Stefan Raab Moves to Late-Night Slot in Major RTL+ Programming Shift
COLOGNE, 4 February 2026 – Germany’s most prominent entertainer, Stefan Raab, is set to pivot his broadcasting strategy. Following a series of high-profile comeback attempts, the veteran producer and host will move his flagship programme, ‘Die Stefan Raab Show’, to a late-night slot exclusively on the streaming platform RTL+ starting next week.
A New Late-Night Strategy
Beginning 10 February 2026, ‘Die Stefan Raab Show’ will air every Tuesday at 22:00. In a significant expansion of his digital presence, the show will now be produced twice weekly as part of what RTL Deutschland describes as a “newly aligned late-night strategy.” This move follows a period of experimentation after Raab’s return to the screen in late 2024, which included the physical challenge ‘Raab vs. Halmich’ and the game show ‘Stefan & Bully gegen irgendson Schnulli’.
Industry analysts suggest the shift to a 22:00 slot is designed to capture a more dedicated streaming audience. Despite some “mixed results” in linear television ratings during 2025, RTL remains committed to the entertainer, citing his exclusive five-year contract which is reportedly valued at €90 million.
Eurovision and Primetime Ambitions
Beyond his late-night duties, Raab continues to exert influence over Germany’s musical landscape. He is heavily involved in the selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026. Reports indicate that the national final, ‘Das deutsche Finale 2026’, will feature a retrospective of Germany’s most beloved ESC entries, a category Raab has historically dominated as both a performer and producer.
Key Facts: Stefan Raab’s 2026 Schedule
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Airtime | Tuesdays at 22:00 (Starting 10 February 2026) |
| Platform | RTL+ (Exclusive Streaming) |
| Frequency | Twice weekly episodes |
| Contract Value | Estimated €90 million (5-year term) |
| ESC Involvement | Co-organising ‘Das deutsche Finale 2026’ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the new Stefan Raab shows?
The current and upcoming episodes of ‘Die Stefan Raab Show’ are available exclusively on the streaming service RTL+. While some special events may appear on linear TV, the primary late-night format is digital-only.
Is Stefan Raab returning to the Eurovision Song Contest?
Yes, Raab is working closely with ARD and SWR for the 2026 selection process. He aims to revitalise Germany’s standing in the competition, leveraging his previous success with artists like Lena Meyer-Landrut.
What happened to ‘TV total’?
While ‘TV total’ continues to air on ProSieben with a different host, Raab’s new productions on RTL+ incorporate many of the classic “Late-Night” elements he pioneered, including musical guests and satirical commentary on current events.