The 17th season of the popular business reality show "Die Höhle der Löwen," produced by Endemol Shine Germany for Vox, is set to return with new episodes starting April 28, 2025. This season features eight brand-new episodes, and for the first time, they will be available one week earlier on the streaming platform RTL+, with the premiere episode available from April 21, 2025.
Widely known as the platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative ideas to seasoned investors, "Die Höhle der Löwen" (The Lion's Den) will have its traditional Monday evening slot at 20:15 on Vox. The established investors include familiar faces like Dagmar Wöhrl, Judith Williams, Ralf Dümmel, Carsten Maschmeyer, and Green-Tech investor Janna Ensthaler, who will evaluate various start-ups hoping to secure investment.
Notably, the new season marks the final appearance of three investors: Nils Glagau, Tijen Onaran, and Tillman Schulz. These investors have made significant contributions to the show over the years and will be exiting after these episodes. Their departure sets the stage for new talent, as viewers are left anticipating who will be stepping onto the panel next season.
The show remains committed to showcasing daring entrepreneurs with visionary ideas, striving for the capital necessary to launch or expand their businesses. This year, fans can expect unexpected twists, including the return to features highlighting start-ups which, unfortunately, did not secure deals previously. One of the most emotional pitches will revisit the project of the preemie doll named Paul, which left a lasting impact last season.
This season is set to maintain its engaging reality format with pitches from various entrepreneurs. Some of the highlights of forthcoming episodes include glamorous pitches featuring celebrity guest appearances. Among those expected to grace the stage are skiing legend Sven Hannawald, along with celebrity chefs Meta Hiltebrand, Lucki Maurer, and Mike Süsser, plus actor Steve Windolf. These guests will pitch their creative ideas to the investors, perhaps adding extra excitement and viewership to the proceedings.
Originally airing for 11 years, "Die Höhle der Löwen" continues to engage viewers with its unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, personal stories, and high-stakes negotiations. Some insiders have noted the tension surrounding the reduced exclusivity of the initial airings, as preliminary streams on RTL+ may reduce the surprise factor of the deals being made. Historically, this show has generated interesting discussions about market trends and consumer products.
Now, as it enters its 17th season, it holds the status of Vox's reliable ratings champion. Despite these changes, the high energy and competitive spirit can still be expected as contestants vie to impress the panel of investors.
Overall, with the recent shift to showcasing episodes on RTL+ before they air on TV, the impact on viewer engagement and ratings remains uncertain, but it does provide fans earlier access to the entrepreneurial journeys being presented.
This change has already stirred various reactions among fans and analysts alike, debating whether it could influence the traditional dynamics of the show and the substantial viewer turnout it usually garners. Yet, through all these transitions, "Die Höhle der Löwen" continues to serve as both entertainment and insight, bridging the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors ready to take the leap with fresh ideas.
