Germany's beloved entrepreneurial show, "Höhle der Löwen" (Lion's Den), is set to make its exciting return with the 17th season on April 28, 2025. This award-winning program, which has steadily captivated audiences since its inception, promises not only fresh entrepreneurial innovations but also significant changes to the panel of investors.
The new season will be telecast on Mondays at prime time, 20:15, on VOX. For those eager to get their first taste of the upcoming episodes, there is good news: for the first time, all episodes will be available on the streaming platform RTL+ starting April 21, 2025, one full week before the broadcast.
This year marks a transformative moment for the show, as it will witness the farewell of three noted investors: Nils Glagau, Tijen Onaran, and Tillman Schulz. These three will be making their final appearances after engaging audiences over several seasons. They will be bidding adieu to the investment platform, which has become synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
Remaining with the show will be seasoned investors including family businesswoman Dagmar Wöhrl, beauty expert Judith Williams, trade professional Ralf Dümmel, industry titan Carsten Maschmeyer, and green-tech investment specialist Janna Ensthaler. The mix of fresh faces among the returning sharks is expected to create dynamic discussions during product pitches.
Throughout this upcoming season, viewers can look forward to some thrilling product showcases. One highlight is reportedly "a start-up, 'that excites all the lions,'" indicating the potential for significant investments and deals during episodes. Other unique products include offerings facing legal challenges for marketability—something audiences will be particularly intrigued by.
The entertainment doesn’t stop there. The show will also feature appearances from several famous personalities, adding celebrity flair to the entrepreneurial challenges. Viewers can expect appearances from renowned ski jumper Sven Hannawald, chefs Meta Hiltebrand, Lucki Maurer, Mike Süsser, and actor Steve Windolf. Each will bring their ideas before the lions, seeking their investments and insights.
Viewers are buzzing about what is to come, with many eager to see the integration of innovative product ideas—such as edible lubricants and unique fitness concepts reminiscent of the 80s aerobics style. The narrative will undoubtedly thrive on the unexpected, as highlighted by the show's history.
Although the three departing investors will be missed, the remaining core group promises to uphold the show's competitive spirit and commitment to supporting promising start-ups. This farewell season is poised to be unmissable, not only for regular viewers but also for newcomers intrigued by the thrilling world of entrepreneurship.
With eight new episodes lined up for release, fans of "Höhle der Löwen" are encouraged to mark their calendars. The combination of familiar faces, new ventures, legal hurdles participants need to overcome, and entertaining celebrity interactions is setting the stage for yet another iconic season. Who knows what entrepreneurial dreams will be realized this time around?
Catch the new episodes weekly on VOX or binge-start the season early on RTL+. This could be the season where dreams and deals intersect like never before!
