Heidi Klum wants the finale of „Germany’s Next Topmodel“ to be broadcast live again. The broadcaster has not agreed to this.
After the cover of season 21 leaked, an Instagram user asked if the finale would be live „this time.“ Klum replied: „YES, definitely.“ The German Press Agency (dpa) picked up the quote on September 28, 2026, via DIE ZEIT, among other outlets. That’s all the information provided. No date, no location, no confirmation from ProSieben.
What ProSieben really said
Spokeswoman Tina Land stated upon request: Filming for the 22nd season of „Germany’s Next Topmodel – by Heidi Klum“ successfully began a few days ago in Munich. „Our viewers will learn everything else about the current season in due course.“
That’s the standard formula when the broadcaster doesn’t want to commit to anything. Anyone who reads into it a live finale is reading something into it that isn’t there.
The show usually airs in the spring after filming. Season 22 is therefore expected to be broadcast in 2027. ProSieben has not yet announced a specific start date.
READ MORE: Heidi Klum at the Oktoberfest 2026: HeidiFest, Bräurosl – and an evening without Tom
Why the live question is coming up again
Season 21’s finale was not broadcast live in Germany for the first time. The episode was recorded at the Los Angeles Theatre at the end of February 2026 and aired on ProSieben and Joyn on May 28th at 8:15 pm. The theme was „Welcome to Hollywood.“ Guests included Sharon Stone, Nicole Scherzinger, Demi Lovato, Adriana Lima, and Winnie Harlow.
The day before the broadcast, subscribers of the German edition of „Harper’s Bazaar“ had their hands on the cover featuring the winners. Aurélie and Ibo were thus publicly known before Heidi Klum even raised her hand on TV. ProSieben initially spoke of strategies to counter speculation. Nevertheless, on the night of the final, it was precisely these two who were crowned winners.
The suspense was gone for the viewers. For the production team, that’s the real reason why Klum’s three words are now being used so extensively: the pre-recorded Hollywood finale eliminated the element of surprise.
Even before the broadcast, Klum told Gala magazine that she loves live shows and would have preferred the 2026 finale to be live. She admitted to complying with the network’s desire for a Hollywood-style finale. The new Instagram „YES!“ fits with this approach, but it doesn’t replace programming schedules.
Season 22 is filming – contestants remain outside
What’s certain: Filming for season 22 has begun in Munich. dpa dates this to the days before September 28, 2026, directly after the HeidiFest.
What’s still uncertain: Who will be in front of the camera. Names leaked early on don’t belong in this text. Sharing lists before the broadcaster confirms them is repeating the same mistake as with the cover.
The winners of the last season – Aurélie Carina and Ibrahim “Ibo” Ouro-Bodi – are only mentioned here for context. They won the pre-recorded finale, €100,000 each, and the Bazaar cover. That’s all that’s needed for the live question.
Live or tape: what viewers get out of it
Live means: No one can deliver the cover to their mailbox the day before. The decision is made in the living room and on stage in the same second. Mishaps happen. In 2025, the live finale at the SAP Arena in Mannheim was canceled due to a bomb threat. That remains part of the story.
Tape from LA means: celebrity guests, a shorter journey for Klum, a finished product. And the risk that a magazine will be faster than the broadcaster.
Anyone who’s watched GNTM for years knows both scenarios. The honest situation in September 2026: Klum publicly exerted pressure. ProSieben didn’t heed it. Until the state or the programming director announces a live finale, it remains just a wish.
When will season 22 air on TV?
No date has been set. The usual pattern: filming in autumn, release in spring. Joyn streams the episodes simultaneously with the TV broadcast, and then on demand. Those looking for the cast should wait for the official ProSieben list – not on forums.
READ MORE: Celebrity Big Brother 2026: Starts October 5th at 8:15 pm – Contestants, Stream, Late Night
FAQ
Will the GNTM finale in 2027 be live?
Unconfirmed. Heidi Klum wrote „YES, definitely.“ ProSieben has not confirmed the format.
When does GNTM season 22 start?
Filming is taking place in Munich. Following previous plans, the broadcast is scheduled for spring 2027. A specific air date has not yet been announced.
Who won GNTM 2026?
Aurélie and Ibo, in the pre-recorded final on May 28, 2026 on ProSieben.
