Preparing for another round of excitement, key insights on the upcoming 18th season of "Lions Cave" series.
The much-anticipated 18th season of Germany's popular entrepreneurial investment show, "Die Höhle der Löwen" (DHDL), is set to air on Vox starting August 25, 2025.
In this season, fans can expect some exciting changes. For starters, Frank Thelen returns as a permanent member of the lion's den after several years of absence, joining Dagmar Woerhl, Judith Williams, Ralf Duemmel, Carsten Maschmeyer, and Janna Ensthaler, who are all returning investors.
One of the most intriguing additions to the show is the introduction of "Battle Pitches", where two startups compete for an investment, with only one advancing. This high-stakes format promises to add a new level of tension and excitement to the show.
Football star Marvin Plattenhardt and former professional footballer Tilman Schulz (who won't be returning for this season) will present their new businesses, while Oliver Kahn makes a guest appearance as brand ambassador.
The 18th season also features a diverse mix of founders, including students, seniors, professionals, career-changers, and even a 98-year-old participant. One pitch in particular is particularly intimate, focusing on masturbation.
In addition, the show has undergone a makeover, with a newly designed founder lounge that includes seating areas, a kitchen, and a beauty area. This new setup is intended to show more personal moments and emotions from the founders.
Last season, Tijen Onaran's appearance opposite the Manti-Manti founders caused controversy, with her behaviour being criticised as "disrespectful" and "unfeminist". Fellow jurors Dagmar Woerhl and Judith Williams distanced themselves from her in the show. Onaran won't be returning for this season, having left the show in September 2024.
Novak Djokovic has also made headlines by investing a "significant seven-figure sum" in the Austrian startup "Waterdrop". It remains to be seen if he will make an appearance on the show.
Fans can stream the first episode a week earlier, on August 18, on RTL+. This season promises to be an exciting one, with new faces, new formats, and a diverse range of startups vying for investment. Stay tuned!
What changes does the 18th season of "Die Höhle der Löwen" (DHDL) bring to the entertainment landscape of movies-and-tv? The new season introduces "Battle Pitches", a high-stakes format promising added tension and excitement, and showcases a diverse mix of founders, including a particularly intimate pitch focusing on masturbation.
