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RTL Moves 'Let’s Dance' Replays Behind Paywall as WWM Week Features Jauch Slip and News Delay

The broadcaster’s subscription push is meeting viewer pushback, shaping early perceptions of the new dance season.

Overview

  • RTL confirmed that Let’s Dance is available only in the RTL+ premium tier this season, ending free catch‑up viewing and prompting critical comments on the show’s social channels.
  • Season 19 pairings were set in the February 27 kickoff, with Joel Mattli earning a Direktticket that guarantees his place in the next show and has fueled fairness debates among viewers.
  • Contestants reported heavy early training strain, with several describing fatigue, pain and frustration as they prepare for the first elimination on March 6.
  • Ex‑pro Christian Polanc said in his podcast that Betty Taube/Alexandru Ionel, Vanessa Borck/Victoria Sauerwald and Willi Whey/Patricija Ionel need fast improvement, while rating Joel Mattli a frontrunner.
  • On March 2, RTL aired an RTL Aktuell Spezial on the Middle East that pushed Wer wird Millionär? to a later start; during the broadcast Günther Jauch acknowledged an on‑air hint he blurted, and contestant Nadine Christmann finished with €8,000 after audience help.