On Saturday evening, Kai Pflaume welcomed many famous people to his show again. Including Helene Fischer. She got more attention than any other star.
In 2011, ARD gave the game show “Small vs. Large” into his program. The show has been directed by Kai Pflaume since the beginning. It celebrated its 60th edition on Saturday evening. Stars such as “Let’s Dance” judges Motsi Mabuse and Jorge González, “Tagesschau” spokesperson Ingo Zamperoni, national player Niclas Füllkrug and pop singer Helene Fischer were there. But the latter caused dissatisfaction among the audience.
“‘Small vs. Big’ and not ‘The Helene Fischer Show’,” wrote one viewer on platform X, for example “30 minutes of unbearable Helene Fischer music,” said another and asked: “It has to be , The first ?” Another user compared the issue to the “Helene Fischer Show”. Comments like “So much airtime for Helene Fischer” can also be found on Facebook. But what is the truth in the criticism?
In the show, children with special talent compete against prominent adults. In the latest issue, for example, ten-year-old Nick challenged TV presenter Johannes B. Kerner to an airline duel. Both had to guess airlines and their countries of origin based on logos. It took about twelve minutes from the greeting to the duel and farewell.
Actress Palina Rojinski and ten-year-old Ian went into a movie musical frenzy. Both songs were played from Hollywood movies. Whoever could identify which film was the fastest got the point. The fifth grader won and Palina Rojinski left the stage again. The presenter was seen during the duel for about 13 minutes. Ingo Zamperoni’s contribution was also under 15 minutes.
After about an hour and a half it was the pop singer’s turn. The 40-year-old was competing against little Johanna. In their duel, both had to identify songs by Helene Fischer. Three children always played the violin at the same time.
But before they started the duel, Kai Pflaume talked to Helene Fischer about her latest project: an album just for children. This time it took 30 minutes from the candidate’s welcome – including a two-minute clip that showed how successful the musician is.
However, Helene Fischer’s appearance did not end there. Shortly after, the musician returned to the stage and performed a medley of “The Most Beautiful Children’s Songs” together with a children’s choir – for seven minutes. There was another six minutes of singing at the end of the show.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Entertainment Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to our special segment. Today, we’re diving into the world of television with an expert in entertainment dynamics, Dr. Lena Meyer. Recently, the show “Small vs. Large,” hosted by Kai Pflaume, celebrated its 60th edition. Among the many stars, Helene Fischer drew significant attention—both positive and negative. Dr. Meyer, what’s your take on the audience’s mixed reactions?
Dr. Lena Meyer: Good evening! Yes, it certainly was an interesting episode. Helene Fischer is a polarizing figure. She has a massive fan base, but as we saw with the reactions on social media, there’s also a contingent of viewers who feel her presence overshadows the show. It’s a classic example of how a celebrity can dominate the conversation, sometimes to the detriment of the show’s core concept.
Editor: That’s a great point. I noticed that some viewers felt “Small vs. Large” was turning into “The Helene Fischer Show.” What do you think drives such sentiments?
Dr. Meyer: Viewers have certain expectations based on the show’s title and format. “Small vs. Large” focuses on children showcasing their talents against adults, which is a charming concept. When an established superstar like Fischer takes up a significant portion of the airtime, viewers may feel they’re not getting the full experience they signed up for. It’s a disconnect that can frustrate audiences.
Editor: Right, and we saw specific comments emerging on platforms like X and Facebook. Some expressed genuine frustration at having to endure “30 minutes of unbearable Helene Fischer music.” Is there a risk that too much celebrity could alienate parts of the audience?
Dr. Meyer: Absolutely. While show hosts often invite big names to attract viewers, it’s crucial to balance their presence with the content’s integrity. Overexposure can lead to fatigue, and when fans feel a show has lost its essence, they may turn away. Kai Pflaume has done an admirable job hosting, but keeping the show focused on its core theme will be key for future success.
Editor: Interesting! In this recent episode, we also saw children with special talents competing against adults, which is one of the show’s unique appeals. How important is it to maintain that focus in light of celebrity cameo appearances?
Dr. Meyer: The children are truly the stars of “Small vs. Large.” Their talent and charm are what resonate with viewers. Maintaining the focus on these young contestants allows the show to be heartwarming and inspiring. If the production leans too heavily on established names, it could overshadow these budding talents, diminishing the heart of the program.
Editor: Well said! With the competitive landscape of television today, do you think that shows should evolve or adapt their formats as audience preferences change?
Dr. Meyer: Adaptation is crucial in the ever-evolving television landscape. However, that evolution shouldn’t stray too far from the original premise that attracted the audience. Instead, integrating the right amount of celebrity while still prioritizing the show’s core elements can make it more dynamic without losing its identity.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Meyer, for sharing your insights. It seems “Small vs. Large” has some important lessons to learn about balancing celebrity and content. We’ll have to see how that unfolds in future episodes.
Dr. Meyer: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the intricacies of entertainment with you!