Fans of RTL's popular TV series, including "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" (GZSZ) and "Alles was zählt" (AWZ), faced disappointment on March 13, 2025, when they discovered no new episodes would air as scheduled. Instead, the broadcaster shifted its focus to the UEFA Europa League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Ajax Amsterdam, which kicked off the excitement starting at 18:45.
According to RTL's official announcements, pre-match coverage began at 18:30, hosted by the prominent Laura Papendick alongside football legend Lothar Matthäus. This programming change disrupted the usual weekday airing times of viewer favorites, GZSZ, which typically captivates audiences Mondays through Fridays at 19:40, and AWZ, which airs at 19:05.
The Europa League clash holds significant importance for Eintracht Frankfurt, as they entered the match with confidence following their first-leg victory over Ajax, finishing 2:1. The anticipation among fans extended to the television broadcast, highlighting the event's stature within German sports culture.
For those seeking to catch up on their missed content, there is some good news. Although neither GZSZ nor AWZ would be available for live viewing on the date of the scheduled shows, fans can stream the episodes on RTL+. The GZSZ episode titled "Neugier" (Episode 8,230) is set to be available for viewers the very next day, March 14, at 9:00 AM. This episode’s delayed airing will allow fans to indulge early on their morning coffee with the latest dramatic twists.
Unfortunately, AWZ fans will not have the same fortune for Episode 4,655 titled “Schuld und Sühne,” as it will not be rerun on television. Viewers are encouraged to utilize the RTL+ platform, where the episode can be streamed for free for up to seven days following its original air date. This streaming option offers flexibility, allowing viewers to watch the episode at their leisure.
Even less fortunate viewers are the fans of the news magazine "Exclusiv" and the daily news program "RTL Aktuell," both of which were also canceled on March 13 along with GZSZ and AWZ. Understanding these cancellations as part of RTL’s strategy to cover significant football events reflects the broadcaster’s commitment to sports broadcasting amid its rich lineup of soap operas and shows.
RTL plans to resume regular programming after the football match, starting with reruns from 21:05 onwards, contingent on whether the match requires extra time or penalties. Should the match run smoothly without extended play, audiences can expect to see repeats of other favorites, including "Mario Barth deckt auf!" and "Stern TV Spezial: Leben im Brennpunkt: Das Experiment." The late news commentary, "Nachtjournal," will commence shortly after at 00:15 on March 14, albeit with slight delays.
It’s important to note for fans of GZSZ and AWZ, who might have been expecting to follow along as usual, the disappointment of missing their daily dose of drama. The shows are significant cultural staples since their inception, routinely addressing contemporary issues within entertaining and relatable frameworks. For example, GZSZ has explored various societal themes, ranging from mental health to LGBTQ+ representation, becoming part of the daily lives of its viewers for decades.
For those who enjoy watching their favorite shows without interruption, subscribing to RTL+ serves as the most viable option. With packages starting as low as 5.99 euros per month, subscribers gain access to numerous titles, including the ability to stream shows like GZSZ and AWZ before their official TV debut. The digital age has truly transformed how audiences can engage with their favorite content, ensuring fans are equipped with options during unexpected program changes.
For more information about streaming the episodes or to catch the match highlights, fans can visit the RTL website, where details about the scheduling and availability of content are updated regularly.
Though the decision to remove GZSZ, AWZ, and other programming was understandable with the Europa League match taking precedence, the resilience of the fanbase showcases their unwavering support, eager for the next installment of the beloved series and anticipating how the beloved characters evolve after each episode.