The popular German reality show "Ich bin ein Star - Holt mich hier raus!" (often referred to as Dschungelcamp) is set to return for its 18th season on January 24, 2025. This beloved show, which pits celebrities against outrageous challenges, has maintained its status as one of the top reality programs across Germany since its inception.
Fans eagerly await the return to the Australian jungle after the show's previous season filmed its episodes from South Africa due to Covid-19 concerns. Starting at 8:15 PM on RTL, each episode will captivate viewers daily until the exciting finale on February 9, 2025.
While fans anticipate the wild antics and trials of the cast, there’s also plenty of interest surrounding the financial aspect of participating in Dschungelcamp. According to various German media sources, the salaries of participants can reach staggering heights, with unique earning figures sparking speculation each season. The former wife of tennis legend Boris Becker, Lilly Becker, is reportedly receiving the highest fee this year, possibly exceeding €300,000. Other participants like Jürgen Hingsen and Anna-Carina Woitschack are also rumored to have secured impressive contracts, with estimates placing their earnings at €200,000 and €220,000, respectively.
For reality television's fresh faces, like Yeliz Koc and Timur Ülker, earnings are significantly lower but still valuable, hovering around €80,000, making it clear there’s plenty of room for negotiation based on fame and fan following.
Every participant's compensation reflects factors such as celebrity status and popularity at the time of the show's airing. Interestingly, it appears boosting visibility is often as valuable as the initial paycheck. Shows like these grant celebrities the chance to revive their careers following periods of lower visibility, especially since audience engagement reached approximately four million viewers last season.
Back to the show's mechanics—viewers can tune in for each installment without cost when it airs on RTL; the challenge lies for fans wanting to stream it through RTL+. Unlike previous seasons, this year's streaming service does not offer free trial options. Instead, subscribers will have to pay to access live feeds and rebroadcasts of episodes.
Fans can select from various subscription plans offered by RTL+: the basic package starts at €5.99 per month for limited access, but for comprehensive viewing, including all live broadcasts, the "Premium" subscription priced at €8.99 monthly is needed. For viewers desiring interruption-free streaming, the highest tier, "Max," is available for €12.99.
Despite the fees, avid Dschungelcamp viewers can look for opportunities around the subscription services. Notably, the RTL+ service enables viewers to catch up on any episodes they might have missed following their original airing.
Some alternative viewing methods are cropping up too, with Internet TV providers like "Waipu" and "Zattoo" offering competitive packages. For example, Waipu provides the option of viewing all RTL broadcasts and includes the potential for free trials and promotional offers, allowing smart viewers to limp through the season without incurring costs, provided they adhere to cancellation protocols.
The attraction of Dschungelcamp does not just lie with the participants and the chaotic challenges; it also emphasizes entertainment through personal narratives as celebrities search for redemption or revitalization of their careers. Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss emphasized the relative ease of the camp experience when he said, "For not doing anything and such a short time, I have never earned so much money."
With its blend of challenges, celebrity involvement, and captivating drama, anticipation is building for Dschungelcamp’s spectacular comeback. The stakes have never been higher, and fans will eagerly watch to see how their favorite personalities navigate the various trials and dilemmas presented. For the stars, the experience can yield substantial financial benefits and media exposure, giving them renewed relevance long after the show concludes.
Catch the exciting action as the Dschungelcamp adventure resumes starting January 24 and be prepared for the unforgettable moments of camaraderie, challenge, and transformation!