When you think of German television over the past decades, names like Thomas Gottschalk and Stefan Raab come to mind. Now they meet again.
Summit meeting of the show legends: Ex-“Wetten, dass…?” presenter Thomas Gottschalk gets a new television job with Stefan Raab. On RTL+ he will now be the new game director in “You won’t win a million here with Stefan Raab,” as a broadcaster announced.
There are always new game managers on the show who are supposed to make sure that things are fair between Stefan Raab and the candidates he is competing against. Among others, Raab’s partner Elton, celebrity expert Frauke Ludowig and jungle camp moderator Jan Köppen have already taken on the role. Now Thomas Gottschalk takes over the baton. The episode will be available on the streaming platform RTL+ from Wednesday evening.
Gottschalk and Raab’s paths crossed again and again. Among other things, Raab, who is around 15 years younger, was once a guest when Gottschalk sang “Wetten, dass…?” was still king of Saturday night entertainment. After losing a bet, Raab came up with the idea of racing down an ice rink with a wok – the “Wok World Cup” was born.
Raab’s streaming show, which cannot be seen on the free RTL television program, increasingly lost audience after its launch. In the evaluation by AGF video research after the opening episode of the show in calendar week 38, the net reach was still around 790,000 people; a week later – after the second broadcast – the format had around 430,000 viewers. The net reach measures all viewers who accessed at least one of the episodes or their excerpts between Monday and Sunday.
In the currently evaluated calendar week from October 21st to 27th, the show reached a net reach of 230,000 people. This meant that the streaming-only show format fell out of the station’s top 10 list. At the top was the reality show “The Summer House of the Stars – Battle of the Celebrity Couples” with 920,000 viewers.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Television Expert
Editor: Welcome to our special segment today, where we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned television expert, Dr. Anna Schmidt. Anna, it’s a fascinating time for German television. We’ve just learned that two iconic figures, Thomas Gottschalk and Stefan Raab, are joining forces again. What does their reunion signify for the industry?
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for having me! Their reunion is truly significant. Gottschalk and Raab are not just entertainers; they represent a golden era of television in Germany. Their collaboration on the new show “You Won’t Win a Million Here with Stefan Raab” could potentially reshape the landscape of entertainment programming. It brings nostalgia but also a fresh take on classic game-show formats.
Editor: Absolutely! Gottschalk has been a household name for decades, and Raab is known for pushing boundaries. Can you tell us what we can expect from their dynamic on the show?
Dr. Schmidt: The combination of Gottschalk’s charisma and Raab’s unapologetic humor is bound to create captivating television. They complement each other well—Gottschalk with his charm and experience, and Raab, known for his sharp wit and clever formats. This new role of Gottschalk as the game director adds an interesting layer, as he’ll be responsible for ensuring fairness in the competitions, which is crucial in a show that thrives on competition.
Editor: Right, and fairness seems central to this new format with several game managers. What do you think this indicates about the direction of reality and game shows today?
Dr. Schmidt: Introducing multiple game managers like Elton and Frauke Ludowig indicates a trend towards a more dynamic and interactive experience. The role of fairness and the integrity of the game is becoming more crucial as audiences demand transparency. By having different hosts, it also allows for varied interactions and keeps the energy fresh. It’s a reflection of the evolving expectations of viewers who seek not just entertainment but engagement.
Editor: Interesting perspective! Given their history, how might their previous experiences shape this new show?
Dr. Schmidt: Both Gottschalk and Raab have a wealth of experience in understanding audience dynamics and entertainment trends. They know what works and what doesn’t. With “Wetten, dass…?”, they built a legacy of anticipation and excitement, which they can channel into developing new segments for this show. Fans of their previous work are likely to appreciate familiar elements while also welcoming innovative twists that keep things exciting.
Editor: It certainly sounds like a thrill! As an expert, are there any challenges you foresee in revitalizing such legendary careers?
Dr. Schmidt: Every revival has its risks. There’s always the challenge of meeting the high expectations of loyal fans while also attracting a younger audience. The television landscape has changed significantly, and today’s viewer has a myriad of platforms to choose from, so keeping the content relevant and engaging will be key. However, if anyone can navigate these challenges, it’s Gottschalk and Raab.
Editor: Well said! Emma, thank you for sharing your insights today. The anticipation for this show is palpable, and we can’t wait to see how these icons transform the game-show genre once again.
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time, indeed, and I look forward to seeing how this new venture unfolds.