How a German soap opera turned ice skating into a high-stakes television dynasty
In short: Debuting in 2006, Alles was zählt carved a unique niche in German television by blending the high-pressure world of professional ice skating with the cutthroat dynamics of the Steinkamp family. Beyond the rink, the show became a cultural touchstone, pioneering crossovers and earning acclaim for its groundbreaking character storylines.
Launched on September 4, 2006, Alles was zählt—or All That Matters—marked the third daily soap opera for the German network RTL. While the narrative is set in the industrial city of Essen, the actual production takes place in Cologne under the guidance of Grundy UFA productions. The show initially centered on the aspirations of Diana Sommer, a skater striving for world-class status under the management of the unscrupulous Steinkamp dynasty at their Sport and Wellness Center. This central location remains the heart of the series, serving as the stage for the evolving lives of its staff and residents.
The show is notable for its willingness to experiment with the traditional soap format. In October 2007, it participated in Germany's first-ever soap opera crossover, integrating characters from the sister series Unter uns. This collaborative spirit extended to musical guests; the show’s theme song, Nie genug by Austrian singer Christina Stürmer, became so iconic that Stürmer later appeared on-screen to perform during the wedding of characters Ben and Isabelle in episodes 1000 and 1001. Another crossover in April 2010 featured DSDS contestants performing a duet within the show's fictional No. 7 venue.
Beyond its production milestones, the series gained international recognition for its social impact. In February 2008, the show received the Best National TV Format award from Blu Magazine for its portrayal of the relationship between characters Deniz and Roman. This specific narrative arc, affectionately dubbed DeRo by fans, transcended domestic borders, cultivating a dedicated international following that included over 12,000 subscribers on YouTube. By blending athletic ambition with complex interpersonal drama, the series has maintained a long-standing presence in the competitive landscape of German daily television, directed by a rotating team of professionals to keep the storytelling dynamic.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Alles was zählt
- Also: Wikidata — Alles was zählt · CC0
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