Drama is heating up as the new season of Promis unter Palmen began broadcasting, featuring 13 celebrities competing for fame and the tantalizing prize of up to 50,000 euros. Since its premiere on February 17, 2025, the show has already seen intense rivalries, flirty connections, and dramatic eliminations take center stage at the beautiful beach venue of Thailand.
Among the notable candidates are Lotto millionaire Chico, reality star Kim Virginia, and digital influencer Nikola Glumac. Previous episodes have unveiled not just friendships and alliances but also bitter rivalries which have significantly impacted gameplay.
One of the most explosive moments unfolded with the entry of Yvonne Woelke, who immediately clashed with Iris Klein, her arch-nemesis, owing to past relations involving Iris’s ex-husband, Peter Klein. Iris pulled no punches, declaring, "That’s the dirty bitch who took my husband from me!" Their renewed feud has added another layer of tension, with the other contestants caught between sides as they navigate the rocky waters of celebrity dynamics.
Viewers have been treated to various challenges, including the particularly memorable "RausgeFISCHt" game, where contestants dove for bags filled with difficult questions amid fish guts, testing both their physical and mental mettle. Christo and Melody managed to shine, answering nine out of twelve questions correctly, which awarded them the power to select teams for subsequent matches.
The competition aspect has not been without controversy. Following the challenge, it fell upon Melody Haase, as captain of her team, to decide which two teammates to nominate for elimination. Despite her preferences, when the votes came down, Eike Immel was sent packing as the majority opted for him over Nikola, the one she had been getting flirty with.
Throughout these challenges, Kim Virginia has displayed jealousy over Melody's relationship with Nikola, prompting her own flirtations, particularly with Christo. Kim clearly expressed her interest by boldly sitting on his lap, only for Christo to rebuff her advances with comments about their non-compatible relationship. "That would be highly toxic, Kim," he pointed out, leaving viewers amused yet cringing at her persistence.
But it’s not just interpersonal relationships causing drama. Kim has been at the center of controversy stemming from online bullying pertaining to her pregnancy. After announcing she is expecting her first child with Nikola, social media backlash arose over her physical appearance, with critics questioning the authenticity of her earlier six-pack abs. Defending her, Nikola took to Instagram, labeling body shaming of pregnant women as abhorrent.
"How can anyone body-shame someone pregnant? It’s as if people can't comprehend normal bodily changes," he wrote, illustrating his unwavering support. Kim herself added, "I’ve dealt with body shaming before, but when it targets my child, it crosses the line."
The dynamics have certainly evolved as conflicts intensify. For example, during one group conversation, discussion of Iris's nose devolved back to petty insults shared between Iris and Yvonne. Even the effort of Claudia Obert, who attempted to mediate, fell flat as verbal altercations erupted over trivial matters, highlighting the show's penchant for personal drama.
Generally, the show captivates with its blend of humor and conflict, with each episode ending on cliffhangers. Such was the case last week as the contestants prepared for yet another intense elimination ceremony. Despite the awkwardness of earlier squabbles, alliances formed under pressure can lead to surprising outcomes.
The excitement continues with all-star candidates hoping to outperform each other, keeping the audience basked in constant entertainment and engagement. After all, competition for the golden coconut and the coveted cash continues to ramp up with emotional highs and lows interspersed throughout the episodes.
With mixed alliances and escalated tensions, future episodes promise to explore the psychological effects of living under the watchful eye of cameras 24/7.
Keep tuning in every Monday at 20:15 on SAT.1 and catch up on additional content through Joyn as episodes release weekly. Promis unter Palmen is set to keep viewers craving more of the highs and lows of celebrity challenge, friendship, and rivalry.