Observed Signal · May 13, 2026 · Programming Announcement · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Bully Joins: Horst Schlämmer to Lead 'LOL' Season
Prime Video revealed shortly before the premiere of Season 7 of the comedy show "LOL" that Michael "Bully" Herbig will appear as a participant, and Hape Kerkeling will assume the leadership role in his Horst Schlämmer character. The season — produced by Constantin Entertainment and filmed last year — launches on Prime Video in mid‑May 2026. Episodes will be released weekly in double bills. The announced cast includes Carolin Kebekus, Elton, Max Giermann, Michelle Hunziker, Olaf Schubert, Martina Hill, Barbara Schöneberger, Torsten Sträter and Teddy Teclebrhan.
A casting and hosting change on Prime Video is notable for content and audience engagement on a major streaming platform but does not constitute a technical, policy, or commercial industry-shifting development.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Prime Video announced Michael "Bully" Herbig will participate in Season 7 of the comedy show "LOL".
- Hape Kerkeling will lead the new season performing as his character Horst Schlämmer.
- Season 7 of "LOL" is produced by Constantin Entertainment and was filmed in the previous year.
- The season premiered on Prime Video in mid‑May 2026 with episodes released weekly in double episodes.
- Named cast members include Carolin Kebekus, Elton, Max Giermann, Michelle Hunziker, Olaf Schubert, Martina Hill, Barbara Schöneberger, Torsten Sträter and Teddy Teclebrhan.
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Prime Video Unveils 2026/27 German Originals Slate
At a Berlin event, Prime Video unveiled its 2026/27 German originals slate, emphasizing continuity. The streamer now reaches over 17 million monthly ad-supported viewers. Highlights include the Gaumont-produced adaptation of Lilly Lucas's 'This Could Be Love'; the eighth season of 'LOL: Last One Laughing' around Easter 2027 and season two of 'LOL Next,' renewed before its first season aired; and the third and final 'Maxton Hall' season, premiering December 9. New titles span 'Perfekt Zusammen?!' with Anke Engelke and Bastian Pastewka, 'Drive – The Pretenders,' 'Queen Silvia' with Sat.1, Dennis Gansel's 'The Prototype,' and 'Holey Moley – Minigolf Extreme.' A fourth season of 'The 50' was confirmed. Tara Erer of Amazon MGM Studios noted German originals' global success, following Christoph Schneider's departure.
Prime Video Reveals Cast for 'LOL Next'
Prime Video has announced the cast for its new spinoff series "LOL Next," a creator-focused edition of the "LOL: Last One Laughing" format. The line-up includes creators and comedians such as Adrian Vogt (Aditotoro), Torge Oelrich (Freshtorge), Laura Larsson, Phil Laude and Selfiesandra. Hazel Brugger will serve as host and game leader. "LOL Next" shortens the format: ten participants spend up to four hours together, the season has four episodes, contestants are eliminated after their first laugh, and the €50,000 prize will be donated to charity. Production is by Constantin Entertainment (producer Otto Steiner; executive producer Lucie Hugen). The show is based on the Japanese original "Documental" by Hitoshi Matsumoto. No premiere date has been announced.
ProSieben reveals new cast for 'Wer stiehlt mir die Show?'
ProSieben has announced the celebrity panel for the next season of its Sunday primetime show "Wer stiehlt mir die Show?" Filming for six new episodes has begun in Berlin for an autumn broadcast. The confirmed challengers opposing host Joko Winterscheidt are Carolin Kebekus, Jens "Knossi" Knossalla and basketball player Moritz Wagner. Florida Entertainment is producing the episodes; Katrin Bauerfeind will again host the final round. The piece notes the format’s ratings trend: after three years in the Sunday 20:15 slot, recent average reach fell below one million on preliminary weighted figures (final weighting slightly higher), while the program still delivered a strong 15.8% market share in the key demographic this spring.
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