After nearly ten years away from the limelight, popular entertainer Stefan Raab made his highly anticipated return to television with the premiere of his new RTL show, titled "Stefan und Bully gegen irgendson Schnulli." The show, which features Raab teaming up with actor Michael "Bully" Herbig against various contestants, has sparked both excitement and scorn among viewers.
The debut on December 21, 2023, mirrored Raab's past works, particularly reminiscent of his well-loved format "Schlag den Raab," which showcased his competitive spirit and charisma. Yet, the reception has been decidedly mixed. While some fans reveled in the nostalgia his return invoked, many others expressed disappointment and frustration over what they perceived as Raab's self-indulgence. One viewer lamented the show as "ein ziemlich ekelhafter Ego-Trip" (a pretty disgusting ego-trip), questioning the need for contestants when the focus seemed heavily skewed toward Raab himself.
Critics took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction. Comments ranged from negatives about the show's originality to concerns over Raab's performance. "Das Gehabe von Stefan ist nur noch nervig" (Raab's behavior is just annoying now), noted another viewer who decided to switch off the show mid-broadcast. Such sentiments suggest a divide among Raab's audience—those who adored his earlier work and those who find his comeback less exciting.
Despite this backlash, there were positive notes amid the critiques. Some viewers embraced the nostalgia of Raab's presence, tweeting sentiments such as, "Endlich wie früher" (Finally like the old days), and hailed the combination of Raab and Bully as enjoyable. Many are hopeful for future episodes, expressing their anticipation for the show's potential to recover from this rocky start.
Commentator Frank "Buschi" Buschmann also weighed in, providing real-time reactions to Raab during the games. He questioned Raab's performance after the entertainer struggled with simple tasks, quipping, "Was ist denn mit Raab los?" (What’s wrong with Raab?) and adding, "Ist er alt geworden?" (Has he gotten old?). Raab, never one to shy away from banter, quickly shot back, "Ich sag' mal so: Ich glaub', der Buschi labert wieder Scheiße" (Let's just say: I think Buschi is talking nonsense).
The game's challenges included light-hearted competitions like blowing feathers from bowls and racing small vehicles through muddy tracks, which tested both athleticism and strategy. Unfortunately for Raab, his performance left much to be desired, leading to more withering commentary from Buschmann about Raab’s usual competency. This dynamic—emphasized by Raab's known talent for delivering impressive skills—serves to highlight the bar previously set for him.
Raab's return holds significant weight for viewers, especially after his last show on RTL+, which faced drastic viewership decline—dropping from 790,000 views to just 190,000. Such trends raise the stakes for this new venture, as many ponder whether Raab can regain his former glory. Will this new Saturday night offering resonate with audiences, or will it quickly fade from the airwaves?
The uncertainty hangs over the potential for "Stefan und Bully gegen irgendson Schnulli" to establish itself amid stiff competition on TV. Ratings from the premiere will likely determine whether this show becomes another fleeting endeavor or if Raab can cement his status once again. With the prospect of nostalgia against the reality of contemporary viewer preferences, it seems Raab may need to recalibrate his approach to win back old and new fans alike.
Love him or loathe him, Stefan Raab remains as contentious as ever, and his return to the screen has certainly stirred conversation. The question now is whether he'll navigate these mixed reviews and adapt—something many are watching closely as the weeks roll on.
