Summer fun for those at home: the legendary ZDF vacation program!

Summer fun for those at home: the legendary ZDF vacation program!

In the 1980s, summer was not always a reason for joy for many children in Germany. When the vacation trip failed, only the bathing lake or the outdoor pool remained as an alternative. A creative handling of these disappointments was required. Children like to grab magical ice cream bags, especially with the cult ice cream "brown bear", and found variety in funny radio plays or with their colorful YPS-MAGAZIN .

But what was the big hit on TV? The ZDF vacation program, a beloved format that ran from 1979 to 1989! It was broadcast daily between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and was a real leisure activity for the people who stayed at home or sick. The title melody, a happy cancan from Jacques Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld" , sounded through the living room and immediately put a good mood. Moderators such as Anke Engelke, Benny Schnier and Sabine Noethen led through a colorful program of interviews, games, music performances and advisory reports.

a program full of variety

The ZDF vacation program provided the small viewers insight into the world of adventure and creativity. Popular categories such as the "Origami handicrafts", which were presented by "Ms. Scheele", were very well received. In addition, the spectators were able to get to know interesting personalities with “Stargast of the Week” and dive into an exciting feature film on Fridays after an exciting program.

The program not only showed craft instructions, but also tips on traffic education. The mascot of the show, the Bobtail Wuschel, provided additional sympathy and joy among the audience. The television played a central role in the 80s, not only in entertainment, but also in the imparting of knowledge through formats that promised everyday problems. The program was perfect for children who could not enjoy a vacation by the sea because it kept them busy.

television experience and envy among friends

What the children particularly pleased: After the summer holidays they were able to tell their friends about the great program highlights, which often triggered envy with those who preferred to spend time on the beach. And not to forget: The televoting system "Ted", which had already been introduced in 1979, had the audience actively participated by voting in by postcard which film should be shown on Saturday evening. It was an exciting time when private television with programs such as "Tutti Frutti" and other entertainment shows set new impulses and suddenly changed television in Germany.

The ZDF vacation program not only became a reliable summer job for many children, but also to an important part of the north German television culture of the 1980s. Many of us remember the colorful hours of the television with nostalgia and the joy that the programs brought us.