The show was first aired on 2 September 2003 on Das Erste under the name Menschen bei Maischberger.

[2] It replaced the show Boulevard Bio moderated by Alfred Biolek.

On 13 January 2016, after 475 parts, the channel place changed and the show was renamed to maischberger.

[3] On 21 November 2017, due to the failed exploratory talks on the formation of a government after the federal election, an issue was broadcast on a Tuesday, exceptionally.

[5] The format is produced by the Berlin-based company Vincent Berlin GmbH, in which Sandra Maischberger has a stake, on behalf of Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR).