# RTL programming and scheduling changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rtl-programming-and-scheduling-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-24T06:42:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

German broadcaster RTL is implementing several programming changes. The summer show ‘Top Dog Germany’ has been discontinued for the time being, and the slot will be taken over by the action game show ‘Gladiators’ starting September 4. 

Additionally, RTL is temporarily replacing its regular evening soap operas, including ‘Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten’, ‘Unter uns’, and ‘Alles was zählt’, with live coverage of the DFB-Pokal football match between Würzburger Kickers and 1. FC Köln.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: RTL announces programming changes and show cancellations

RTL is replacing the show ‘Top Dog Germany’ with ‘Gladiators’ and temporarily swapping soap operas for DFB-Pokal football coverage. DAZN is also adding four new field reporters for the Bundesliga season.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rtl-cancels-top-dog-germany-for-new-action-show

### 2026-08-12: RTL and Sky expand NFL broadcasting coverage in Germany

RTL and Sky are significantly expanding their NFL coverage in Germany, introducing new broadcast formats, a German-language conference, and an expanded team of former NFL professionals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rtl-and-sky-expand-nfl-broadcasting-coverage-in-germany

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Cite as: RTL programming and scheduling changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rtl-programming-and-scheduling-changes