A year after launching three innovative sub‑formats, DW's Arabic‑language multimedia show JaafarTalk returns May 5 with second seasons of "Step by Step," "Open Up," and "It's My Secret" – reaffirming its core premise: innovation and dialogue in times of polarization and division.

The global community around JaafarTalk continues to grow, now reaching more than nine million followers across social media platforms. At a time when press freedom faces increasing challenges and public discourse is shaped by misinformation and polarization, JaafarTalk has emerged as a space for open, free, and constructive dialogue. Young guests can exchange views and present their arguments, helping them develop and refine their own positions.

Rooted in the core values that make DW today more needed than ever with its focus on dialogue, innovation, and freedom—JaafarTalk continues to evolve with the launch of new seasons of three of its flagship programs.

"JaafarTalk demonstrates how innovative formats and genuine multiperspectivity can open up complex topics in ways that truly resonate with younger audiences," says DW Managing Director Barbara Massing. "By combining dialogue-driven storytelling with fresh, interactive and playful approaches, the format not only reaches new target groups but also expands the space for understanding and exchange across generations."

Nadja Scholz, DW Managing Director Programming, adds: "Our programming strategy focuses on addressing the issues that are truly relevant to our audiences, rooted in their own regional realities. By bringing local perspectives and experiences to the foreground, JaafarTalk succeeds in reaching more young people and creating a space where they can engage across differences and work together toward shared understanding and solutions."

Step by Step

After a successful first season and award-winning recognition in the Innovative Factual Video category at the 2025 AIB Awards in London, "Step by Step" is back—bigger, bolder, and more urgent—for Season Two. The new season expands to even more countries, focusing on uniting young people at a moment when division and polarization are on the rise.

Powered by its innovative game-style format, "Step by Step" takes participants through four steps that push them to listen deeply, challenge assumptions, persuade, and uncover common ground in order to find solutions. Season Two invites viewers into a powerful social experiment—proving that when people engage step by step, understanding can outshine conflict.

Open Up

What happens when we finally ask the questions we have waited too long to ask? "Open Up" creates a safe and emotional space for people to speak honestly with the ones they love. The hardest conversation is the one we need most. Answering deep questions and solving certain challenges, the format creates heartfelt conversations that bring people closer and help overcome their differences. 

My Secret

What if we finally said the things we’ve been too afraid to share? "My Secret" returns with a new season, creating a safe space for real people to reveal hidden truths behind a mask. Participants are given a mask to protect their identity as they share deeply personal confessions. At the end, they face one final choice: whether to remove the mask and reveal who they are. The series breaks the silence around taboo topics, and everyday realities often left unspoken.

About JaafarTalk

JaafarTalk is an award-winning multimedia format airing on DW, Germany's international broadcaster, with over 9 million followers on social media. Hosted by award-winning journalist Jaafar Abdul Karim, the program operates under the claim "diversity sparks dialogue," engaging young generations.