Disney+ vs RTL+

ZDF leads prime time, RTL scores with Europa League, Disney+ tops with 'City of Blood'

The Media analysis 'Video Daily' reports on German TV ratings and streaming charts. In prime time, ZDF's 'XY gelöst' led with 3.42 and 3.68 million viewers (16.6% and 18.1% market share), followed by ARD's film 'Wäldern' (2.23 million, 10.9%). RTL secured strong ratings for Bayer Leverkusen's Europa League match (2.17 million, 10.8%), though viewership dropped in the second half. Vox's 'Inside Ferrero' achieved good young audience shares. In streaming, Disney+'s German dystopian series 'City of Blood' debuted at #1 in German charts. Prime Video's 'Neagley' entered at #2, and Netflix's Polish series 'Die Puppe' appeared at #6. The NDR magazine 'Zapp' ranked #3 on YouTube with a report on Russia.

• ZDF's 'XY gelöst' reached 3.68 million viewers (18.1% share) in the second episode.
• RTL's Europa League match Bayer Leverkusen vs. NK Celje attracted 2.17 million viewers (10.8% share).
• Disney+ series 'City of Blood' debuted at #1 in German charts.

Disney+ Clarifies: No Third-Party Ads in Ad-Free Tiers

Recent reports suggested that Disney+ might introduce advertising across all its subscription tiers after an update to its terms of service caused confusion. The streaming service clarified to DWDL.de that nothing will change for subscribers on ad-free plans. The updated terms, which mentioned the possibility of advertising and sponsorship in all plans, were intended to account for sponsorship elements in live sports broadcasts and promotional trailers for Disney's own content. Disney+ confirmed that no classic third-party advertising will appear in its Standard and Premium ad-free tiers. The confusion arose because the terms did not clearly distinguish between traditional external ads and internal promotion.

• Disney+ updated its terms of service, leading to reports of potential ads in all subscription tiers.
• Disney+ confirmed to DWDL.de that ad-free subscription tiers will not receive traditional third-party advertising.
• Live sports broadcasts on Disney+ may include sponsorship elements and ad breaks.

Carter's Brand Refresh Targets Gen Z and Millennial Parents

Carter's has unveiled its first major brand refresh since 2000, aimed at appealing to Gen Z and millennial parents. The refresh includes a new logo (with an apostrophe replaced by a shooting star), a new visual identity, and a brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.' The accompanying 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, features a 60-second commercial on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu, as well as digital and social channels. The campaign emphasizes self-expression and individuality, supported by Pew Research data. Carter's also introduced a creator program called 'Light Makers' with up to 15 Glow Grants in the first year. The rebrand follows new CEO Sharon Price John's appointment and increased marketing spend, contributing to a 5% net sales increase in Q2 2026. Partnerships with Outward Bound and Boys & Girls Clubs of America support children and families.

• Carter's launched its first major brand refresh since 2000, including a new logo, visual identity, and brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.'
• The 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, with a 60-second spot airing on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu.
• The new logo replaces the apostrophe in 'Carter's' with a shooting star.

Investor Presentation Released: RTL+

AI parsed presentation narrative: RTL Group is successfully executing its transformation strategy, highlighted by the profitable growth of its streaming services and the strategic acquisition of Sky Deutschland (DACH) which closed on June 1, 2026. The group has confirmed its full-year and medium-term profitability targets, leveraging cost reduction programs and growing content scale to position itself as a major European entertainment leader. Strategic pillars: Portfolio Transformation, Continuous Profitable Streaming Growth.

RTLzwei to Launch New Exclusive Dating Format 'Maison Tabou'

RTLzwei has announced its new dating format 'Maison Tabou', which focuses on physical attraction and sexual fantasies. The show will premiere on linear TV on September 30, 2026, airing Wednesdays at 11:35 PM due to youth protection regulations. Episodes will also be available on RTL+, one week before linear broadcast. Produced by UFA Show & Factual, the format follows singles who check into a special hotel, shed their identities, and explore their sexual desires through anonymous blind dates. A character called 'Madame' orchestrates the encounters, and participants only reveal their true identities at a shared breakfast the next day. The show was previously announced at the Screenforce Festival.

• RTLzwei will premiere 'Maison Tabou' on September 30, 2026, at 11:35 PM on linear TV.
• Episodes will be available on RTL+ one week before the linear broadcast.
• The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual.

RTL+ Shows Hit Streaming Million-Mark; 'Reacher' Leads Amazon

In the last week of August 2026, RTL+ reported strong streaming viewership for its program brands. The soap 'Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten' set a new all-time weekly net reach record of 1.109 million viewers. The new season of 'Das Sommerhaus der Stars' premiered strongly on RTL+ with 1.079 million viewers before its linear TV start. The finale of 'Die Verräter' season four nearly reached the million mark with 0.997 million viewers, almost doubling last year's record. On Amazon's Prime Video, the series 'Reacher' continued to grow, reaching 1.574 million weekly viewers. Other notable shows included 'Two and a Half Men' on Amazon, and DAZN's Bundesliga coverage returned with 0.963 million viewers. The data comes from AGF Videoforschung's program brand measurement.

• GZSZ set a new RTL+ streaming weekly net reach record of 1.109 million viewers.
• Das Sommerhaus der Stars started with 1.079 million streaming viewers on RTL+.
• Die Verräter season 4 finale reached 0.997 million viewers on RTL+.