Stefan Raab has made his much-anticipated return to television, teaming up with the beloved entertainer Michael "Bully" Herbig for the new RTL show titled "Stefan und Bully gegen irgendson Schnulli", which premiered on December 21, 2024. The Saturday night show aims to blend competitive spirit with entertainment and nostalgia, reminiscent of Raab's previous hit formats.
The show aired live at 20:15 on RTL and featured Raab and Herbig going head-to-head with Marc, a Bundeswehr doctor who emerged victorious from three preliminary competitors. With both hosts known for their unique blends of humor and competitive edge, the dynamics promised to keep viewers engaged throughout the evening.
HLT: The competition format closely resembled Raab's classic "Schlag den Raab", where he would typically contest against varied candidates across multiple games. This new iteration brought back familiar faces including Elton, who hosted, and Frank Buschmann, who provided lively commentary. The show comprised twelve rounds of competition, each filled with entertaining challenges and engaging commentary.
Marc, the standout contestant, initially struggled to find his footing, trailing early on as he lost the first two games. Nonetheless, he demonstrated resilience, rallying to win the next six rounds, showcasing not only mental agility but physical prowess as well. The ultimate showdown came down to the final game, cleverly titled “Frisbee-Fenster,” where Marc held his nerve to secure victory at around 1:30 AM, winning the grand prize of 250,000 Euros, which he plans to use to fund his upcoming wedding.
Audience reception has been polarized; many nostalgic fans thrived on the humorous and competitive spirit reminiscent of Raab's previous endeavors. Commentators on social media had mixed feelings about the format, with some arguing it felt like a rehash of older content. One viewer declared, "Das ist goldenes Live-Fernsehen! Raab bleibt Raab – ehrgeizig, lustig, spannend!" He articulated the spirited atmosphere of the show, highlighting Raab's energetic presence.
On the flip side, critiques surfaced from outlets like t-online, which stated, "Raab hat so sensationell keinen Bock, sich was Neues einfallen zu lassen," emphasizing the sentiment of wanting more original content. Despite these critiques, the core elements of Raab's entertainment style retained their charm, drawing both laughter and lively engagement from the audience.
With Stefan Raab's return to public television, the anticipation surrounding his future endeavors remains high. Following this premiere, RTL plans to continue including Raab and Herbig on its lineup, with hints of more installments on the horizon. The premiere episode showcased why Raab is still considered one of the most significant figures on German television, combining humor, competition, and the thrill of live entertainment.
The show signifies not just another addition to Raab's already extensive resume but also the continuation of his legacy on German television. Viewers await what he has plotted for them next as he explores the balance between being nostalgic and innovative, promising excitement along the way. Stefan Raab's comeback might just be what the Saturday night television scene needed.
