Observed Signal · Aug 31, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
RTL to Stop Producing Daily Soap 'Unter uns'
RTL has announced the cancellation of its long-running daily soap opera 'Unter uns' after 32 years, with production ceasing at the end of 2026 and final episodes airing on RTL and RTL+ until March 2027. The decision follows shifting economic conditions and declining linear TV ratings, with average viewership dropping from nearly 1 million in 2022 to just over 600,000 recently, and reach in the 14-49 demographic often falling below 100,000. Performance on RTL+ was also insufficient. Producer UFA Serial Drama will explore alternative distribution options and new partnerships to continue the brand. Meanwhile, RTL's collaboration with UFA on other soaps like 'Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten' remains unaffected, and 'Alles was zählt' celebrated its 20th anniversary with stable ratings.
RTL ending a long-running, flagship linear TV show highlights the commercial and structural pressures traditional broadcasters face as audiences migrate to streaming platforms.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- RTL will end production of 'Unter uns' at the end of 2026, with final episodes airing on RTL and RTL+ until March 2027.
- Average viewership of 'Unter uns' dropped from nearly 1 million in 2022 to just over 600,000 recently, with 14-49 reach often below 100,000.
- The cancellation is driven by declining linear ratings, changing viewing habits, and insufficient streaming performance on RTL+.
- Producer UFA Serial Drama is actively exploring alternative distribution channels and new partnerships to continue the 'Unter uns' brand.
- RTL's collaboration with UFA for other soaps like 'Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten' remains unaffected, and 'Alles was zählt' saw stable ratings for its 20th anniversary.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Wie RTL Deutschland und UFA am Montag bestätigen, steigt RTL zum Jahresende aus der Produktion der Daily rund um die Schillerallee aus....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
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