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RTL 5

RTL 5 is a free-to-air commercial owned by , a of since mid-2025. Launched on 2 October 1993 as part of the RTL Group's expansion into the , it serves as one of the network's flagship channels alongside , , and RTL 8. The channel primarily targets viewers aged 25 to 54 with a focus on entertainment programming, including reality shows, lifestyle content, adventure series, films, and international hits. RTL 5 has evolved over the years to emphasize accessible, engaging content for young adults, featuring primetime Dutch-language shows from 17:00 to 23:00 daily, such as news bulletins like 112 Vandaag with subtitles for the hearing impaired. Notable programming includes reality formats like Big Brother, Five Days Inside, and Zeeman Confronteert, which explore personal stories and confrontations, as well as celebrity-driven competitions such as Kom Je Bij Me Eten? - VIPS. The channel also airs documentaries, travel shows, and scripted series, often blending local productions with American imports to appeal to its urban, dynamic audience. As part of the largest commercial broadcaster in the , 5 contributes to Nederland's dominance in the market, reaching millions through traditional TV and streaming via Videoland. It adheres to broadcasting standards, including Kijkwijzer age ratings and restrictions on content after 20:00, while promoting and inclusion in its lineup. The channel's role within the broader ecosystem underscores its commitment to innovative entertainment that resonates with contemporary viewers.

Overview

Launch and initial positioning

RTL 5 launched on October 2, 1993, under the initial name RTL V, marking the fourth anniversary of its sister channel , which had debuted on the same date in 1989. The new channel was established by the Luxembourg-based CLT through its subsidiary RTL 4 S.A., as part of an expansion strategy to build a of channels in the market. Broadcasts originated from and were transmitted via the 1C satellite for distribution to networks across the , making it accessible to households with subscriptions from the outset. The channel's original concept positioned it as a thematic complement to the more general-audience , with a focus on "surprising and dynamic" programming tailored to a specific demographic. It primarily targeted young men and higher-educated viewers, aged roughly 18–35, featuring content centered on automotive topics, sports, and entertainment to appeal to this group's interests. The included an introductory promotional segment, setting the stage for the debut lineup that emphasized male-oriented shows, such as automotive magazines, to differentiate it within the emerging commercial TV landscape. Early availability was limited to cable providers in the , reflecting the regulatory framework for that prioritized satellite-to-cable delivery. Initial viewership grew steadily, with the channel achieving an average annual audience share of approximately 6% in , establishing a foothold among its niche demographic despite from established public and other private broadcasters. The name was changed to RTL 5 in December to align with the RTL branding.

Current format and availability

As of late 2025, RTL 5 has established itself as a primary channel within the portfolio, now under ownership, broadcasting a mix of imported American series such as Dr. Phil, feature films, formats like Temptation Island, and a limited slate of local productions. This programming strategy emphasizes accessible, high-engagement content aimed at evening and primetime slots, with daytime hours dedicated to talk shows and lighter fare. RTL 5 is widely available via cable networks and satellite services across the , including Canal Digitaal on the Astra 3C satellite at 23.5°E, with broadcasting implemented since 2010 to enhance viewing quality. Complementing linear transmission, the channel's content is offered on-demand through the RTL XL catch-up service and the Videoland streaming platform, which integrates episodes shortly after airdate for subscribers. The channel's core audience consists of young adults aged 20–40, predominantly urban dwellers seeking dynamic , amid a fragmented media landscape. RTL 5 maintains full compliance with the Dutch Media Act, governing content diversity and practices, while operating on an ad-supported model that incorporates to monetize its entertainment-focused lineup. Since the July 2025 acquisition by , the channel has benefited from integrated cross-promotion efforts with the group's newspapers and platforms, amplifying reach through shared editorial and synergies.

History

1993–1997: Early years and male-oriented content

RTL 5 launched on 2 October as RTL V, a initially broadcast via the 1C and targeted primarily at a male audience with content emphasizing intellectual and lifestyle programming for men. The channel's early strategy positioned it as a niche player in the emerging TV market, offering a mix of automotive-focused shows, sports highlights, music videos, and low-budget imported series from the and to appeal to its demographic. This male-oriented approach, however, faced challenges in attracting broad viewership amid stiff competition from established public broadcasters like NOS, which dominated audience shares in the during the mid-1990s. On 15 December 1994, the channel underwent a from RTL V to RTL 5 to better align with the overarching RTL family branding and streamline its identity within the group's portfolio. Despite the rename, viewership remained low, with market shares consistently below 5% in its initial years, reflecting the difficulties of penetrating a market where channels held over 80% of the audience through mandatory carriage and diverse programming. Operationally, RTL 5 expanded its reach by increasing availability in cable households across the , transitioning from primarily satellite distribution to wider cable integration, which helped grow its potential audience base to millions of homes by the mid-1990s. This period also saw the channel secure its first major sponsorship deals, particularly in the automotive sector, leveraging its car-related content to partner with industry brands for integrated promotions. A significant ownership shift occurred in early 1995 when , previously part of the system, joined forces with RTL 4's parent company to form the Media Groep (HMG), a that incorporated RTL 5 and strengthened commercial operations through shared resources and programming synergies. In 1996, HMG's parent entity CLT was acquired and merged with to create CLT-UFA, a pan-European powerhouse that assumed majority control and provided RTL 5 with enhanced financial backing and strategic support amid ongoing viewership struggles. This transition marked the end of RTL 5's formative phase, setting the stage for future repositioning efforts while highlighting the challenges of establishing a viable commercial alternative in the TV landscape.

1997–2001: News and weather rebranding attempts

In early 1997, RTL 5 faced a pivotal shift under the ownership of the newly formed Holland Media Groep (HMG), a established in that consolidated control over , RTL 5, and to strengthen their market position in the . The rebranding was prompted by persistently low viewership ratings from the channel's prior focus on male-oriented entertainment programming, coupled with the need to align with competition regulations that scrutinized media mergers and cable distribution quotas. Launched on January 1, 1997, as RTL 5 Nieuws & Weer, the channel adopted a news-centric format intended to operate around the clock, featuring hourly bulletins, weather forecasts, and traffic updates sourced primarily from RTL 4's existing output and supplemented by documentaries. The transition was gradual, retaining some feature films and entertainment segments initially to ease the change, while HMG directors emphasized cost-effective production without major staff reductions. This setup aimed to position RTL 5 as a thematic informational service, but it relied heavily on repetitive content loops due to limited resources. The format quickly encountered challenges, including viewer complaints over the monotonous repetition of bulletins and a subsequent drop in audience engagement, as the channel struggled to attract viewers accustomed to its entertainment roots. By mid-1998, amid ongoing budget pressures within HMG and difficulties in integrating reliable live feeds for timely updates, the news and weather emphasis was phased out during the summer, reverting RTL 5 to broader general entertainment by 2001—paving the way for the launch of the dedicated business news spin-off RTL Z later that year.

2001–2005: Business programming and repositioning

In June 2001, RTL 5 introduced a daytime block dedicated to and financial under the name RTL Z, marking the first such programming on a commercial channel and featuring daily updates and economic analysis shows. This initiative operated as a sub-channel within RTL 5's schedule, airing until 6 p.m. before transitioning to the main channel's regular content, with an initial focus on providing real-time financial information to viewers interested in markets and economy. The launch of RTL Z was part of a broader repositioning strategy for RTL 5 to attract affluent, business-oriented audiences by blending financial news with lifestyle segments and targeted advertising, aiming to differentiate from general entertainment competitors. Programming included economy-focused shows such as Nederland In Bedrijf and Business Class, which offered insights into corporate developments and market trends, supplemented by international feeds like CNBC Europe for global context. This mix also incorporated infomercial-style content to appeal to higher-income demographics, helping to stabilize the channel's position amid prior unsuccessful broad news experiments. A key milestone came in August 2004 with the formation of , rebranding the former Holland Media Groep and consolidating operations for , , and Yorin at a single location in to streamline programming and advertising strategies. This restructuring contributed to improved performance, with achieving audience shares of 5.6% among men aged 20-49 in 2004 (down slightly from 6.1% in 2003) and advertising shares rising to 4.4% through targeted ads focused on viewers. Overall, the channel maintained shares in the 5-6% range during this period, reflecting modest growth in its niche appeal. By 2005, challenges emerged from programming overlap between RTL Z and the emerging focus of , leading to the decision to relocate RTL Z to share 's frequency on weekdays starting in August, effectively integrating the business block into the broader RTL portfolio rather than maintaining it on RTL 5. This shift allowed RTL 5 to reposition further toward general , ending the dedicated business era and boosting its pre-relaunch audience share to 6.0% among men 20-49, with advertising at 4.0%.

2005–2023: Shift to entertainment and reality TV

In , RTL 5 repositioned itself as a channel focused on youth-oriented , moving away from its prior emphasis on niche content to attract a broader audience with reality TV and lifestyle programming. This shift included adopting a vibrant red color scheme in its branding and expanding 24-hour operations. The rebranding led to steady audience growth, with the channel's share in key demographics increasing post-August 2005. The introduction of reality formats marked a pivotal change, exemplified by the 2006 debut of , a competition series that quickly became one of RTL 5's top-rated programs and helped solidify its entertainment pivot. Ongoing seasons of , a survival reality competition airing since the early 2000s, further boosted the channel's profile with high-engagement content. Major successes in the 2010s included U.S. imports like the CSI franchise and blockbuster films, which drove peak viewership; for instance, CSI: Miami was among the most popular formats on RTL 5 during this period. These offerings contributed to strong ratings, with the channel achieving an 8.8% audience share in the 20-34 demographic by 2010, while individual shows like Oh Oh Cherso reached up to 45.9% in that group. Strategically, intensified its digital efforts around 2012, prioritizing online video and catch-up TV as core components of its multi-platform approach. This culminated in RTL Nederland's 2013 acquisition of a 65% stake in Videoland, the leading video-on-demand service, enabling seamless integration of RTL 5 content into streaming for enhanced accessibility and revenue diversification. Amid the 2020 , the channel adapted by ramping up reruns of popular entertainment series and reality formats to sustain operations amid production disruptions. Viewership trends during the era reflected growth through integrations, where promotional tie-ins for shows amplified engagement among younger audiences. By late 2022, amid advertising market pressures and streaming competition, began considering the sale of , culminating in formal announcements the following year. In 2017, RTL 5 underwent a logo refresh to modernize its visual identity, aligning with broader branding evolutions. The late also saw an expansion into more inclusive entertainment, incorporating diverse representations in and programming to reflect evolving audience demographics.

2023–present: Ownership transition and recent changes

In early 2023, the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) blocked 's proposed merger with , citing concerns over media concentration and competition in the advertising market. Following this setback, pivoted to divest its Dutch operations, announcing on December 15, 2023, an agreement to sell —including channels like RTL 5—to Belgian media company for €1.1 billion in cash. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, aimed to create a stronger multi-platform media entity by combining 's television assets with 's extensive print and digital properties, such as newspapers and news sites. The deal faced prolonged scrutiny from the ACM due to potential impacts on and news diversity in the . On June 27, 2025, the ACM granted conditional approval, imposing strict structural remedies to safeguard , ensure fair access to content for competitors, and maintain diversity in news offerings across DPG Media's expanded portfolio. These conditions included commitments to separate operations, transparent content-sharing policies, and ongoing monitoring to prevent dominance in the and markets. The sale closed on July 1, 2025, marking the end of RTL Group's 30-year ownership of and integrating it fully into as a key pillar of its Dutch operations. Post-acquisition, has focused on synergies between RTL Nederland's broadcast channels and its digital ecosystem, enabling cross-platform content distribution and enhanced audience engagement through bundled services like streaming and online . In the lead-up to the , RTL 5 underwent notable programming adjustments, discontinuing its longtime Teleshop 5 block in March 2025 and introducing RTL De , short segments aimed at providing timely updates alongside entertainment fare. Under , RTL 5 has maintained its emphasis on local formats, with increased cross-promotions leveraging DPG's Belgian assets like HLN.be for shared and audience reach. As of late 2025, RTL Nederland's channels, including , have shown stable primetime audience shares in the commercial target demographic (individuals aged 20-49), holding steady around 20% for the family of channels in the first half of the year despite intensified competition from streaming platforms. This resilience is attributed to bundled offerings that combine linear with 's digital subscriptions, resulting in a slight uptick in overall viewer engagement. Looking ahead, anticipates further rebranding opportunities and content synergies, potentially unifying visual identities across its Dutch and Belgian operations while adhering to ACM-mandated diversity rules. Challenges persist, including the integration of staff from the former structure and navigating ongoing regulatory oversight to preserve content variety.

Ownership and operations

Ownership history

RTL 5 was originally launched on October 2, 1993, by S.A., a Luxembourg-based entity operating under the ownership of Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion (CLT), which held full control as part of its expansion into the . During this period from 1993 to 1997, CLT managed RTL 5 alongside its sister channel , focusing on cable distribution and leveraging broadcasting licenses to serve the . In 1995, the formation of Holland Media Groep (HMG) marked a significant shift, establishing it as a where (via RTL 4 S.A.) held a 51% stake, while Vereniging Veronica Omroeporganisatie and Entertainment each indirectly controlled portions of the remaining 49% through Veronica Media Groep. This partnership integrated RTL 5, , and the newly launched channel (later ) under HMG, enabling coordinated programming and advertising strategies from 1995 to 2004, though gradually consolidated its influence. By 2001, following internal restructurings and the broader merger forming from CLT-UFA and Pearson Television, HMG became fully owned by , with emerging as the majority shareholder holding 89% of . HMG was renamed in 2004, solidifying its status as a wholly owned of , under Bertelsmann's majority control (which increased to over 90% by 2010). This period saw key developments, including a 2007 deal where acquired assets from John de Mol's Talpa Media, such as Radio 538 and the TV channel Tien (rebranded RTL 8), in exchange for granting Talpa a 26.3% minority stake in . regained full control in 2011 by exercising a to repurchase Talpa's stake, exchanging it for content rights. RTL Nederland's revenues grew during the , reaching a high of €504 million in 2018, driven by strong and diversified media operations under RTL Group's ownership. A proposed merger with , announced in 2021, aimed to combine RTL Nederland with Talpa's assets but was blocked in 2023 by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) over concerns in the and markets. In December 2023, RTL Group agreed to sell RTL Nederland—including channels RTL 4, RTL 5, RTL 7, and RTL 8—to Belgian-based DPG Media for €1.1 billion, with regulatory approval granted in June 2025 and the transaction closing on July 1, 2025. Under DPG Media's ownership from 2025 onward, RTL 5 continues as part of an expanded Dutch media portfolio integrating print, TV, and digital services.

Headquarters, broadcasting, and technical details

RTL 5's operations are centered at the headquarters of its parent company, , located in the Media Park in , , at Barend en Van Dorpweg 2. This facility has served as the primary base since the channel's launch in 1993, housing administrative offices, production spaces, and broadcasting infrastructure for RTL 5 alongside its sister channels , , and RTL 8 following the consolidation of operations under in the early 2000s. The channel is broadcast across multiple platforms in the , including digital terrestrial television via , following the switchover from completed in , providing nationwide over-the-air access. Satellite transmission occurs primarily through SES Astra satellites, with RTL 5 available on Astra 3C at 23.5° East in the West beam, enabling reception across via DVB-S. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with major cable providers such as and through , where it is offered as a channel in standard packages reaching the vast majority of Dutch households. Technically, RTL 5 broadcasts in at resolution with a :9 . programming in became available starting around 2010, initially for select content via and upgrades, with full adoption across platforms by the mid-2010s to enhance viewer experience on modern displays. The occupies the logical number 5 in program guides (EPG) on most providers, facilitating easy . Production for RTL 5 occurs primarily at in-house studios within the Media Park complex, equipped for live and recorded formats including segments and original content. Imported programming, such as series and films, is typically handled through external partnerships and services rather than in-house production. Following DPG Media's acquisition of in July 2025, investments have been directed toward , including upgrades to IP-based workflows and enhanced tools to streamline and distribution. RTL 5 achieves near-universal coverage within the , reaching approximately 99% of households through a combination of (over 90% penetration), terrestrial, and . Internationally, the signal is accessible via in neighboring countries like and through packages in former Dutch colonies such as , allowing expatriate viewers to receive the feed without additional subscriptions.

Target audience and market position

RTL 5 primarily targets viewers aged 25 to 54, including urban professionals, with a core emphasis on the 25-39 subgroup where it achieves a of 4.2%. This demographic reflects the channel's focus on real-life stories and engaging content that resonates with working adults navigating contemporary . Historically, from its launch in 1993 through the mid-2000s, RTL 5 exhibited a strong male skew, targeting men aged 20-49 with programming tailored to that audience. Since the , however, the channel's viewership has balanced out, with a near-even distribution of 52% male and 48% female among its core 25-54 audience. In the commercial , 5 maintains an average share of 4.1% in the 25-54 target group as of 2025, contributing to RTL Nederland's overall 35% share in that demographic during the first half of the year. According to SKO data, the channel reached 4.8% during evening in 2025, demonstrating stability amid broader industry shifts toward streaming. It performs particularly well in the reality TV genre, outperforming public channels in niche engagement despite NPO's dominant 33.2% overall . Advertising revenue emphasizes consumer brands aimed at young adults, leveraging the channel's weekly reach of 27% (1.86 million viewers) in the 25-54 group. RTL 5 positions itself as a youthful, bold alternative to the more mainstream within the RTL family, emphasizing humorous and challenging reality formats that differentiate it from competitors. Primary rivals include for general entertainment, for reality programming, and streaming platforms like , which challenge linear TV's youth viewership. Following DPG Media's acquisition of on July 1, 2025, the channel has integrated more deeply into a multi-platform combining TV, , and news services to enhance audience retention and cross-media advertising opportunities.

Programming

Current series and shows

RTL 5's current programming lineup as of November 2025 emphasizes , imported scripted series, and local entertainment formats, reflecting the channel's focus on engaging, accessible content for a broad audience. The schedule features primetime slots dedicated to reality shows from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, where high-stakes competitions and personal dramas dominate viewership. Mornings include news and lifestyle segments following teleshopping blocks, while weekends highlight movie airings in action and genres. In reality TV, the post-2024 revival of Big Brother aired its fifth and final season from January to October 2025 on RTL 5, monitoring housemates in a confined environment with weekly evictions and viewer voting, maintaining its status as a social experiment format. The season drew significant ratings during primetime, often exceeding 500,000 viewers per episode. Imported content includes U.S. series such as reruns of NCIS, which air in afternoon and evening slots, providing procedural crime drama with ongoing investigations led by special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team. New seasons of The Rookie feature in the weekly rotation, following rookie officer John Nolan's experiences in the LAPD, appealing to fans of action-oriented police stories. Nightly film blocks from 9:00 PM feature action and comedy titles, such as recent Hollywood releases, to fill late-evening programming. Local productions include and content. Following the ownership transition to in July 2025, RTL 5 continues to air a mix of local and imported programming. Morning slots post-teleshopping feature journalistic segments from RTL Z, delivering business and current affairs updates from 6:00 AM onward. Weekend movies continue with curated blocks, often premiering recent blockbusters to attract family viewers.

Former series and shows

During its early years from 1993 to 2001, RTL 5, originally launched as RTL V with a focus on male-oriented content, featured automotive programming such as AutoWeek, a show dedicated to car reviews and coverage that aligned with the channel's initial emphasis on topics for men. The channel also experimented with news content, including short news bulletins and weather updates under the RTL 5 Nieuws & Weer branding from 1997 to 1998, which were integrated into the evening schedule but discontinued amid rebranding efforts. From 2001 to 2005, RTL 5 shifted toward and financial programming, prominently featuring the RTL Z block, which aired full daytime broadcasts covering economic , stock updates, and market analysis starting June 6, 2001, before relocating to in 2005 due to channel repositioning. Complementing this was Het Zakelijk Journaal, a daily bulletin that provided in-depth reports on corporate developments and financial trends, contributing to the channel's brief identity as a hub for professional audiences until the entertainment pivot. The entertainment era spanning 2005 to 2023 saw RTL 5 become a key platform for reality TV and imported series, with running from 2006 to 2019 as a flagship Dutch adaptation of the international format, where aspiring models competed in challenges that boosted the channel's ratings among younger viewers. Cooking shows like , an American import featuring actress Valerie Bertinelli's family recipes, aired in the , offering accessible culinary content during off-peak hours. U.S. sitcoms such as were staples, with multiple seasons broadcast to attract comedy fans, ending as streaming options grew. Pre-2024 seasons of aired on RTL 5, including cycles from 2011 onward that captured the reality format's voyeuristic appeal but faced cancellations due to declining ratings and format fatigue after over a decade. Teleshopping blocks, known as Teleshop 5, filled late-night slots until their discontinuation in 2025, replaced by news programming amid efforts to reduce commercial filler and enhance informational content. Many of these shows ended due to evolving viewer preferences toward digital platforms, though some like influenced later revivals on other networks.

Branding and identity

Logo evolution

RTL 5 launched on October 2, 1993, with its inaugural logo featuring a handwritten-style "rtl v" in blue and orange, where the "v" represented the Roman numeral for 5, designed by Willem van den Berg to appeal to a youthful and upscale audience. This design emphasized a casual, modern aesthetic aligned with the channel's initial programming focus. In , the logo was updated to better integrate with the broader family branding while maintaining visibility for the channel's evolving content mix. This version persisted through 1997, with minor refinements in 1996 to support seasonal and thematic variations, such as winter motifs in the accompanying music and graphics. The period from 1997 to 1998 marked a rebrand toward a news-oriented format under "RTL 5 Nieuws & Weer," introducing a bold, news-style "5" that conveyed and timeliness, adapted from the previous design but with sharper, more structured . From 1998 to 2005, RTL 5 used a with a diaphragm in 1998–1999, followed by a white "5" accented by yellow hooks from 1999 to 2005, dropping the subtitle and shifting back to general entertainment; a variant was used for the RTL Z financial channel in 2001, featuring adjusted coloring to distinguish it. The 2005 rebrand introduced a angular "5" , signaling the channel's pivot to entertainment and reality programming, inheriting content from the former Yorin channel and adopting as the dominant color to evoke and vibrancy. In 2012, the evolved into a "5" styled as a playful , designed to reflect the channel's humorous and exciting tone, with the figure-like form allowing for dynamic animations in idents and promotions; this design remained in use through 2017. A 2017 simplification retained the core 3D red character aesthetic and was used until 2023. In 2023, with the introduction of the United branding, 5 adopted the multi-colored stacked box design, featuring "" in three rectangles—two red and one pink—unified across channels to streamline branding while preserving the "5" integration for channel specificity. The United branding continues under following the 2025 acquisition, per a license agreement until at least 2034.

Ident graphics and visual style changes

RTL 5's ident graphics and visual style have evolved significantly since its launch, reflecting shifts in programming focus, corporate ownership, and broadcasting technology. Early idents emphasized simple, thematic animations tied to the channel's male-oriented content, while later designs incorporated more dynamic elements like effects and minimalist layouts to align with platforms. From 1993 to 1997, the channel's idents featured straightforward animations centered around the Roman numeral V motif, with the slogan "let's take 5" integrated into the visuals; these were designed by Willem van den Berg with music by Hans van Eijck. Seasonal variations appeared in 1994–1996, such as skating letters during winter promotions, maintaining alignment with RTL 4's style. By 1996–1997, a new package introduced a theme with corridor-like sequences leading to the , ending in scenes of landscapes, designed by Ed Elting using stock music. Between 1997 and 2001, idents shifted to support the "RTL5 nieuws & weer" rebranding in 1997–1998, featuring minimalistic designs for news and weather segments, including tickers and maps, with music by Hans van Eijck. In 1998–1999, the style reverted to a core RTL 5 identity with a red square diaphragm logo at the center, emphasizing clean transitions. The 1999–2001 period introduced a white numeral 5 accented by yellow hooks, accompanied by over 50 specialized bumpers depicting the logo in various activities like sports or leisure, designed by Valkieser with music by Hans van Eijck and later Stephen Emmer. The years 2001 to 2005 marked corporate transitions under the Holland Media Group (HMG) and , with idents simplifying to focus on the logo and channel name, using music by Stephen Emmer; these integrated finance-related charts in bumpers to align with the launch of RTL Z business programming in 2001. This era continued the 1999 package's activity-themed graphics but emphasized uniformity across RTL channels during ownership consolidation. From 2005 to 2012, following the full integration, idents adopted an energetic, youth-oriented visual style with and dominant colors, featuring dynamic music stings by Stephen Emmer and unified RTL corporate elements in bumpers. The designs highlighted fast-paced animations to appeal to younger demographics, incorporating program-specific transitions. The 2012–2023 period introduced animations with a character-like numeral 5 in an edgy, humorous style from 2012–2017, evolving to minimalist updates in 2020 that reduced clutter for clearer on-screen information, including celebrity voiceovers in promotional idents. These changes supported the channel's and focus, with graphics emphasizing bold, three-dimensional effects. A further simplification occurred in 2017 with simple "now" and "next" leaders. Since the 2023 RTL United rebrand, idents have synchronized with digital platforms, adopting flat-screen-friendly graphics and a multi-colored, unified identity across channels, including simplified "now" and "next" bumpers for enhanced online integration. This visual refresh prioritizes versatility for streaming and , maintaining minimalistic elements from prior years.

Additional services

Teletext service

RTL 5's service, known as RTL Text, was introduced upon the channel's launch on October 2, 1993, initially offering basic program guides and information services integrated into the broadcast signal. The service expanded in 1995 following the formation of the Holland Media Groep (HMG), which managed and RTL 5, allowing for enhanced content distribution across the group's channels. Standard teletext pages were structured with 100–199 dedicated to TV schedules and electronic program guides (EPG), while 200–299 covered news and sports updates. From 2001 to 2005, the service incorporated financial data from RTL Z, the business news channel that debuted as a programming block on RTL 5 in June 2001. Usage peaked in the , particularly for , weather forecasts, and quick access to schedules, serving as a key tool before the rise of internet-based alternatives. However, viewership steadily declined due to the proliferation of websites, mobile apps, and , rendering the full service unprofitable by the mid-2010s. On April 1, 2017, discontinued most RTL Text offerings, retaining only subtitle pages 888 and 889 for hearing-impaired viewers across its channels, including RTL 5. As of 2025, the teletext service remains limited to these subtitle pages, identifiable by an earpiece icon with "888," supporting accessibility in line with Dutch broadcasting requirements, while EPG and other content have shifted to digital platforms like the RTL app and Videoland streaming service. Technically, RTL 5's teletext adheres to the World System Teletext (WST) standard under ETS 300 706, compatible with the 625-line PAL broadcast system used in the Netherlands.

Digital and online extensions

RTL 5's digital extensions primarily revolve around the Videoland streaming platform, which has served as the primary on-demand service for RTL Nederland since its digital launch in 2010 and full acquisition by RTL in 2015. Videoland offers full episodes of RTL 5 programs, such as reality series and documentaries, alongside shorter on-demand clips, with access to content from the past several months or more depending on the subscription tier. In 2018, Videoland merged with the free catch-up service RTL XL to create a unified platform, and by 2023, the free tier was rebranded as Videoland TV, providing limited ad-supported access to recent episodes without a subscription. Following DPG Media's acquisition of RTL Nederland in July 2025, Videoland content is being integrated into DPG's broader ecosystem of apps and sites for enhanced bundled access across news and entertainment platforms. Key features of Videoland include live streaming of RTL 5 broadcasts, offline downloads via the "Download To Go" function, and interactive elements tailored to reality programming, such as real-time engagement during shows like , where viewers can access 24/7 live streams and participate in voting through the app. The platform supports multiple devices, including smart s, mobiles, and tablets, emphasizing user-friendly navigation for RTL 5's and content. As of 2025, Videoland boasts over 1.6 million paying subscribers, reflecting its role in shifting viewership from linear to digital. RTL 5 maintains an active presence through RTL Nederland's channels, with the main account (@rtlxl) featuring promotional clips, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content from RTL 5 shows, amassing hundreds of thousands of subscribers. On (@rtl.nl), short-form videos and teasers for RTL 5 series reach over 300,000 followers, while TikTok accounts under RTL branding post viral clips from reality formats to engage younger audiences, often cross-promoting Videoland exclusives. In 2025, these platforms increased cross-posting with sites to leverage the acquisition for wider reach. Significant milestones include the launch of the Videoland mobile app around 2013, enabling portable access to RTL 5 content, and a notable surge in digital viewership during the 2020 pandemic, where RTL Group's overall online usage rose substantially as audiences turned to streaming amid lockdowns. Monetization combines ad-supported free viewing with premium subscriptions starting at €5.99 per month for the Basis tier (ad-supported, one user), up to €12.99 for Premium (ad-free, multi-device, multiple users), though international access remains restricted to the via .

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