Matthias Opdenhövel: content alteration - The response to the "Schlag den Star" return.
Around the beginning of April, there was news that moderator Elton (53) was splitting up with television network ProSieben. This development also meant the end for his long-running show "Schlag den Star," where he had hosted for 13 years. Matthias Opdenhövel (53), his previous colleague who had moderated "Schlag den Raab" from 2006 to 2011 and "Schlag den Star" in 2010, took over as his replacement. Elton had come back to host the show after Steven Gätjen (51) left in 2013. Before returning to the show where celebrities compete in several rounds, Opdenhövel expressed his excitement: "It's an honor and a return to the comfort of my old home. I look forward to overseeing all the celebrity pairings and crazy games."
Starting in April, Opdenhövel's return to the show was not free of difficulties. It was scheduled for Sunday instead of the regular Saturday due to the Champions League final. Kandidaত Mehmet Scholl (53) had fallen ill and had to leave after just three rounds, resulting in the first time a stand-in for a competitor was needed. Also, some games faced minor issues that needed addressing. As the main host, Opdenhövel had to handle these unexpected incidents in the live show.
The reactions among viewers were not all favorable. While many expressed their joy at seeing Opdenhövel return, saying he's "very sympathetic" and "welcome back," others were less than enthused. Some even wanted him or the whole show canceled.
Still, the ratings proved good. From May 2023, AGF Videoforschung reported a market share of 12.4% in the relevant demographic of 14- to 49-year-olds. For the general audience, this figure was at 5.3%.
Markus Babbel (51), the grand winner, praised the program as well. Despite feeling surprised by its intensity and dealing with issues with his left leg, giving up was never an option for him. He also enjoyed the round with Scholl, Helmer, and Opdenhövel. "It was really entertaining."
The two following noteworthy events were the replacement of Mehmet Scholl and Opdenhövel's first comeback episode. And there was another unique element—Ruth Moschner (48) was a guest moderator with the team "Blamieren or kassieren." She revealed on Instagram afterward that she constantly listened to Elton's voice in her head while doing the job. On Opdenhövel, she commented: "He had a job to do right away."
Coming up for Opdenhövel could be another challenge: "Schlag den Star" on July 13th, featuring two married couples in competition. Namely, Wayne (47) and Annemarie Carpendale (46) and Bushido (45) and Anna-Maria Ferchichi (42).
