Overview
- RTL removed Gladiators from its Friday 20:15 primetime after the second broadcast delivered a sharp drop in viewers and the advertiser‑relevant 14–49 market share.
- Audience figures fell from about 700,000 viewers and 9.2% in the 14–49 demo for the premiere to roughly 470,000 viewers and 5.2% for episode two.
- The network replaced the scheduled 11 September airing with a documentary repeat and announced remaining episodes will air from 23:15 on 2 October and be interrupted at midnight for the nightly news.
- Industry coverage points to the prior availability of episodes on Prime Video and strong competition from shows such as ZDF’s Der Quiz‑Champion as key reasons the format failed to hold primetime viewers.
- RTL will use the freed primetime for Ninja Warrior Germany, a move that reduces Gladiators’ advertiser reach and signals a quick programming pivot driven by short‑term ratings pressure.