September 17, 2024, 8:06 am | Read time: 4 minutes
RTL is one of the largest and most successful private TV channels in Germany. It owes this not least to its numerous own shows; the channel is particularly strong in the reality sector. However, one of the best-known formats will no longer be available on free TV: “Die Bachelorette.”
RTL only announced the new Bachelorette in mid-April. Since then, it has been clear that Stella Stegmann will be giving her roses – for the first time – to both male and female candidates in the 11th season of the dating show. But that is not the only important change. The broadcaster also announced that the new episodes will no longer be shown on free TV.
“Die Bachelorette” exclusively on RTL+ going forward
Instead, the entire show will move to the broadcaster’s paid streaming subscription. Moving forward, Die Bachelorette will be exclusively available on RTL+. This requires a Premium or Max package from the streaming service, which can be booked from 8.99 euros per month. It’s not a new development for individual episodes to be accessible on RTL+. Until now, however, they have also been shown in prime time on Wednesdays at 8.15 pm.
However, the show will now air on Mondays. The new season of the popular reality show starts on August 26. The streaming service will begin by showing the first two episodes. It will then continue with one episode per week. The 11th season of Die Bachelorette comprises 12 episodes, with the finale being shown on November 4.
Why can you only watch “Die Bachelorette” on RTL+?
We can only speculate about the exact reasons behind the decision. An RTL spokesperson responded to a TECHBOOK query in June:
At RTL, we continually analyze where and how we can best present our formats in order to optimally reach our audience. We have therefore decided to fully integrate Die Bachelorette into our streaming service of our all-inclusive entertainment app RTL+. In this way, we are further expanding the RTL+ offering and offering viewers a larger selection of exclusive content.
RTL speaker to TECHBOOK
One apparent reason is the intention to bolster the RTL+ service. A well-known brand like Die Bachelorette can, of course, be an important driving force for this, particularly since its ratings are not so high that it cannot be replaced on free TV. The past 10th season, in particular, fell short of expectations.
Another important aspect is that the show is particularly popular with a younger audience. This is also underlined by the concept of the new season with Stella Stegmann and both male and female participants. Younger audiences, statistically, show less interest in linear TV and prefer streaming content available for viewing at their convenience.
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What about the future of “The Bachelor”?
Yet, this argument doesn’t account for why the Golden Bachelor is also transitioning exclusively to RTL+, as confirmed by an RTL spokesperson to TECHBOOK. This is the show’s counterpart for best agers, which started in 2023. There was still a date for the first season on free TV. But what does this mean for the “original,” the Bachelor?
RTL has not yet made any concrete statements on this, even when asked. This could be a further step, following the recent response to the falling ratings with the new concept of two “rose bearers” in one season. After very good figures at the beginning, this season also dropped significantly at the end. The decisive factor for this decision could possibly be how Die Bachelorette is now performing on RTL+.
The streaming service is currently available in three subscription models: Basic, Premium, and Max. RTL+ Basic, at 5.99 euros per month, is the most affordable option, yet it includes ads before and after videos and does not support downloads, live TV, or more than one stream simultaneously. However, Die Bachelorette cannot be streamed with the Basic account. This requires a higher tariff, such as the Premium tariff. It costs 8.99 euros per month and contains limited advertising before a video. Although only one stream is possible here, too, live TV and downloads are included beforehand. Max costs 12.99 euros per month but comes without advertising and includes access to the music library.