From the beginning, the open-air program was produced on the grounds of Europa-Park in Rust, most recently next to the Rulantica water world.

Mross gave the format its current face. The trained trumpeter brought with him his passion for hits and folk music - and, above all, a special connection to the audience. He was allowed to bring people from the audience onto the stage, have children sing and set himself some bizarre challenges. In addition to established pop stars, folk music acts and newcomers also had their place on the show.

The ARD announced in March that it wanted to cancel the show, which has been running for around 30 years, after this year and justified the end with cost-cutting measures. According to SWR, there is a structural problem behind the stable ratings: the program reaches around 30 percent fewer people today than ten years ago - because fewer people simply watch linear television.