After much speculation, it’s now official: Oliver Pocher is stepping down from his hosting role on the RTLZWEI show "Dinge gibt's..!" The entertainer, who has had mixed success with the program, is being replaced by Panagiota Petridou, known for her engaging presence on various television formats.
The transition marks a significant change for RTLZWEI, which decided to overhaul the show after it struggled to secure decent viewership ratings during Pocher's tenure. According to dwdl.de, the premiere episode of "Dinge gibt's..!" attracted only 330,000 viewers. The second episode fared slightlybetter, bringing in 400,000 viewers, leading to disappointing market shares of just 4 percent.
Malte Kruber, the program director for RTLZWEI, expressed optimism about the change, stating, "Die optimale Besetzung für die Moderation der Gameshow" when referring to Petridou. He emphasized her charming and direct style, believing it would boost the show's appeal and engage viewers more actively.
Petridou, 45, brings to the table considerable experience, having previously hosted programs including "Die Retourenjäger." Her career began with the VOX documentary soap "Biete Rostlaube, suche Traumauto" back in 2010. Since then, she has appeared on various shows such as "Das große Promibacken," "Bin ich schlauer als...?" and "5 gegen Jauch." This diverse portfolio showcases her adaptability and charisma as on-screen talent.
While Petridou is stepping onto the stage, Pocher’s exit does not indicate the end of his television career. Interestingly, his ex-wife, Amira Aly, is stepping up to take on her own hosting role. She will be part of the moderation team for Sat.1's "Promis unter Palmen – Die Late Night Show," alongside other co-hosts, highlighting the shifting tides among personalities within the German entertainment industry.
Despite the transition from Pocher to Petridou appearing abrupt, it aligns with the broader strategy RTLZWEI has for revitalizing its programming. The fresh series of "Dinge gibt's..!" is set to launch new episodes starting in 2025, aiming to reclaim viewers' interest. With Petridou now at the helm, there’s hope for stronger performances and increased ratings for the show, which aims to explore the valuation of rather eccentric items and services through the participation of celebrity guests.
Pocher’s departure from the show raises questions about his next steps. His humor and antics have long been staples of German pop culture, and fans are curious where he will resurface next. Meanwhile, insiders have noted the resilience required to navigate television, particularly when ratings are involved. The move to Petridou may be seen as RTLZWEI's bold attempt to gauge what resonates with contemporary audiences.
With Petridou ready to take her place as the new face of "Dinge gibt's..!" and the show slated for six brand new episodes, viewers and fans alike will soon see if this strategic reshuffle proves beneficial. Whether Petridou's presence will dramatically change the fortunes of the show remains to be seen, but the excitement and anticipation are palpable.