Observed Signal · Jun 29, 2026 · Production · Source: Meedia · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
RTL Commissions New Season of 'Der Lehrer'
RTL has commissioned a new season of the TV series 'Der Lehrer', returning the Hendrik Duryn-led format after a five-year hiatus. The Cologne-based broadcaster also announced renewals including the RTL+ mockumentary 'Shit Show – Welcome to Reality'. RTL says it will continue to expand its fiction slate: autumn premieres and revivals include 'Club der roten Bänder – Die neue Generation' on RTL+ and VOX, a reboot of 'Die Flodders' as a joint original for RTL+ and Dutch streamer Videoland, and further seasons or films for titles such as 'Pumuckl', 'Heidi' (a co-production with Swiss SRF) and the German adaptation 'Euphorie'. RTL will also continue multiple crime projects (e.g., 'Tödlicher Dienst-Tag', 'Alpentod', 'Behringer und die Toten', 'Dünentod'). Inga Leschek, Chief Content Officer of RTL Deutschland, framed the moves as part of a strategy combining comebacks and new ideas across the fiction portfolio.
A major German broadcaster (RTL) expanding its fiction slate and co-productions creates additional premium inventory across linear and streaming (RTL+, VOX, Videoland), which matters to advertisers, rights holders and inventory planning but is not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- RTL has commissioned a new season of the TV series 'Der Lehrer' starring Hendrik Duryn.
- RTL announced new seasons including the RTL+ mockumentary 'Shit Show – Welcome to Reality'.
- RTL plans autumn releases including 'Club der roten Bänder – Die neue Generation' on RTL+ and VOX, and a 'Die Flodders' reboot as a joint original for RTL+ and Videoland.
- RTL is co-producing a 'Heidi' series with Swiss Radio and Television (SRF) and is continuing multiple crime and family projects (e.g., 'Pumuckl', 'Euphorie', 'Tödlicher Dienst-Tag', 'Alpentod', 'Behringer und die Toten', 'Dünentod').
Connected Companies & Entities
7 Entities mapped“The Cologne media group has announced new seasons of 'Der Lehrer' and of the RTL+ mockumentary 'Shit Show – Welcome to Reality'....”
“The revival of the award-winning hospital series 'Club der roten Bänder – Die neue Generation' will start in autumn both on RTL+ and on VOX....”
“MEEDIA reported that the return of the 'Der Lehrer' series had recently become a success for RTL....”
“For five years RTL had put the series 'Der Lehrer' with Hendrik Duryn into a kind of early retirement; now the format returns with a new sea...”
“For five years RTL had put the series 'Der Lehrer' with Hendrik Duryn into a kind of early retirement; now the format returns with a new sea...”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
RTL Orders New 'Der Lehrer' Season After Comeback
RTL has announced another season of the revived series 'Der Lehrer' following a successful comeback. The broadcaster did not immediately disclose episode counts or storyline details. RTL also confirmed renewals for the mockumentary 'Shit Show - Welcome to Reality' (produced by Zeitsprung Pictures) and multiple other fiction projects, including new episodes of the 'Dünentod' franchise, 'Alpentod - Ein Bergland-Krimi', and 'Behringer und die Toten - Ein Bamberg-Krimi'. RTL plans additional slate additions for RTL+, such as a reboot of 'Die Flodders' co-produced with Videoland (Netherlands). Hendrik Duryn will remain a lead actor in upcoming RTL fiction. Inga Leschek, CCO of RTL Germany, praised the mix of strong comebacks and new ideas in the broadcaster's fiction portfolio.
RTL Revives 'Der Lehrer' with Hendrik Duryn Return
RTL has announced a comeback of the German TV series "Der Lehrer" with Hendrik Duryn returning as teacher Stefan Vollmer. The new season is produced by MadeFor after the original production company Sony no longer exists. The first two new episodes are available on RTL+ for streaming, and RTL will air three new episodes back-to-back on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 20:15. The revival keeps the show's mix of quirky comedy and warm-hearted drama while tackling contemporary school issues including bullying, financial hardship, teacher shortages and bureaucracy. The cast has been substantially reworked, with Duryn joined by actors outside the original "Der Lehrer" ensemble; Tanja Schleiff plays school principal Vanessa Bohm.
RTL's 'Der Lehrer' Sees Strong Ratings Rise
DWDL reports that the RTL revival 'Der Lehrer' grew its TV audience in its second week. Total reach per episode remained stable at about 1.11–1.27 million viewers, while performance in the core 14–49 target improved materially: episodes launched with roughly 450,000 viewers in that demo and achieved market shares between 13.3% and 14.1% (up from ~10.3–12.2% in week one). An 23:18 repeat delivered 15.9% market share with ~700,000 viewers. The article cites AGF audience data and notes competing primetime repeats (e.g., a «Zürich‑Krimi» in Das Erste with 4.09m viewers) while highlighting the show’s strength among young adults.
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