ZDF Die Küchenschlacht repeat episodes and broadcaster response, Digi Mart USA News: Viewers of the ZDF cooking show „Die Küchenschlacht“ will have to go without new episodes this week. From November 9 to 13, 2026, the broadcaster is instead showing repeats from 2023, a decision that has drawn complaints from some fans.
A current themed week, known as an Ehemaligen-Woche, features six former contestants competing against each other again. The cooking duels are moderated by Zora Klipp.
According to the production company Fernsehmacher, which confirmed this on its website, the episodes being shown were recorded three years ago.
Questions about the programming have accumulated under a post on the show’s official Instagram account. One viewer asked why a repeat was being aired this week and what the reason was.
The broadcaster responded that repeats are a fixed part of TV programming and that there will therefore occasionally be repeat weeks in the future.
Not all viewers accepted that explanation. One user suggested financial motives behind the decision, sarcastically commenting that cost-cutting measures could have been explained more briefly.
Whether financial considerations played a role is not known.
The show’s editorial team added that when selecting repeat weeks, it considers the time of year and seasonal circumstances. Older episodes are also chosen so that the dishes shown suit the respective season.
New episodes are planned again from Monday, November 16, 2026, when Mario Kotaska takes over moderation of the fifth „ChampionsWeek“ of the year. The show continues to air Monday through Friday at 2:15 p.m.
on ZDF.
Separately, a vegan menu won praise in another cooking show. A creative appetizer in particular drew considerable acclaim at the table on „Das perfekte Dinner.“
