Overview
- RTL removed Gladiators from its 20:15 Friday slot with immediate effect and replaced the next scheduled broadcast with a repeat of the documentary '70 Jahre Bravo – Das große Jubiläum'.
- The decision follows a sharp audience collapse from about 700,000 viewers in episode one to under 500,000 in episode two and a fall in the 14–49 market share from 9.2% to 5.2%.
- RTL will resume airing remaining Gladiators episodes from October 2 at 23:15, but each show will be interrupted by the midnight Nachtjournal and continue at 0:35.
- Early availability of the series on Prime Video did not translate into higher linear‑TV viewing, according to reporting on streaming and broadcast numbers.
- The move reflects commercial pressure on German primetime schedules and RTL’s hope that the new Ninja Warrior Germany season will provide a lead‑in boost while the 18 and 25 September 20:15 slots remain unannounced.