Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the main topics shaping transformation across the global media industry. An overview of technological developments, use cases, and implementations already underway was provided at the “Tech & Data Summit” in November 2025, which brought together around 1,100 participants from all divisions in Berlin. Against this backdrop, RTL Deutschland has announced plans to further expand the use of artificial intelligence in content production as well as Agentic AI, and to develop solutions along the entire value chain. Agentic AI refers to AI systems that go beyond generative capabilities to autonomously, proactively, and purposefully carry out tasks. According to the company, this will set new standards for the use of AI in streaming and TV.
Initiatives such as the development of an “Agent Factory” and agent-based platforms like Sidekicks at Smartclip are intended to create systems that support processes, prepare decisions, and ease the day-to-day workload of teams. The goal is to systematically integrate AI as an operational assistant into key workflows – working hand in hand with employees. Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland, said: “We are consistently developing RTL Deutschland into the leading Agentic AI-driven media company in the German-speaking market. The next step is to firmly embed AI as an intelligent partner for our employees across all processes, with the clear goal of sustainably strengthening the quality, innovative strength, and creative focus of our teams.”
Examples of AI integration in TV
RTL Deutschland began integrating AI into its program brands early on. As part of the RTL+ hit series “Neue Geschichten vom Pumuckl” (“New Stories of Pumuckl”), the voice of the late actor Hans Clarin was recreated using AI. Initial experience with AI was also gained in the TV series “Unter Uns” (“Among Us”), produced by UFA Serial Drama, where the character Margot Weigel, originally played by the late Christiane Maybach, was brought back to life and re-integrated into the storyline using AI. RTL Deutschland now aims to further advance AI integration in television together with its partners, as illustrated by the following examples:
“Strafgericht goes AI” (“Strafgericht goes AI”) (Constantin Entertainment):
RTL Deutschland and Constantin Entertainment are using AI-based editing to create new episodes from completed installments of “Ulrich Wetzel – das Strafgericht” (“Ulrich Wetzel – The Criminal Court”), featuring altered dramaturgy, new actors, and alternative verdicts. Each episode is legally reviewed and editorially supervised.
“AI Director” (RTL Studios):
This AI tool supports postproduction for reality formats. The system analyzes audio and video material, transcribes content, identifies relevant scenes, and helps structure storylines. Its first large-scale use will be in the next production of “Are You The One” in April in Thailand.
“GZSZ goes VP” (UFA Serial Drama):
Under real production conditions in Babelsberg, RTL Deutschland is testing how AI can make series production more flexible and visually sophisticated. Virtually extended backgrounds have already been used on air in scenes from “Unter Uns” (“Among Us”) and “Alles was zählt” (“All That Matters”).
“Club der roten Bänder – Die neue Generation” (“Red Band Society – The New Generation”) (Bantry Bay):
AI is being used to digitally expand sets and enhance visual possibilities, creating new creative scope. The new edition of the successful TV series “Club der roten Bänder” (“Red Band Society”) will launch later this year on RTL+ and Vox.
AI-generated ad bumpers:
Around Easter, RTL will once again present fully AI-generated ad bumpers in its main program. Following numerous AI-based variants broadcast during the 2025 holiday season, RTL Deutschland continues to expand the use of artificial intelligence in on-air branding.
“Artificial intelligence is an integral part of streaming and TV at RTL Deutschland,” said Inga Leschek, Chief Content Officer RTL Deutschland. “It speeds up processes, gives our creative teams more freedom to focus on their work, and helps us develop must-see content, with the creative responsibility clearly resting with humans. We continue to evolve our content offering with strong partners and welcome all producers who come to us with bold ideas.”
Artificial intelligence at RTL Deutschland
RTL Deutschland uses AI across content and production processes – from creation and postproduction to distribution. The goal is to bring content to screens faster, relieve teams of routine tasks, and expand creative scope, according to the company. Clear standards for quality, responsibility, data protection, and rights apply.
Several key projects moved from pilot phase to regular operations last year, including the youth protection AI “Merm:ai:d,” which entered a pilot trial with the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM) in early 2026. RTL Deutschland manages AI integration via the AI Transformation Cockpit (ATC), with support from RTL Data, RTL Technology, the AI Hub, and the AI Academy.
