RTL Samstag Nacht

RTL Samstag Nacht (1993-1998)

EndedScripted showComedy

RTL Samstag Nacht was a comedy show, which ran from 6 November 1993 to 23 May 1998 on the German TV network RTL. RTL Samstag Nacht was the first major comedy show in German television, created after the example of the long-running American show Saturday Night Live and broadcast late on Saturday night. It helped comedy in German television to a breakthrough and was a model for several later comedy shows.

Karl Ranseier was a recurring character featured in fake news reports telling about his death at the end of each episode. The name Karl Ranseier has become a catchphrase in Germany that has led to its own joke category of Ranseiers which are in widespread usage outside of the comedy origin.

Network

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S05E30Piet Klocke & Simone ThomallaMai 23, 1998
S05E29Anja Franke & Markus Maria ProfitlichMai 16, 1998
S05E28Rudiger HoffmannMai 9, 1998
S05E27Christoph Bruske & Andy SteilApr. 25, 1998
S05E26Ingo Appelt & DJ BoboApr. 18, 1998
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the first episode of RTL Samstag Nacht premiere?

The first episode of RTL Samstag Nacht premiered on November 6, 1993.

Who were the original hosts of the show?

Wigald Boning and Olli Dittrich were the original hosts of RTL Samstag Nacht.

What was the format of the show?

The format of the show consisted of comedy sketches, parodies, and musical performances.

What inspired the creation of the show?

The show's creators were inspired by the success of Saturday Night Live in the United States.

Who were some of the recurring performers on the show?

Some of the recurring performers on the show included Bastian Pastewka, Esther Schweins, and Michael Mittermeier.

Did the show receive any awards during its run?

Yes, the show won the prestigious Adolf Grimme Award in 1994.

What were some of the show's most popular recurring sketches?

Some of the show's most popular recurring sketches included "RTL-Caf\u00e9," "Die Doofen," and "Ivan & Alexander."

Was the show controversial at any point during its run?

Yes, the show faced criticism for its use of blackface in a sketch titled "La Boum Deluxe."

Who were some of the guest hosts on the show?

Guest hosts on the show included Michael "Bully" Herbig, Marietta Slomka, and Diether Krebs.

How many episodes were produced during the show's run?

A total of 84 episodes of RTL Samstag Nacht were produced.

Was the show successful in terms of ratings during its run?

Yes, the show was very successful in terms of ratings, often attracting more than 10 million viewers.

Did the show feature any recurring characters?

Yes, the show featured several recurring characters, including the fitness trainer "B\u00e4rbel Sch\u00e4fer" and the fashion expert "Ulla Laux."

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Revival
Running

Revival

Revival is set on one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin when the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves. But this is no zombie story as the "revived" appear and act just like they once were. When local Officer and single mother Dana Cypress is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a brutal murder mystery of her own, she's left to make sense of the chaos amidst a town gripped by fear and confusion where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.

Metropolis
Upcoming

Metropolis

(Not going forward: https://deadline.com/2023/06/metropolis-tv-series-dead-writers-strike-sam-esmail-ucp-apple-tv-plus-production-costs-1235419899/)

Metropolis is set in a futuristic urban dystopia and follows the attempts of Freder, the wealthy son of the city master, and Maria, a saintly figure to the workers, to overcome the vast gulf separating the classes in their city and bring the workers together with Joh Fredersen, the city master.

Eight-part adaptation of Fritz Lang's classic silent era sci-fi film (1927).

The Amazing World of Gumball
Running

The Amazing World of Gumball

Welcome back to Elmore, where the laws of reality are a joke, and family life is anything but ordinary. Whether he's battling an evil fast-food empire, facing off against a sentient AI in love with his mom, or trying to stop Banana Joe from wearing pants — Gumball Watterson drags his brother Darwin, sister Anais, and the rest of the town of Elmore along for the ride. With even wilder stories, bigger twists, and surreal humor, the show is so amazing that they had to rename it!

Chopped
Running

Chopped

Chopped is a cooking competition show that is all about skill, speed and ingenuity. Each week, four chefs compete before a panel of expert judges and turn baskets of mystery ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. Course by course, the chefs will be "chopped" from the competition until only one winner remains. The challenge? They have seconds to plan and 30 minutes to cook an amazing course with the basket of mystery ingredients given to them moments before the clock starts ticking! And the pressure doesn't stop there. Once they've completed their dish, they've got to survive the Chopping Block where our three judges are waiting to be wowed and not shy about voicing their culinary criticisms! Our host, Ted Allen, leads this high-energy, high-pressure show that will have viewers rooting for a winner and cheering for the losers. Chopped is a game of passion, expertise and skill — and in the end, only one chef will survive the Chopping Block. Who will make the cut? The answer is on Chopped!

GenreFood
History's Greatest Mysteries
Running

History's Greatest Mysteries

History's Greatest Mysteries will investigate a wide range of historically compelling topics and the mysteries surrounding each including the Titanic, D.B. Cooper, Roswell, John Wilkes Booth, and more. Each program within the franchise will showcase fresh, new evidence and perspectives including never-before-released documents to the general public, personal diaries and DNA evidence to unearth brand-new information about these infamous and enigmatic chapters in history.