Overview
- RTL Zwei ended its collaboration with “Armes Deutschland” participant Jerome after a Reichsflagge and right‑wing posts were found, saying the show will not give a platform to extremist views.
- After abandoning a landscaping placement and citing health issues, “Hartz und herzlich” participant Pascal said he is back at the same employer following a Jobcenter appointment.
- New episodes show benefit shortfalls and delays, including Rostock’s Pamela receiving €80 instead of the approved sum above €700 and 19‑year‑old Leann still awaiting her transfer and vowing to confront the agencies.
- The series juxtaposes open refusals or postponements of work (such as Steven in Berlin and a pregnant Melanie in Stuttgart) with cases constrained by caregiving or health, and a mother in Rostock ending her small business to comply with benefit rules.
- Producers emphasize that participants are real people paid only modest expense fees as episodes air on RTL Zwei and stream on RTL+, drawing strong reactions that sustain the broader debate over representation and social policy.