After completing his Abitur in 1998, he studied German and political science at Goethe University in Frankfurt.

After various stints as a reporter (Fit for Fun TV and Wissenshunger) at VOX, he got his own late night show on RTL, Achtung!

In January 2009, RTL sent him to the Australian jungle, where he was the special in the fourth season of Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!, hosted by him.

This was followed by Hartwichs Hockenheim-Test and the 101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow at RTL before he hosted, for the third time and together with Schreyl, Das Supertalent.

In January 2013, Hartwich succeeded Dirk Bach in hosting Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!, together with Sonja Zietlow.