After seven seasons, Michael BullyHerbig is stepping down as host of Amazon'sLOL: Last One Laughing, with Carolin Kebekus set to take over for the eighth season, which premieres in Easter 2027. Kebekus, a four-time contestant, will lead the show from the control room, marking a shift in the comedy format that has become a prime video staple since 2021.
Michael BullyHerbig has concluded his tenure as host ofLOL: Last One Laughing, the Amazon Prime Video comedy series that has become one of the platform’s most successful German original productions. The show, which debuted in 2021, will see Herbig’s replacement by Carolin Kebekus for its eighth season, set to launch in Easter 2027. Herbig, who has guided the format through seven seasons and two special episodes, announced his departure with a farewell message expressing gratitude for the many tears of laughter and wishing Kebekus the same immense joy
he experienced over the past five years.
Kebekus’s Transition from Contestant to Host
Carolin Kebekus, a veteran comedian known for her show Carolin Kebekus Show
on ARD, will assume the role of moderator for the upcoming season. This is a new development for Kebekus, who has previously participated in LOL as a contestant four times. Her new role involves overseeing the show’s signature format, where ten comedians compete to avoid laughing, with the host using a buzzer to penalize those who break their composure. Kebekus expressed her excitement about the transition, stating, I'm thrilled to finally be able to laugh as much as I want in this studio.
The change comes after months of speculation, with sources confirming that the new season’s episodes were already filmed in Munich under strict secrecy. According to reports, the production team chose to keep the transition under wraps until the official announcement, highlighting the show’s high-profile status. Herbig’s departure follows a pattern of guest hosts, including Hape Kerkeling, who temporarily filled his role in the seventh season. However, Kebekus's appointment is a change, with the show's producer, Constantin Entertainment, emphasizing that her role is initially limited to the upcoming season.
Show Format and Legacy
LOL: Last One Laughing has maintained its popularity through its unique format, which features comedians attempting to outwit each other without laughing, while being monitored by a team of cameras capturing every microexpression. The winner receives €50,000 for charity, a prize that has contributed to the show’s appeal. The series, based on the Japanese format “Documental,” has received critical acclaim, including awards such as the German Comedy Prize and the German Television Award. It has also been nominated for an International Emmy, showing its impact on comedy.
The show’s success has been bolstered by its ability to adapt, including the introduction of a spin-off, “LOL: Next,” which features emerging comedians and creators. The upcoming eighth season will continue this trend, though the specific participants remain undisclosed. Despite the change in host, the show’s core structure will remain unchanged, with the same rigorous rules and high-stakes competition that have defined its run.
Herbig’s exit leaves open questions about his future involvement with the show. While he has not confirmed any plans to return as a contestant or guest, his previous foray into the competition—where he joined the comedians in the room—suggests a possible return in a different capacity. For now, the focus shifts to Kebekus, whose experience as both a contestant and a comedian positions her as a natural fit for the role. As the new season approaches, fans await the debut of a fresh chapter in the show’s history.