Germany has a long tradition of television comedy stretching as far back as the 1950s, and with its origins in cabaret and radio.

Otto Gerhard Waalkes, also known as simply Otto, is a German comedian, actor, musician, writer and comic book artist. He became famous in the 1970s and 1980s in Germany with his shows, books and films. His best known trademark are the 'Ottifanten' ('Ottiphants'), elephant-like comic characters of his own design. They featured on the cover of his first album release.