Let's Dance (German TV series)

Let's Dance (German TV series)
Name	Let's Dance
Genre	Reality competition
Based on	Strictly Come Dancing
Country	Germany
Language	German
Num seasons	17
Network	RTL
First aired	20 April 2006
Last aired	present

Let's Dance (German TV series). It is the German adaptation of the international Strictly Come Dancing format, where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dance competitions. The show has been broadcast on RTL since 2006 and has become one of the most successful entertainment programs on German television. Its success is marked by consistently high ratings, significant media coverage, and a lasting impact on the public perception of dance in Germany.

Format and broadcast

The competition follows a weekly elimination format where couples perform choreographed routines judged by a panel and voted on by the public via telephone voting. Each season typically begins with a larger cast, which is reduced each week until a final winner is crowned, with episodes airing live from studios in Cologne. The show's structure includes themed weeks, such as Movie Night or 80s Night, and often features special performances from international dance troupes like the Burn the Floor company. The broadcast is a major production for RTL, regularly dominating its Friday night schedule and generating extensive coverage in publications like Bild and Der Spiegel.

Cast and hosts

The presentation team has seen several changes, with long-time host Daniel Hartwich being a constant figure alongside various co-hosts, including Sylvie Meis and Victoria Swarovski. The judging panel is a cornerstone of the show, featuring renowned figures from the dance world such as choreographer Motsi Mabuse, former Latin World Champion Joachim Llambi, and ballet dancer Jorge González. Guest judges have included prominent personalities like singer Lena Meyer-Landrut and actor Wayne Carpendale, adding variety to the critiques offered to the competing couples.

Professional dancers

The professional dancer roster is composed of internationally acclaimed performers, many of whom have won titles at events like the German Open Championships or the Blackpool Dance Festival. Notable long-standing professionals include Christina Luft, Massimo Sinató, and Ekaterina Leonova, who have become household names through their participation. These dancers are responsible for choreographing the routines, often blending classic Waltz or Cha-Cha-Cha with contemporary elements to appeal to both the judges and the viewing public.

Celebrity participants and winners

The celebrity contestants are drawn from a wide array of fields, including Bundesliga footballers like Lukas Podolski, actors from series such as Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten, singers including Sarah Lombardi, and television personalities like Ingrid van Bergen. Past winners have included actress Natalia Wörner, comedian Pascal Hens, and singer Philipp Boy, with their victories often receiving coverage in media outlets like Focus. Participation frequently leads to increased public profiles and opportunities in other entertainment ventures, such as stage shows at the Wintergarten Berlin.

Reception and ratings

The series has consistently achieved strong ratings, often leading its time slot and drawing audiences exceeding five million viewers, as measured by AGF. Critical reception in the press, including from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, has noted its polished production and broad family appeal, though some critiques address its formulaic nature. The show's influence extends beyond television, sparking increased enrollment in dance schools across Germany and inspiring live touring shows like Let's Dance – Live 2024.

International versions and influence

As part of the global Strictly Come Dancing franchise, the German version exists alongside other major adaptations like Dancing with the Stars in the United States and Danse avec les stars in France. Its format has been successfully exported, with production companies like BBC Studios licensing the concept worldwide. The show's success has reinforced the commercial viability of the dance competition genre in Central Europe and contributed to the international careers of judges like Motsi Mabuse, who also serves on the panel of the British Strictly Come Dancing.

Category:German television series Category:2006 German television series debuts Category:RTL (German TV channel) original programming