Arabella Kiesbauer Takes Helm as “Bares for Rares” Host

Arabella Kiesbauer to Host German ‘Bares for Rares’ – A New Chapter for the Beloved Auction Show

Berlin, Germany – Television personality Arabella Kiesbauer is set to take the helm of the hugely popular German auction show, “Bares für Rares,” succeeding long-time host Horst Lichter. The change in guard will be officially marked with the broadcast of the first episodes under Kiesbauer’s direction in the new year.

Kiesbauer, a familiar face on German television sence the 1990s, first rose to prominence with her ProSieben talk show, “Arabella.” Her career has spanned a diverse range of roles, including a judging position on the inaugural season of the Swiss casting show “Musicstar” in 2003-2004, alongside Roman kilchsperger and nina Havel. The show captivated audiences and achieved record viewership figures at the time.

More recently,Kiesbauer has been a mainstay of Austrian television,hosting the Austrian version of the dating show “Bauer sucht Frau” (Farmer Wants a Wife) on ATV since 2014. She also took over hosting duties for the RTLZWEI reality show “Fight of Reality Stars – Shipwrecked on the Dream Beach” in Spring 2025, stepping into the role previously held by Cathy Hummels.

“bares für Rares,” which translates to “Cash for Rares,” has become a cultural phenomenon in Germany. The show’s format centers around individuals bringing in valuable items to be assessed and auctioned off to a panel of antique dealers. Its enduring appeal lies in the blend of ancient insight, negotiation, and the thrill of discovering hidden treasures.

Why ‘Bares für Rares’ Endures: The Allure of antiques and the Human Connection

The continued success of “Bares für Rares” speaks to a broader resurgence of interest in antiques and vintage items. In an era of mass production and disposable consumerism, the show offers a refreshing focus on craftsmanship, history, and the stories behind objects.

Beyond the monetary value, the show taps into a essential human interest with the past.Each item brought onto the show represents a tangible link to previous generations, sparking curiosity and prompting viewers to consider their own family histories and heirlooms. The dynamic between the sellers and the dealers – a mix of shrewd bargaining and genuine appreciation – adds another layer of entertainment, making “Bares für rares” a compelling watch for a wide audience.

Kiesbauer’s appointment signals a new era for the show,and fans will be eager to see her unique style and personality injected into this beloved format. The show continues to be a ratings winner, as evidenced by recent stories of notable sales, such as a mother-daughter duo who secured a remarkable 36,000 euros for antique plates on December 21, 2023.

How might Arabella KiesbauerS hosting style differ from Horst Lichter’s, possibly impacting viewer engagement?

Arabella Kiesbauer Takes Helm as “Bares für Rares” Host

A New Era for the Popular German Auction Show

The beloved German television show Bares für Rares (Cash for Rares) has a new face at the helm. As of August 2025, Arabella Kiesbauer has officially taken over hosting duties from long-time presenter Horst Lichter. This marks a important shift for the show, which has captivated audiences with its blend of antiques, valuations, and shrewd bargaining. The transition has been highly anticipated, generating considerable buzz amongst fans of the program and the antik (antique) community.

Who is Arabella Kiesbauer?

Arabella Kiesbauer is a well-known figure in German television. Her career spans decades, encompassing roles as a presenter, actress, and moderator.

Early Career: Kiesbauer began her career in the 1990s, gaining recognition for her work on RTL and Sat.1.

“Die grosse Talkshow” (The Big Talk Show): she hosted this popular late-night talk show for several years, showcasing her interviewing skills and ability too connect with guests.

“Arabella Live”: Another triumphant format she led, demonstrating her versatility as a presenter.

Recent Projects: Prior to Bares für Rares, Kiesbauer has been involved in various television projects, including hosting events and appearing as a judge on talent shows.

Her experience and charismatic personality make her a natural fit for Bares für Rares, promising a fresh dynamic while maintaining the show’s core appeal.

The Transition from Horst Lichter

Horst Lichter hosted Bares für Rares for nearly a decade,becoming synonymous with the show’s success. His warm demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for antiques endeared him to viewers. Lichter announced his departure in late 2024, citing a desire to pursue new creative projects.

The change in hosts has sparked discussion among viewers, with many expressing both sadness at Lichter’s departure and excitement to see what Kiesbauer will bring to the role. ZDF, the broadcasting channel, emphasized that the decision was made amicably and with Lichter’s full support. The handover was carefully planned to ensure a smooth transition for the production team and the show’s loyal audience.

What to Expect with Arabella Kiesbauer as Host

Kiesbauer’s approach to hosting Bares für Rares is expected to be slightly different from Lichter’s. While maintaining the show’s established format – featuring expert valuations, dealer negotiations, and compelling personal stories – she is anticipated to bring a more modern and dynamic energy to the program.

Emphasis on Storytelling: Kiesbauer is known for her ability to draw out compelling narratives from guests, which could lead to even more engaging stories behind the items brought to the show.

Interactive Elements: There’s speculation about potential new interactive elements, possibly incorporating social media or online engagement with viewers.

Maintaining the Core Appeal: ZDF has assured fans that the fundamental elements of Bares für Rares – the expert appraisals, the dealer room dynamics, and the thrill of the auction – will remain unchanged.

The “Bares für Rares” Format: A Swift Overview

For those unfamiliar with the show, Bares für rares follows a simple yet captivating premise:

1. Submission: Individuals submit their antiques and collectibles to the show.
2. Expert valuation: Experts assess the items, providing an estimated market value and historical context. Key experts include dr. Heide Rezepa-Zabel, Sven hansen, and Colmar Schulte-Gobel.
3. Dealer Room: The item’s owner then enters the “dealer room,” where a group of professional antique dealers compete to purchase the item.
4. Negotiation & Sale: The owner negotiates with the dealers, ultimately deciding whether to accept an offer and sell their item.

The show’s popularity stems from its blend of education, entertainment, and the human drama of parting with cherished possessions. Antikmarkt (antique market) enthusiasts and casual viewers alike are drawn to the show’s unique format.

Impact on the Antique Market

Bares für Rares has had a demonstrable impact on the German antique market. The “Bares für Rares effect” refers to the increased interest in antiques and collectibles following the show’s broadcast.

Increased Awareness: The show has raised public awareness of the value of antiques and the importance of proper valuation.

Demand for Specific items: Items featured on the show often experience a surge in demand, as viewers become interested in similar pieces.

Boost for Antique Dealers: The show provides valuable exposure for antique dealers, connecting them with potential buyers and sellers.

Where to Watch “Bares für Rares”

Bares für Rares airs on ZDF in Germany. Episodes are also available on ZDFmediathek, the channel’s online streaming platform. International viewers may be able to access the show through various streaming services or online platforms, depending on regional availability. The show consistently ranks among the