Abendprogramme

Abendprogramme refers to the portion of a television or radio schedule that is broadcast in the evening. In German-speaking countries, the Abendprogramm is typically the main, most widely watched part of the day and often runs from approximately early evening until late evening, with variations by country, broadcaster and season.

The content of Abendprogramme is diverse and usually includes news bulletins, talk shows, game and entertainment programs, feature films, series, documentaries, and sports events. Public broadcasters such as ARD and ZDF in Germany, ORF in Austria, and SRF in Switzerland curate evening lineups to serve broad audiences, while private channels balance entertainment with advertising considerations. Prime-time blocks within the Abendprogramm are commonly the peak audience hours and are frequently used for high-profile broadcasts.

Timing and structure vary by market. In many regions, Abendprogramme commonly starts around 18:00 to 19:00 and extends to about 22:00 to 23:00, with late-evening or late-night slots categorized as Spätprogramm. The arrangement and emphasis of content reflect grid scheduling, audience research, and regulatory or market-driven factors that influence what fits into the evening slate.

Historically, the concept developed with the expansion of television and the adoption of fixed daily schedules, distinguishing evening programming from daytime and late-night slots. The term is used across German-speaking countries to describe the customary set of programs aired after normal working hours, balancing information, entertainment, and cultural offerings for a broad public.