Jochen Schropp, 45, participates as a contestant in the six-part series “Licht Aus” on Prime Video, premiering October 31. He spent 120 hours in complete darkness with seven other celebrities, under the supervision of host Steven Gätjen and a psychological therapist. Throughout the show, they faced challenges that allowed them to earn rewards, such as time in the light. In a recent interview, Schropp reflects on his experience, personal growth, and the valuable lessons learned during this intense experiment.
Starting October 31, Jochen Schropp, 45, will appear in the six-part series “Licht Aus” on Prime Video. Instead of taking on the role of host, he embraced the challenge as a participant. Alongside seven other well-known contestants, he immersed himself in total darkness for 120 hours, under the watchful eyes of host Steven Gätjen, 52, and a psychological therapist.
Together with Pietro Lombardi, 32, Negah Amiri, 31, Gloria Burkandt, 25, Jeannine Michaelsen, 42, Gedeon Burkhard, 55, Luna Schweiger, 27, and Timur Turga, he competed in various challenges to earn advantages. Successfully completing these tasks often led to rewards like time spent in the light. In an interview with spot on news, Schropp reveals who supported him during tough times and how his perspective shifted throughout the show.
Five Days in Complete Darkness – What Did It Demand from You?
Jochen Schropp: Surprisingly, it was easier than I expected. Five days in absolute darkness also meant five days without a phone. It was a total slowdown.
How Did It Feel to Have to Give Up One of Your Senses and Rely on the Others? Was It Your Biggest Challenge?
Schropp: By late afternoon, my concentration would wane, and I occasionally bumped into walls. Overall, I had little trouble orienting myself.
What Was Your Motivation to Participate in the Show? What was Your Goal?
Schropp: I love trying new things and taking on challenges. People pay a lot to go on silent retreats or engage in extreme activities. When I received the offer, I initially hesitated, wondering if it was right for me. However, after several discussions with friends, I decided to embark on this adventure. My goal was to test my limits, including living in close quarters with seven other people.
What Were Your Thoughts Just Before the Lights Went Out?
Schropp: You spend nights anticipating the start and feeling both anxious and excited. When the lights went out, I simply thought, “Okay, here we go!” I didn’t have time to reflect further because I was already fully engaged in the experiment, discovering things continuously.
What Was the Group Dynamic and Atmosphere Like? Was It More Difficult to Resolve Tense Situations in the Dark?
Schropp: It’s inherently more challenging to create a tense situation in complete darkness since you can’t read the expressions of others. There were moments when we had to lift each other up because someone felt down or anxious. We were all very gentle and caring with one another, which fostered a fantastic group dynamic. That harmonious atmosphere was one of my favorite experiences.
Did You See the Tasks as a Distraction from the Situation, or Were They an Additional Source of Strain?
Schropp: It depended on the task. The group challenge where we had to locate each other in a huge space while receiving electric shocks was the toughest for me at the time. However, the feeling of having accomplished that task together as a group was truly rewarding.
How Did You Overcome Personal Low Points During That Time? What Thought Gave You Strength?
Schropp: Surprisingly, the darkness brought a tremendous sense of calm within me. I managed to focus away from past problems and what awaited me after “Licht Aus,” staying in the moment. This feeling was incredibly liberating and made many worries feel insignificant. Additionally, I had two supportive people in Jeannine Michaelsen and Negah Amiri who were always there for me.
What Were Some of the Funniest Incidents That Happened in the Dark?
Schropp: Eating in the dark and colliding with each other often led to laughs, even if it was occasionally painful.
Did You Perform Better or Worse Than You Expected?
Schropp: I definitely performed better than I initially thought I would.
What Did You Do First After the Show? What Were You Looking Forward To?
Schropp: I had plans that evening to meet a friend in Cologne, and I felt completely overwhelmed. There were cars everywhere, way too many people on the street, and just the noise was intense. I was excited to talk with my husband and friends, but I also wished I could have kept my phone off for a while longer.