Die Anstalt

Claus von Wagner and Max Uthoff take a satirical look at social and political grievances. Together with their guests, they present topical cabaret in ever new styles and roles.

Die Anstalt (2014-present) is a German political satire series created by Claus von Wagner and Max Uthoff for ZDF. Hosts Claus von Wagner and Max Uthoff (both appearing as themselves) carry each episode, taking aim at social and political grievances in a stage-bound cabaret format that reshapes itself with every installment. Rather than following a single protagonist through a plot, the show is built from topical monologues, costumed sketches and pointed debates, with occasional guests such as Nico Semsrott, Sebastian Pufpaff and Norbert Blüm sharpening the argument. Each episode runs about fifty minutes and the series has now aired thirteen seasons, a continuing run of weekly installments that keeps pace with current events in Germany and beyond. The tone is sardonic and combative, with deadpan delivery, wordplay and a sharp eye for hypocrisy in power. Fans of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and The Daily Show will find resonance in its blend of informed commentary and comic performance, and viewers who enjoy German cabaret will recognize the tradition at its core.

• Last Week Tonight with John Oliversatirical political commentary, topical sketch-based critique of current affairs
• The Daily Showpolitical satire built on sharp topical monologue and guest interviews
• Extra 3German cabaret tradition of biting political satire delivered to camera

Release Date

2014-02-04

Episode runtime

50 min

Rating

8.4 / 10 (19)

What is Die Anstalt about?

A German political cabaret series in which two satirists skewer social and political grievances through ever-changing sketches and guests.

What is Die Anstalt like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Die Anstalt as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Die Anstalt violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Die Anstalt.

Which shows are like Die Anstalt?

Shows with a similar feel include Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Daily Show, and Extra 3.

How long is Die Anstalt?

Die Anstalt: 13 seasons, 103 episodes.

Is Die Anstalt still running?

Yes, Die Anstalt is still running.