Stefan Raab's Comeback on RTL Faces Major Setbacks

March 10, 2026 7:41pm

Stefan Raab's return to RTL has been marked by low ratings and financial pressures, with a new quiz show serving as a critical test for both his and RTL's future.

Key details

• Stefan Raab's return to RTL has struggled with low ratings and canceled formats.
• RTL invested approximately 90 million euros in Raab's projects over five years.
• A new quiz show, 'Wer weiß wie wann was war?', is launching but faced low attendance during filming.
• RTL's content chief, Inga Leschek, acknowledges Raab’s value but warns of network challenges amid declining revenue.

Stefan Raab's much-anticipated return to RTL television has struggled to meet expectations, casting doubt on the network's investment and future plans. Since his return on September 14, 2024, Raab's shows have failed to draw the desired younger audience, with ratings falling short and many formats canceled after brief runs. His boxing match defeat against Regina Halmich early on mirrored the challenges ahead.

RTL, which has invested around 90 million euros over five years in Raab's projects, is now placing hopes on a new quiz show, 'Wer weiß wie wann was war?', designed to engage three generations in competition and co-hosted by Barbara Schöneberger. However, the show's recording saw disappointing studio attendance, partly due to the carnival season.

RTL’s content chief, Inga Leschek, emphasized Raab's value beyond just ratings but acknowledged the network's precarious position amid a 20% drop in advertising revenue since 2019 and ongoing financial pressures including job cuts. She expressed frustration over the intense focus on Raab amid these struggles.

The network faces difficult decisions soon, as the success of Raab’s new quiz show could determine his future with RTL and influence broader programming strategies. If the show fails to captivate audiences, RTL might need to reconsider its approach to retain viewer engagement in challenging times.

This article was translated and synthesized from German sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.