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Barbara Karlich says goodbye: The end of a talk era on ORF!
Barbara Karlich says goodbye to ORF after more than 25 years. Is your talk show “Talk at 4” over? More information!
Barbara Karlich says goodbye: The end of a talk era on ORF!
After more than 25 years on the ORF afternoon program, Barbara Karlich says goodbye to her talk show “Barbara Karlich – Talk at 4”. ORF has confirmed that the show will be canceled and the last new episodes will be filmed at the end of June 2025. The pre-produced episodes are scheduled to be broadcast by the end of 2026. ORF program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz has emphasized that the show's team has already received layoffs, which seals the closure of the format.
“Barbara Karlich – Talk at 4” holds the record for the longest running time in German-speaking countries, having premiered in October 1999. A total of over 4,500 episodes were produced, although most recently without a studio audience. Despite the impending discontinuation, Karlich never considered ending her career and emphasized that her show was one of respect and did not degenerate into "mud-catching."
The end of an era
The decision to discontinue the talk format also comes in the context of specified savings at ORF totaling three million euros per year. ORF did not officially comment on these cost-cutting measures, but the falling ratings in recent years have led to a review of the program offering. The show's topics covered a wide range, including love, jobs, desires, dreams, health, family, transgender and homosexuality. Barbara Karlich also noted that the show rarely discussed political topics.
However, after the end of “Barbara Karlich – Talk at 4”, the presenter will remain with ORF. Future formats with Karlich are already being planned, including possibly a 45-minute format in the second main evening program in 2026. This new programming is viewed by ORF as part of the path to a new era in television.
For viewers, this means the end of an afternoon television institution that has entertained and informed many people for over two decades. It remains to be seen how Barbara Karlich will continue to be involved in the ORF as planned.
Further information on this topic can be found at Vienna, [Kurier](https://kurier.at/kultur/medien/medien- Fernsehen-barbara-karlich-talkshow-im-orf-wird-einsteller-team-gekuendigt/403034900) and Kosmo.