Observed Signal · Jun 25, 2026 · Ratings Report · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Vox closes season with slight audience gains
Vox stabilized in the 2025/26 season and recorded a small increase in market share after a weaker 2024/25. The channel overtook rival Sat.1 in most months across both target-group definitions. The recovery was driven by stronger performances from legacy formats: Sing meinen Song achieved its highest market shares in the classic target group in nine years and its best absolute reach since 2021, while Die Höhle der Löwen reversed its ratings decline after format tweaks and the return of Frank Thelen. New spin-offs and extensions from Steffen Henssler and Tim Mälzer had mixed results: some launches underperformed and Mälzer’s reduced presence on Kitchen Impossible hurt that show. Sebastian Lege grew his pull with younger viewers and is moving from ZDF to RTL Deutschland. Vox’s October decision to pause new First Dates production nearly put the licensed format at legal risk, demonstrating programming-savings pitfalls.
Audience and programming shifts at a commercial broadcaster affect linear-TV inventory, advertiser planning and media-sales strategies in the German market, but the story is localized and not industry‑shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Vox slightly increased its market share in the 2025/26 season after a weak 2024/25.
- Vox finished ahead of Sat.1 in most months across both target-group definitions during 2025/26.
- "Sing meinen Song" delivered the highest market shares in the classic target group in nine years and its best absolute reach since 2021.
- "Die Höhle der Löwen" reversed its recent ratings decline after concept adjustments and bringing back Frank Thelen.
- On October 10, Vox decided to pause production of new "First Dates" episodes, a move that risked losing licensing rights.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“Vox was able to leave Sat.1 behind again in most months across both target-group definitions....”
“Sebastian Lege, who had been appearing on ZDF, grew in popularity at Vox and is now moving entirely from ZDF to RTL Deutschland....”
“After a heavy setback in 2024/25, Vox stabilized in the 2025/26 season and was able to slightly increase its market share....”
“The article notes that bringing Rütter's puppy format from RTL to Vox had produced lower-than-expected results....”
“The article notes that bringing Rütter's puppy format from RTL to Vox had produced lower-than-expected results....”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Vox Pre‑Evening Posts Year‑High TV Ratings
Vox achieved year-best market-share figures in the pre-evening schedule, driven by strong performance from Das Duell - Zwischen Tüll und Tränen and First Dates. AGF measurement data for 15 July 2026 show Zwischen Tüll und Tränen rose to 10.0% (14–49) at 16:00 (0.49 million viewers) and to 12.3% at 17:00 (0.68 million). First Dates held a 12.3% share in the 14–49 demo (but fewer viewers than its predecessor) and scored 7.4% in the 14–59 group. Das perfekte Dinner delivered 9.9% (14–49) and 6.8% (14–59) with 0.62 million viewers. Data sources cited include AGF SCOPE / AGF Videoforschung. The article was published on 2026-07-16 by DWDL.de.
Vox-"Löwen" starten mit Reichweiten-Tief in neue Staffel - DWDL.de
Vox's 'Die Höhle der Löwen' premiered its new season with a record-low 890,000 total viewers, though it achieved a strong 10.7% market share among the 14-49 demographic. The third episode rebounded to 1.23 million viewers (up 50,000 week-over-week) and secured the show's highest young-adult share in a year at 14.2%, attracting 430,000 viewers in that age group. Meanwhile, Sat.1's 'Villa der Versuchung' struggled, drawing only 710,000-740,000 viewers and missing the top 25 in the young demo. On ProSieben, 'Georgie & Mandy' performed moderately (market shares ranging from 7.2% to 9.8% among young viewers), while 'Ted' and 'St. Denis Medical' underperformed. Linear ratings may be partially offset by delayed viewing and streaming on RTL+.
Vox and RTLzwei Score Strong TV Ratings
Across two recent measurement days, Vox benefited from its long-form documentary Wir werden groß — on 28 July it drew 550,000 viewers overall with a strong young audience, and on Tuesday 4 Aug Vox led daily market share (7.6%) with Wir werden groß delivering 230,000 viewers (9.1% in 14–49). RTLzwei’s new Imbisshelden - Voll lecker initially boosted reach after Hartz und herzlich (raising reach to 440,000 and 14–49 to 170,000) but fell to 340,000 viewers (4.6% 14–49) on 4 Aug while Hartz und herzlich climbed to about 470,000 (8.0% 14–49). RTL’s repeat Einsatz Seeler attracted 1.73 million viewers. Audience data are from AGF Videoforschung (AGF SCOPE).
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