"Zimmer frei!" (1996) More at IMDb Pro »TV series 1996-????

This is one of the most imaginative shows on German TV, yet one of the most relaxed ones and certainly one of the most funny ideas I have ever seen in a show. And still... sometimes you think you are part of a children's birthday party. What can be more perfect?!

The show is hosted by Christine Westermann and Götz Alsmann which work perfectly as a pair. Both are married to other partners in real life, but never cease to show an "on air" friendship and closeness, so that everyone would love to see them as a pair also in reality.

Each episode starts with introducing today's guest in an often very individual way. When the guest has come in, they sit down to eat, the meal normally is the guest's choice. They talk about the guest - often an actor/actress, singer, sports person etc. And they show the Home Story, filmed at the guest's home or near that in the home town.

Following this is the best loved part of the show: the Zimmer frei!- Picture Puzzle. A live one, by the way. Based on puns and silly jokes, the Picture Puzzles are often acted by a nice old man, without him the puzzle is only half as funny. But funny it is. Always. And most silly. That's how we want it.

Christine Westermann then shows the guest his or her room, because this is what the show is about. They are looking for a new mate for the shared flat. The room is always decorated to surprise the guest. Either they have decorated a long-cherished dream, a nice memory, a favourite place like Tuscany etc., or something else the guest could be deeply impressed by. Normally it works. The guests feel utterly comfortable in "their" room.

As Götz Alsmann plays different instruments and Christine Westermann can't sing at all (we all know that, she knows it, it's okay), there is of course much music in the show, ranging from plain singing to piano duets or free style jazz mini events. Sometimes a guest is nicely forced to sing and the audience is wowed by a stunning performance because nobody knew how good this person is in singing!

In between all this are the silly games we all know from the aforementioned birthday parties to round up the picture. They are absolutely delightful to watch. In the end the studio audience is asked whether the guest should get the room or not. They have to hold up red or green cards - the result could be like above!

This show is just for fun. I simply love it and watch it very Sunday at half past 10 pm on WDR. You should, too. Believe me.