If entertainers were immortal, most would probably never leave the screen voluntarily. But because that’s not the case, they inevitably have to make a decision. One option would be to retire gracefully, like Harald Schmidt did, or to try to make a comeback after a few years, like Stefan Raab is currently doing. Thomas Gottschalk tried both and failed at both.
As the greatest German entertainer, Gottschalk serves as a role model
Thomas Gottschalk plays a different role depending on the age of the television viewer. Is he known as part of the Supernase, a long-time presenter on Wetten, das…?, or as the face of Haribo or part of RTL shows, like in his later years? There is no denying that Thomas Gottschalk is one of the most successful presenters in Germany – if not the most successful.
But expectations of a person are ultimately measured by this success. Bet that…? was the most successful show in Germany, even under Gottschalk. It had a family character and was not without reason called a “campfire” in some reviews. His warm-hearted, approachable manner made celebrities from Germany and all over the world seem human. He was the popular TV unclewho taught children in front of the couch that every celebrity, no matter how big, is human.
Samuel Koch’s accident and what resulted from it Gottschalk’s resulting resignation testified to his greatness and was an example for the coming TV generation. This is where a moderator like… Thomas Gottschalk is a role model fulfill. That’s why it’s so painful to see how such a big part of the German television landscape behaves these days.
What actually happened to Thomas Gottschalk?
But what actually happened? Thomas Gottschalk has been accused for years of having female guests at Wetten, das…? touched inappropriately. Gottschalk rejected this accusation and explained in an interview with Der Spiegel a few weeks ago: “I touched women on TV purely for work purposes.”
Of course, taken out of context, the quote sounds much worse, later in the interview he compares touching women in bets to…? with a staged kiss in a movie. However, the comparison is flawed because a kissing scene follows a script and actors agree to the arrangement from the start. This raises the question, whether the women at Gottschalk agreed to this.
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As the greatest German entertainer, you are always the center of attention
It’s one thing to confront the past and possibly apologize for your behavior. It’s another to deny the allegations and persist in your own behavior, which is no longer up to date. Social movements like MeToo have led to women becoming more visible in show business. This would have been an opportunity for Gottschalk to reflect on his behavior, but he fights it tooth and nail.
Here we come back to Role model function: Because as Germany’s greatest entertainer, he is still the center of attention – even in retirement. Yes, some young people smile at you because they hardly watch TV anymore, but in doubt they don’t know Gottschalk anyway. Television and show business have changed for viewers as well as entertainers. However, Gottschalk is desperately trying to gain a foothold in today’s show worldwithout dealing with the current show world. For a seasoned TV legend like him, there is always the option to let it go rather than tarnish your own legacy.
Gottschalk can always express his opinion – he just has to fear consequences now
Instead, Thomas Gottschalk made it even worse. When he is at his last show from Wetten, das..? thus farewell, that he is no longer allowed to say anything in publicit has a grotesque effect. The host could probably get a show on any network right now if he wanted to.
Gottschalk currently has his own podcast. He is regularly courted on shows and invited to interviews. In addition, he recently published a book in which he was allowed to express his opinions freely – contrary to his claims. Mr. Gottschalk, take the title of your 2019 book to heart again: “Anyone who only gets old but doesn’t get any wiser is pretty stupid.”.