SRF Replaces Longtime Show “G&G” with Cooking Format, Sees Viewership Rise
Swiss public broadcaster SRF replaced its 20-year-running program “G&G – Gesichter und Geschichten” with the cooking show “Zu Tisch” in August 2025, leading to a notable increase in viewership, according to SRF. The move followed the cancellation of “G&G” in June 2025, which had seen declining ratings over its final years.
Why Did SRF Cancel “G&G”?
“G&G – Gesichter und Geschichten,” originally titled “glanz & gloria,” had been a staple of SRF 1’s prime-time lineup for two decades. However, its ratings declined significantly, with viewership falling from an average of 200,000 in 2020 to 125,000 by 2024, a 37.5% drop, as reported by SRF. The broadcaster cited a strategic shift to focus more on primetime programming starting at 19:00, reallocating the early evening slot to “factual” formats. “G&G” had also faced ongoing criticism, with its rebranding and format changes in recent years failing to reverse its decline.
How Did “Zu Tisch” Perform?
The cooking series “Zu Tisch,” produced by the German-French cultural channel Arte since 2001, was introduced in August 2025 as a replacement. Initial broadcasts averaged 144,000 viewers, rising to 152,000 by late 2025, according to SRF data. This marked a recovery compared to “G&G”’s final ratings, with a 21.2% market share—two points higher than the show’s last months. The format, which features culinary journeys and home-cooked meals, appears to have resonated more with audiences, though SRF noted it remains a temporary solution ahead of potential future changes.
What About “Hinter den Hecken”?
While “Zu Tisch” saw success, SRF’s garden show “Hinter den Hecken” has struggled. Wiederholungen of the series, which features host Nicole Berchtold exploring private gardens, averaged just 94,000 viewers between March and June 2025, with a 16.8% market share. Despite lower numbers, SRF continues to air the show, citing seasonal relevance and programming strategy. A spokesperson stated, “Several programming factors support its continued broadcast,” though no specific details were provided.
What’s Next for SRF’s Schedule?
SRF plans to reintroduce “Zu Tisch” with new episodes in the fall of 2025, with additional formats under review for the early evening slot. The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to “factual” content, aligning with broader trends in public media to balance entertainment with educational programming. “The goal is to maintain engagement while adapting to audience preferences,” a statement said.
As SRF continues to refine its lineup, the shift from “G&G” to “Zu Tisch” highlights the challenges of sustaining long-running formats in a competitive media landscape. With viewership gains and strategic adjustments, the broadcaster aims to balance tradition with innovation.