Celebrating 20 Years of G&G: A Journey Through Jet Set Glamour and Entertainment Stories

From Swiss Soirees to Matterhorn Climbs: Remembering 20 Years of “G&G’s” Most Memorable TV Moments

For two decades, the Swiss social magazine “glanz & Gloria” (later rebranded as “G&G faces and stories”) offered viewers a peek into the lives of celebrities and high society. The show, which premiered on March 29, 2005, on SRF, became a cultural touchstone, capturing moments both glamorous and unexpected. But like a star quarterback facing retirement,all good things must come to an end; the show concluded in the summer of 2025.

Nadja Zimmermann, the show’s original host, anchored the program solo for its first two years. I wasn’t allowed to get sick or be missing. I had to get pregnant until I finally got a moderation colleague, Zimmermann recalled, highlighting the demanding nature of the role. Her dedication mirrored that of an NFL player pushing through injuries to stay on the field.

In 2007, “G&G” received the prestigious prix Walo in the “TV production” category, signaling its arrival as a fixture of Swiss television. The program had arrived on Swiss television, Zimmermann stated, marking a significant milestone.

1. “G&G” at Weddings: Behind the Veil

“G&G” provided viewers with exclusive access to Swiss high society weddings, capturing intimate moments often unseen by the public. One notable example involved Christa Rigozzi, whose wedding in Ticino was filmed by the “G&G” team.

For me, of course, that’s a nice memory that remains, Rigozzi said. The wedding coverage culminated in a special broadcast, offering viewers a front-row seat to the celebration. This is akin to ESPN providing behind-the-scenes access to a Super Bowl-winning team’s locker room celebration.

2. Parties with Swiss Celebrities: Glitz and Glamour

The show regularly featured celebrities at glamorous parties, offering glimpses into their opulent lifestyles. At an event hosted by a home shopping network, entrepreneur Magdalena Martullo-Blocher revealed that she received a sapphire necklace because her son’s middle name is Zafiro. When asked about the necklace’s price, Roberto Martullo quipped with a laugh, enough.

Another memorable event was Monique Hollinger’s “Love & Peace” summer party in St. Tropez in 2016, attended by Carmen and Robert Geiss in full hippie attire. these events were the Swiss equivalent of the Met gala, offering a spectacle of fashion and celebrity.

3. With “G&G” You Don’t Have to Talk about Tennis: Federer’s Lighter Side

Roger Federer, in conversation with Nicole Berchtold, expressed relief that “Glanz & Gloria” didn’t always focus on tennis. We usually talk about other topics with ‘Glanz & Gloria’, he joked, highlighting the show’s ability to showcase a different side of celebrities.

Federer also shared personal anecdotes, revealing that his wife, Mirka, sometimes experiences jealousy. But we have little problems with it, he added. This humanizing touch is similar to seeing Tom Brady joke about household chores in a commercial,offering a relatable glimpse into the life of an icon.

4.Miss Switzerland Conquers the Matterhorn: redemption on the slopes

In 2009, Miss Switzerland Linda Fäh made headlines in the “G&G” series “Miss Perfect” when she failed to recognize the Matterhorn in a photo. Three years later, she sought redemption by climbing the iconic mountain with “G&G.”

Fäh spent a year preparing for the challenging climb, acknowledging the matterhorn’s reputation as one of the Alps’ most perilous peaks. It was definitely the craziest adventure in my life, Fäh said,showcasing her determination and resilience. This echoes the story of an underdog athlete overcoming adversity to achieve a seemingly unfeasible goal.

5.Cult-Rubrik “I or You”: A Battle of Wits

The “G&G Weekend” segment featured prominent duos answering entertaining “I or You” questions. In 2011,christa Rigozzi and Melanie Winiger were asked,”Who of you two is more gorgeous?” Both answered “I.” Winiger told Rigozzi: You are external, superficially beautiful. And me from the inside … to which Rigozzi countered: You are a stupid cow.

After 20 years, the social magazine “G&G – faces and stories” bid farewell to its audience in the summer of 2025. SRF director Nathalie Wappler explained: I very much regret that the daily program is now disappearing from the program. Though, due to the tense financial situation and the changed usage behavior with the audience, we had to make this decision. The show’s cancellation reflects the challenges facing customary media in the digital age, as audiences increasingly turn to streaming services and social media for their entertainment.

The legacy of “G&G” extends far beyond individual moments; it reveals a captivating shift in Swiss media and celebrity culture. The show, in its two-decade run, not only entertained but also offered a unique lens through wich to understand evolving social dynamics. Before its final curtain call in 2025, “G&G” captured the essence of Swiss society, its stars, and its penchant for both glamour and genuine human connection.

Key Moments: A 20-year “G&G” Retrospective

To truly appreciate the vast scope of “G&G,” consider the following highlights:

Moment

(brief description)

Icon representing a specific moment

Year

(when the event occurred)

Calendar icon

Celebrity(s) Featured

(names of individuals)

Icon of a person

Meaning/Impact

(Why it’s notable)

icon symbolizing impact

Christa Rigozzi’s Wedding Coverage

Various

Christa Rigozzi

Exclusive access to a high-profile Swiss wedding.

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher’s Sapphire Necklace

Various

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, Roberto Martullo

Insights into the affluence and preferences of Swiss entrepreneurs.

“Love & Peace” Party in St. Tropez

2016

Monique Hollinger, Carmen and Robert Geiss

Celebrity event coverage mirroring international fashion and social events.

Roger Federer’s Lighthearted Interview

Various

Roger Federer, Nicole Berchtold

Showcased Federer’s personality beyond his tennis career.

Linda Fäh’s Matterhorn Climb

2012

Linda Fäh

Showcasing a Miss Switzerland’s determination and personal growth.

“I or You” Segment with Rigozzi and Winiger

2011

Christa Rigozzi, Melanie Winiger

Entertaining celebrity banter and personality clashes.

“G&G faces and stories” proved to be a barometer of Swiss celebrity culture, reflecting changing societal norms and the evolving interests of its viewers. From its inception in 2005 to its finale in 2025, the program adeptly navigated and captured moments in the lives of the well-known and affluent. Its impact resonated with audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of personal stories about the individuals behind the fame.

FAQ on “G&G” – “Glanz & Gloria”

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Swiss social magazine “Glanz & gloria”/”G&G faces and stories,” its history, and its significance:

What was “G&G” (Glanz & Gloria)?

“G&G” (short for “Glanz & Gloria,” later “G&G faces and stories”) was a Swiss television show that provided insights into the lives of celebrities, high society, and notable individuals. It covered a range of topics, including weddings, parties, and interviews, offering viewers a glimpse into glamorous lifestyles and personal stories.

When did “G&G” air, and on which channel?

The show aired on SRF (Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen), the Swiss public broadcasting service. It premiered on March 29, 2005, and continued until the summer of 2025.

Who were some of the notable celebrities featured on “G&G”?

“G&G” featured a broad range of Swiss and international celebrities, including Roger Federer, Christa Rigozzi, and Linda Fäh. The show also showcased entrepreneurs, socialites, and personalities from various fields.

What made “G&G” unique?

“G&G” distinguished itself by offering exclusive access to high-profile events like weddings, parties, and personal interviews.It went beyond the superficial, revealing aspects of the personalities the audience was invested in. This allowed viewers to feel connected to celebrity culture in a relatable way, setting it apart from other lifestyle programs.

Why did “G&G” end?

The show concluded in the summer of 2025 due to a multitude of factors, including evolving audience behavior, financial constraints, and changes in media consumption habits. These evolving digital trends signaled a shift in how viewers access content, meaning the customary format of the television program was no longer as successful.

where can I watch old episodes of “G&G”?

Check the SRF website or streaming service for any available archival content. The availability of past episodes may vary.

How did “G&G” influence Swiss media?

“G&G” significantly influenced Swiss media by establishing a format for lifestyle programming. The show also helped to shape the Swiss celebrity landscape and audience expectations around access to celebrity news and culture.

What is the legacy of “G&G”?

“G&G” left a lasting legacy as a cultural touchstone, providing a unique record of Swiss society over two decades. The show’s intimate portrayals and exclusive access provided a mirror for the times, capturing both the glitz and genuine substance of celebrity life. it is remembered for its memorable moments.

James Whitfield

James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.

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