• Pascal in personal insolvency with debts of 20,000 euros
• Selina starts work in a workshop for the disabled
• New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN, starting August 19 every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI and in advance on RTL+

• New episodes of the two social reports on Tuesday evenings
• The new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH feature a reunion with familiar protagonists
• HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK GROSS KLEIN from Tuesday, January 7 at 8:15 p.m. and HARTZ UND HERZLICH from 9:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI

Tuesday evening will be HARTZ UND HERZLICH evening! At 8:15 pm, RTLZWEI will be showing new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK GROSS KLEIN, followed by brand new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH at 9:15 pm: Instead of a specific region, the episodes will show well-known people from the past eight years. How are they doing today and what has changed? New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – Tag für Tag Rostock Groß Klein – starting January 7, every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m., followed by HARTZ UND HERZLICH with reunion episodes on RTLZWEI.

• The social reportage shows the lives of people in the Trier-West district
• The protagonists react to hate comments online
• New episode of HARTZ UND HERZLICH from Trier-West on Tuesday, November 19, at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI

The social reportage HARTZ UND HERZLICH returns to the Trier-West district. The new episodes feature a reunion with familiar faces and new protagonists. How have people’s lives changed, how are the new faces coping with their new circumstances? The residents have one thing in common: they all live on the edge of subsistence. A new episode of HARTZ UND HERZLICH from Trier-West – on November 19 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI.

After the first „Hartz und herzlich – Trier-West“ episodes were broadcast, the people in Magnerichstraße had to put up with some hateful comments on social media. But Ralf, Steven and Sascha are not putting up with this and call their neighbors to a crisis meeting in Ralf’s living room. Together, the people of Trier speak out about the prejudice and insults.

31-year-old Valeska has been unemployed for ten years. Now the trained geriatric nurse wants to build up a livelihood for herself and her children Mia and Luca. The job center is reimbursing her for the costs of further training in mobile geriatric care and her driving license. After passing her theory and practical lessons, she is almost there. But her past as a former drug user threatens to throw a spanner in the works. Will she be allowed to take the test?

26-year-old Sascha wants to work in Magnerichstrasse and plans to catch up on his secondary school leaving certificate at night school. His husband Mike and brother Patrik support him. But after losing 35 kilos in weight, a dangerously fluctuating insulin level lands him in hospital.

Nina and Bernd, both unemployed and dependent on social benefits, also live in Trier-West. 37-year-old Bernd has struggled with alcohol problems since his youth, but now he is seeking help from addiction counseling. His friend Pit and flatmate Nina support him in turning his life around.

A new episode of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – on Tuesday, November 19 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI. The program is produced by UFA SHOW & FACTUAL GmbH. The episodes will be available free of charge on RTL+ for seven days after broadcast – and then in the PREMIUM section.

• Three new episodes from the previously unseen Düsseldorf
• The southern districts of Garath, Reisholz and Holthausen are illuminated
• Starting January 23, every Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI

• Three new episodes from Magdeburg
• Reunion with Franzi’s extended family, Siggi, Micky and others
• From January 2, every Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI

The social documentary „Hartz und herzlich“ is once again focusing on the city of Magdeburg in three new episodes. There is also a reunion with familiar faces from the first season from the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt. Grandmother Franzi and husband Markus urgently need to find a new apartment for their family of six. Formerly homeless Micky wants to prove himself as a family man and 66-year-old Siggi is driven into poverty by the move to a more expensive, barrier-free apartment. New episodes of „Hartz und herzlich“ from Magdeburg from January 2, always on Tuesdays at 9:15 pm on RTLZWEI.

Franzi and her husband Markus‘ extended family live in Magdeburg’s Grünstraße. The 37-year-old is a mother and grandmother of six, as her 19-year-old daughter Lisa recently gave birth to little Emma. Lisa’s partner and father of the child, 19-year-old Leon, also lives in the family’s five-room apartment, the rent for which is paid by the Jobcenter. For months, the office did not take into account the increase in service charges and therefore paid too little rent to the landlord, who terminated the tenancy without notice. The youth welfare office sees the unstable housing situation as a threat to the child’s welfare. If the family of ten does not move into a homeless shelter within a few days, the children are to be taken into the care of the authorities.

66-year-old Siggi lives in the Sudenburg district of Magdeburg. The single woman has been unable to work for over 20 years and receives a disability pension, with which she lives below the subsistence level. As the pensioner is increasingly dependent on a walking frame, she recently moved into a barrier-free apartment. But it is much more expensive than her previous home. For the first time in her life, the trained tax assistant is dependent on food donations from the food bank – and then her oven goes on strike.

Nicky lives in the Neue Neustadt district with her two-year-old son Noah. She has had a new partner for five months, 42-year-old Micky. The former homeless man spends a lot of time with the pregnant woman, takes care of the household and tries to be a family man. Former Hartz IV recipient Coco lives in the same district with her partner Henry and their children Selina and Niclas. Since the Magdeburg native recently got a full-time job, the family is no longer dependent on state benefits. Partner Henry has also been looking for a job for two years and finally has an interview lined up.

The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH.

New episodes of „Hartz und herzlich“ from Magdeburg from January 2, always on Tuesdays from 9:15 pm. The episodes are available free of charge on RTL+ for 30 days after broadcast.

Susi is afraid that the youth welfare office will take her children away because of an incident. Fortunately, her friend Eva stands by her side. Marcello is overwhelmed by his one-euro job and Sabrina is trying to keep her head above water as a cleaner. Susi lives in Nuremberg with her three children. The 42-year-old Serbian separated from her husband a year and a half ago. Since then, she has been looking after her children on her own. After an incident in the family, the youth welfare office got involved. Now Susi is afraid of losing her children. Fortunately, her friend Eva stands by her side during this time.

27-year-old Marcello also lives in Nuremberg. He suffers from a resilience disorder, which makes it extremely difficult for him to interpret other people’s feelings and therefore everyday life. He has been living on Hartz IV, or what is now known as citizen’s income, for four years. He has recently been supplementing his state benefits with a one-euro job. However, the demands of this job are pushing him to his limits. His boss has a conversation with Marcello, whereupon he draws his conclusions.

It is also about Sabrina and her son. She lost her office job due to her striking appearance and has been looking for work for almost two months. Her son is in first grade. Sabrina’s part-time job as a cleaner is not enough to provide him with a carefree childhood. A job interview at a temporary employment agency could mean a positive change for the small family.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – NÜRNBERG starts with three new episodes on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 9:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI. The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH.

• Reunion with Janine, Michael, Elvis and Katrin from the Benz barracks
• Six new episodes about life in the Waldhof district of Mannheim
• Broadcast from Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI

The social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH returns to the Benz barracks in Mannheim and gives viewers an insight into the lives of the people in this socially deprived neighborhood. The reunion with the popular residents shows their strength, cohesion and cheerfulness despite difficult living conditions. The new episodes can be seen on RTLZWEI from November 14, 2023 at 8:15 pm.

In the upcoming episodes, Michael, a self-employed janitor, will try a fascinating experiment: he plans to get by for a month on the standard citizen’s income of 502 euros. This means that he will have to accept considerable restrictions in his everyday life. Mobility and food are the top priorities. The experiment not only promises to be exciting, but also raises important questions about social reality.

There is also a reunion with Janine: the former Hartz IV recipient opened her own beauty salon two months ago. But a severe bout of flu has thwarted her plans and the orders have stopped coming in. Can she still remain financially independent from the authorities or is her business on the brink of collapse?

There’s news from Katrin and Elvis. The couple have been dependent on state aid for years. With a mini-job, they need financial support to make ends meet. The parents of eight show the audience their everyday life and defend themselves against prejudices in the social media. In the current season, there is good news for the couple: They can look forward to a new addition to the family – daughter Jelena recently became a mother. Jelena is currently living in a mother and child home and is learning to cope with everyday life with her baby. This presents them with new family planning considerations.

The focus is also on Petra, who is looking for a new electric stove with her son Pascal after their old stove became unusable due to a cable fire. Pascal has his own problems with the justice system as he is once again confronted with accusations.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN starts with six new episodes on Wednesday, November 14, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI. The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH.

• Unadulterated insights into the everyday life of the residents of the former industrial site
• From October 24, 2023, every Tuesday at 9:15 pm on RTLZWEI

The social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH is once again devoting three new episodes to the town in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. For the second time since 2018, personal fates and stories from Bitterfeld-Wolfen can be seen. In GDR times, the prefabricated buildings in Wolfen-Nord were still considered a popular residential area with prospects. Today, poverty and unemployment often determine the everyday lives of the residents. The camera teams were on location every day for almost four months, following the people of the estate. Start is on October 24, 2023 at 21:15 on RTLZWEI.

31-year-old Alexandra, known as Alex, lives in the Wolfen-Nord district with her children Mia and Leon. The family was already part of the documentary in 2017. A lot has happened since then: on the one hand, Alex split up with her then boyfriend, and on the other, things are looking up for the trained housekeeper. After many years, the single parent has finally managed to get away from the job center. But is the money she earns enough to support her family? Daughter Mia is now 15 years old. Viewers were given their first insight into her everyday life in 2017. Money may be tight at the time, but Mia dreams of going to high school and then finding a good job. Did the teenager stick to her plan?

Roland was also there in 2017. The 61-year-old still lives in the same small 26-square-metre prefabricated apartment in Wolfen-Nord. The trained construction worker has also made progress in his career in recent years. But although the Hartz IV recipient has a mini-job as a cleaner, the job center wants to put him on an additional measure. If he doesn’t accept it, Roland faces the consequences. What will the 61-year-old decide?

New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – BITTERFELD-WOLFEN from October 24, 2023, always on Tuesdays from 9:15 pm. The episodes will be available free of charge on RTL+ for 30 days after broadcast.

In seven years, HARTZ UND HERZLICH has followed more than 300 protagonists from a total of 19 cities. Since its launch, the personal fates and stories have touched many viewers and also sensitized them to the issue of poverty. In three episodes, the social documentary now focuses on well-known protagonists from various cities who have already been accompanied by the camera and whose lives have changed a lot since then. The episodes can be seen from April 11, every Tuesday at 8:15 pm on RTLZWEI.

It all started in 2016 in the Duisburg railroad settlement: back then, kiosk owner Julz was involved. His kiosk was the focal point for the residents of the estate. Seven years later, he recalls the most memorable moments and shows how his life and his neighborhood have changed.

Three years ago, 63-year-old Rudi from Luckenwalde in Brandenburg wanted to emigrate to Tanzania to build a new life there with his fiancée Nangini. Back then, the coronavirus pandemic thwarted the Hartz IV recipient’s plans. But Rudi has not given up. Together with his 86-year-old mother, he has saved money for his big dream. Will he finally manage to emigrate to Africa?

There is also a reunion with 57-year-old Frank from Salzgitter. His life could change from one day to the next. Due to a death in the family, there is an inheritance in the form of a property worth several hundred thousand euros. But in order to claim the inheritance, he still has to prove his degree of kinship and complete a lot of paperwork. If he succeeds, after more than 30 years he would no longer be dependent on the authorities.

Mia, now 15, lives with her mother Alex in Bitterfeld-Wolfen. Viewers were given their first insight into her everyday life in 2017. Money was tight at the time, but Mia dreamed of going to high school and then finding a good job. Did the teenager stick to her plan? And what does Alex do for a living today?

From April 11, 2023, every Tuesday from 8:15 p.m.: Three new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH.

Norman and Kathleen live in Eberswalde with their two children and dog Kira. To be able to escape the daily grind more often, the father wants to get his driver’s license. Meanwhile, 40-year-old long-term student Peggy has to take care of her master’s thesis. Will she succeed?

Good news from the Benz barracks! Janine has completed her training and can now call herself a „make-up artist“. The single mother of two children now wants to start her own business so that she is no longer dependent on Hartz IV. Jerrick is currently going through a difficult phase in his life. He believes he suffers from borderline syndrome and has now taken the first steps to get help. Petra lives in the green block with her future husband Sascha and their two daughters. Sascha has turned out to be a great stepfather for eight-year-old Lucia and five-year-old Francesca.

It’s back to Krefeld! Angelina is heavily pregnant. However, her mother Conny is very worried that the 16-year-old will have to move into a mother and child home after the birth. The decisive visit from the youth welfare office is still to come. Angelina also has to deal with issues such as child benefit and parental allowance. 59-year-old Chris has now been receiving Hartz IV for eleven years. After a total of six heart attacks and two strokes, he still has to sleep on the couch at home. Friends have now bought him a bed. Will it make him feel better? Melanie and Christian also live in Krefeld with their son Nico. Melanie has been receiving support from the state for 20 years, while Christian has been living on Hartz IV for six years. At home, the family of three makes a discovery in the bathroom that leaves them in tears.

In three new episodes, HARTZ UND HERZLICH once again focuses on the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, this time on the state capital Magdeburg. The prefabricated buildings from the 1970s and 1980s were still considered a popular residential area with prospects in GDR times. Today, poverty and unemployment often dominate the everyday lives of residents in the north of the city on the Elbe. HARTZ UND HERZLICH takes a look behind the scenes at those affected and tells the stories of people on the edge of subsistence: genuine, unadulterated, but always funny and, above all, heartfelt. The new stories from October 11, 2022, every Tuesday at prime time on RTLZWEI.

Franziska, 35, and her husband Markus, nine years her senior, live in a prefabricated apartment in the Neue Neustadt district. They share it with their six children and dog Trixi. The family’s problem child at the moment is their eldest daughter Lisa. The 17-year-old has dropped out of school. In addition, health problems and having to move out of their apartment are presenting the family of eight with serious challenges.

Also living in Magdeburg, but without a permanent address, is 40-year-old Michael, known as Mickey. The Hartz IV recipient has been receiving social benefits for 16 years and alternates between staying overnight with friends. But this is now set to end. Mickey and his girlfriend Susi have got engaged and want to build a future together – including a permanent home and a new start in working life.

Mickey’s ex-girlfriend Sieglinge, known as Siggi, also lives in Magdeburg. The 64-year-old lives in a two-room apartment with her dog Bibi. Siggi wants to put her past behind her and go back to her maiden name. The early retiree only has 200 euros a month to live on. Will she be able to afford to change her name?

20-year-old Max lives not far from Lake Neustadt. Despite his young age, he has already experienced a lot: at the age of 13, he lived in sheltered housing and then spent some time in a homeless shelter. He is unable to cope with the housekeeping in his apartment and hasn’t cleaned or opened his post for weeks. But he wants to put an end to this at last!

Things are also set to move forward for 26-year-old Felix. Now that he has found a job after months of unemployment, he wants to continue his professional training. To do this, the Magdeburg native wants to complete his forklift license. But will Felix complete the training?

To kick off the fall, RTLZWEI will be reuniting with the residents of the Waldhof district of Mannheim in four new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH. Starting on September 13, the prime-time social documentary will show what happens in the lives of Elvis, Janine, Jerrick, Petra, Carmen, Pascal and many other residents of the social hotspot after Dagmar’s death.

Dagmar’s death marks the end of a chapter in the Benz barracks. Her hands-on and robust nature won people’s hearts. Dagmar’s daughters Tammy and Anja want fans and friends to be able to take home a memento of the good soul of the Benz-Baracken. That’s why they organize a yard sale with the rest of the family. Elvis also wants to take another look at her belongings on this day and fights back tears.

A dream has come true for Hartz IV recipient Janine: She has been awarded a scholarship to a make-up school and commutes there every day. This would not be possible without the nursery care for her twins Jaydin and Jaylin. Competition in the field is fierce, but Janine wants to be able to work in her dream job in the long term.

Jerrick’s successes are currently a long time coming. He wanted to finally gain a foothold with a job at a petrol station. But psychological problems are putting a spanner in the works. Jerrick is a talented draughtsman and wants to stand on his own two feet. He doesn’t give up, but seeks professional help. He also wants a cleaner look so that he can find a new job and his own apartment as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Petra is planning to move into the new buildings in the Benz barracks and wants to apply for a new home with Pascal and Selina. The new buildings are also a topic of discussion in Carmen and Dieter’s yellow terraced house: although the extended family is not looking for a new home, they are concerned with the changes. Carmen is not only angry about the asking price – she is also annoyed about the inconvenience caused by the building site. In addition to noise and dirt, the building work has brought with it another problem: mice have made themselves at home in the house of the mother of six and are keeping Carmen on her toes.

From the barracks to idyllic Kusel – this is the path Pascal chose when he moved in with his girlfriend Michelle. The two have been a couple for nine months and the 20-year-old has become accustomed to his new surroundings. Only the lack of prospects is frustrating, because even after the move Pascal still lives on state support. He doesn’t want it to stay that way, but Corona is delaying his job search.

A large contingent of firefighters stands in front of the yellow terraced houses: arsonists have been up to mischief in the dark. Elvis and Katrin are alarmed. They underestimate how quickly a fire can start from an ignition and such incidents are becoming more frequent in the shacks. Fortunately, however, the fire had a mild outcome. No people were injured and the flames did not spread to neighboring buildings.

The annual Hansa Sail festival takes place in Rostock, where Cindy and her ex-boyfriend Jean meet. The former couple have been separated for a year. Jean claims to be happy about the break-up. But does he really no longer have feelings for the mother of his children? Cindy certainly has her suspicions. Celine and Falko also live in Rostock. But they both want to leave the Hanseatic city and move to Magdeburg. Before they make the final decision, they pay a short visit to their new adopted home.

Meanwhile, it seems as if everything is conspiring against Martin. His fiancée Manja has moved into a homeless shelter and his apartment has already been terminated without notice. The 33-year-old initially stays with friends. But after living together becomes a real challenge, he starts looking for new accommodation. Will he be able to find a longer-term place to stay?

With the death of Andreas Kowalski, HARTZ UND HERZLICH has lost its cult sailor, who moved fans and viewers alike with his incomparable manner. RTLZWEI accompanies him on his last journey to the sailor’s funeral and recalls the most beautiful moments.

Hannelore and Ralf live in Trier-West. They have been dependent on the state for over three decades. There is always something going on at their house and their home is not only a popular meeting place for their children, but also for many neighbors. Their daughter Nadine lives in the same house. She lives here with her son Elias and her fiancé Raimund. The family has been through difficult times, as Elias suffers from an incurable metabolic disease. Now the Trier couple want to look to a positive future and take the next step after four years of dating. They want to get married! An organizational and financial challenge for the Hartz IV recipients.

Sush also lives in Trier-West. Since the former cab driver lost his driver’s license, he has been living on Hartz IV. Sush wants his driver’s license back. In order to get the money together, he does without any luxuries and spends no more than 15 euros on his weekly shopping. But he still has a long way to go before he finds the money for his medical-psychological examination. His good friend Valeska also wants to get out of unemployment and starts working in the same nightclub as Sush. The mother of two wants to rebuild her life so that she can permanently reunite with her children from the youth welfare office’s residential group.

Sascha and his husband Mike live together in Trier-West. They are both trying to gain a foothold in working life. But the search is not so easy: while Sascha is given the chance to catch up on his secondary school leaving certificate through a job center scheme so that he can later train as a carpenter, husband Mike only receives rejections.

Flatmates Nina and Bernd have money problems. Electricity debts of almost 2500 euros make life difficult for Nina and the early retiree. They desperately try to get money and hope for support from the job center.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TRIER-WEST ran from July 5, 2022 to July 19, 2022 on Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI. (3 episodes)

Following the great primetime success of the social documentary, HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN once again shows life in the „Benz-Baracken“ in Mannheim. Several camera teams once again accompanied the residents in their everyday lives. Once again, there is a reunion with the residents of Mannheim’s Waldhof district – real, authentic and always at eye level.

Petra has a difficult journey ahead of her. After her cancer-stricken fiancé Heiko died of heart failure, she now wants to see the possible final resting place of the Berlin-born man. Her grief is now compounded by financial worries due to the funeral costs. Petra feels left alone by the state in this difficult situation.

A vaccination station is set up in the Benz barracks. Many of the residents take advantage of the opportunity. Dagmar, however, is worried: the good soul of the Benz barracks suffers from a pre-existing condition. The vaccination station arouses her curiosity, but she is afraid of injections…

Meanwhile, Janine has a row with her ex, who is the father of her twins but is avoiding the paternity test. Meanwhile, some of the residents such as Florian, Dieter and Dagmar are caught up in European Cup fever. Meanwhile, Marina sets up a pool in the summer temperatures for the children to have fun swimming in. But the activity ends in a swimming accident…

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN ran from January 4, 2022 to February 1, 2022 on Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI. (5 episodes)

In three new episodes, HARTZ UND HERZLICH focuses on the city of Düren in the south-west of North Rhine-Westphalia. Once characterized by a stable paper and textile industry, the city of 93,000 inhabitants currently has an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent. HARTZ UND HERZLICH tells the stories of people living on the breadline. Pure life: real, harrowing, but always humorous and, above all, heartfelt.

The location was deliberately chosen to show a piece of Germany as honestly and uninfluenced as possible. The camera teams from UFA Show & Factual were on location almost every day for four months and accompanied the people in Düren: Credible and authentic, very close up and without dramaturgical exaggeration. There are many oppressive moments, but also a lot of warmth with a large portion of humor and always straightforward.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DÜREN ran from November 30, 2021 to December 14, 2021 on Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI. (3 episodes)

In three new episodes, the social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH focuses on the Leverkusen-Steinbüchel district. Our HARTZ UND HERZLICH team accompanied the residents of Leverkusen for several weeks. The episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – LEVERKUSEN STEINBÜCHEL were broadcast on 09.11., 16.11. & 23.11., Tuesdays at 20:15 on RTLZWEI.

In three new episodes, the social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH is once again focusing on Niedergörsdorf. The town on the outskirts of Berlin was already the focus of the series in 2019 – now the camera teams have returned and have once again accompanied old acquaintances and new residents for months as they go about their deprived everyday lives.

Franziska and Patrick, better known as Franzi and Petti, have now moved from Niedergörsdorf in the south of Brandenburg to neighboring Luckenwalde. With their new home, the couple hope to win the battle with the youth welfare office to have their children returned to them. At the moment, Franzi and Petti are only allowed to see their two sons every two weeks. The quarrelsome couple live on Hartz IV and have to turn over every penny. However, Franzi’s existence as unemployed is soon to come to an end. She has a promising job interview.

60-year-old Rudi is also stranded in Luckenwalde with his mother Inge. After opening a café in Tanzania with his partner of 32 years, the globetrotter only wanted to travel to Germany to apply for a visa. But the coronavirus pandemic put a spanner in the works. The trained carpenter is now forced to live on Hartz IV in Germany for the time being. Janine, 22, lives in Jüterbog, another neighboring town of Niedergörsdorf, with her two kindergarten-age sons. The Hartz IV recipient has to cope with the everyday challenges of being a single mother. Despite this, Janine also has to deal with the problems of her boyfriend Norman.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – RÜCKKEHR NACH NIEDERGÖRSDORF ran from October 12, 2021 to October 26, 2021 on Tuesdays at 8:15 pm on RTLZWEI. (3 episodes)

Deep in the west of Cologne live 17,000 inhabitants in the district of Bickendorf. Around one in ten residents lives on the edge of the city and also on the edge of society and receives transfer payments from the state. The camera teams from the production company UFA Show & Factual accompanied the hard and deprived everyday lives of the people for over four months.

One of them is Nadine: the 24-year-old lives in a three-room apartment in the heart of Bickendorf with her mother Brigitte and her two-year-old son Marlon. Not only is space often tight – but also the money for the two Hartz IV recipients. Although the rent is covered by the authorities, mother and daughter have to share the ancillary costs. When they receive a surprise heating bill, they are in for a big shock: the Jobcenter only covers part of the costs, Nadine and Brigitte have to pay the rest.

Klaus has been unable to manage his household for a long time for health reasons. Now the housing association has also become aware of the condition of the two-room apartment and has issued the pensioner with a warning. Klaus is threatened with eviction and homelessness. Neighbor Tami, who has already helped the 67-year-old in the past, is determined to prevent this. In a clean-up operation lasting several days, the apartment is to be spruced up again. But will the neighborly help arrive in time?

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – KÖLN-BICKENDORF ran from January 26, 2021 to February 9, 2021 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

Krefeld: The working-class district around Dieselstraße has now become a problem area. One person who lives there is Hartz IV recipient Conny (37). The mother of five only wants one thing for her children: a perspective.

The former working-class neighborhood around Dieselstrasse has become a problem district. HARTZ UND HERZLICH takes a look behind the scenes at those affected and tells the stories of people living on the edge of subsistence.

One of them is single parent Conny. She lives in Krefeld with three of her five children. She became a mother for the first time at the age of 17 and had to interrupt her education due to her pregnancies. Like many in the socially deprived area, Conny also receives Hartz IV. The 37-year-old would like a different life for her children. But her daughter Angelina regularly stays away from school, and now even her school-leaving certificate is on the line. Conny’s greatest fear is that her daughter will follow in her footsteps.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – KREFELD ran from December 8, 2020 to December 22, 2020 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

The prefabricated buildings in Frankfurt an der Oder date back to the 1970s and were considered a popular residential area in GDR times. Today, things are different. Poverty and unemployment have long prevailed here. Young people in particular want to leave the city. HARTZ UND HERZLICH takes a look behind the scenes and tells the stories of people on the edge of subsistence.

Take 19-year-old Celine and 23-year-old Max, for example. The two of them actually wanted to build a future together in the prefabricated buildings of Frankfurt (Oder). But now they just want to get away as quickly as possible – and preferably separately. Just under a year ago, they wanted to say „I do“, but two days before the wedding ceremony, Max called it off. Three months ago, they finally broke up. One of the reasons for this was that the two Hartz IV recipients were having money problems. However, the local job center continues to classify them as a community of need. This not only leads to financial problems in their 59 square meter apartment, but also to great emotional stress.

Another case involves 34-year-old Peter. He has debts with the municipal utilities. Now his electricity has been cut off. The trained chef has been unemployed again for five months now. But the 432 euros he receives each month from the job center are not enough to get by. Now he sits in the dark – without light, without a television or a way to charge his electronic devices at the socket. The only way he can escape this bleak situation is if he somehow manages to find money to pay off his debts.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Franziska and her boyfriend Christian, who is ten years older, have been living in a homeless shelter for three months. The two Hartz IV recipients have been addicted to drugs for several years – and have already had many failed attempts at withdrawal. After their last relapse, their three children were taken away from them by the youth welfare office. All the more reason for Franziska and Christian to finally get clean. The couple want nothing more than to be able to reunite their family. Will they succeed in beating their addiction this time?

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – FRANKFURT/OR ran from September 22, 2020 to October 6, 2020 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

Two years after its broadcast, HARTZ UND HERZLICH is back in Salzgitter: large iron ore deposits made the town an industrial location in the post-war period. But the boom ended in the 1970s and factories and workers moved away. Unemployment in the city in Lower Saxony now stands at 8.8% – above the national average. But what has changed for the residents since the broadcast?

Thomas, a 47-year-old retiree, is a familiar face. He lives in the Lebenstedt district. The trained concrete mixer has been an alcoholic since the age of 18. Born in Leipzig, he has 330 euros to live on, but the money almost never lasts until the end of the month. He takes every returnable bottle he finds – that’s a lot of money for Thomas. Like one in five pensioners in Germany, he struggles with poverty in old age on a daily basis.

Hartz IV recipient Claudia lives with her grandma Leonie and her step-grandpa Sven. The 20-year-old has been looking for an apprenticeship and a job for over a year – so far without success. Immediately after graduating from secondary school, she had to apply for Hartz IV. Now the office has assigned Claudia to a job application scheme. But even this has not brought the young woman any job or training promises. Claudia is frustrated, because finding work is her greatest wish.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH was already on location in Salzgitter in 2018 and portrayed the Lebenstedt district. The town in Lower Saxony was known as an industrial location, especially in the late post-war period, attracting workers and companies from all over Germany thanks to its rich iron ore deposits. However, Salzgitter is now struggling with a high unemployment rate. Camera teams have now spent another four months on location almost every day to speak to local residents. What has changed in their lives since the broadcast?

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – RÜCKKEHR NACH SALZGITTER is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH and ran from September 1, 2020 to September 15, 2020 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

About HARTZ UND HERZLICH – RÜCKKEHR NACH SALZGITTER:

Two years after the broadcast, the camera crews from „Hartz und herzlich“ return to Salzgitter. The town in Lower Saxony was known for its rich iron ore deposits in the 1950s, but little remains of the glory of those days. The camera teams from the production company UFA Show & Factual were once again on location and accompanied local residents almost daily for four months. What has changed for them since the broadcast?

In three new episodes, HARTZ UND HERZLICH focuses on the former lignite mining stronghold of Bergheim. Thirty kilometers from Cologne, the town has developed into a social hotspot over the past few years, with some of its 62,000 inhabitants struggling with the consequences of poverty. The social reportage takes a look at the town and shows the everyday lives of citizens on the edge of subsistence. The series starts on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI.

The city, just thirty kilometers west of the Rhineland metropolis, was once the stronghold of brown coal. However, 6% of its 62,000 inhabitants are now unemployed, some of them for years.

One of them is Mario. The 51-year-old was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer eight months ago. But he is not only struggling with the serious illness, but also with the Jobcenter: The former self-employed man had to give up his job due to the cancer, but his application for Hartz IV has still not been approved. The financial pressure on him and his wife Rosa increases daily. The couple have already had to borrow several thousand euros to make ends meet.

21-year-old Dilara is also plagued by money worries. Since she was abandoned by the father of her two sons just a few days before the birth of her youngest, she has been looking after her children alone. As a full-time mother to two-year-old Issa and six-month-old Noah, Dilara is currently unable to work. She is therefore dependent on financial support from the state. But on payday, no money has arrived from the Jobcenter. How is the single mother supposed to pay her bills now?

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – BERGHEIM ran from April 28, 2020 to May 12, 2020 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

HARTZ UND HERZLICH returns to Rostock

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE BLÖCKE AUS ROSTOCK GROSS KLEIN returns to Rostock Groß-Klein on January 7 at 8:15 pm. In three new episodes, the question of what has changed among the residents since the show aired in spring 2018 will be answered. In addition to new faces, there will also be a reunion with old acquaintances, including Manja and Martin. The couple, who are 16 years apart in age, finally want to get married. They got engaged two years ago, but were unable to walk down the aisle due to a spell in prison. Now Martin has been released from prison and is determined to finally marry Manja.

From fall to winter 2018, the camera teams were regularly on site and accompanied the residents in their everyday lives.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE BLÖCKE AUS ROSTOCK GROSS KLEIN ran from January 7, 2020 to January 21, 2020 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

In three episodes, the social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH, produced by UFA SHOW & FACTUAL, is dedicated to the „Altes Lager“ district in Niedergörsdorf and gives residents who live on the edge of subsistence a chance to have their say. The result is harrowing insights, but also emotional moments full of warmth.

The community in the Brandenburg district of Teltow-Fläming has 1,600 people who are not in permanent employment. From the end of summer 2019 until early winter, camera teams followed local residents to paint a realistic picture of the reality of their lives.

One of them is 25-year-old Franziska, who is suffering greatly from the separation from her children. The youth welfare office took her two sons into care a few months ago. In addition to the exceptional emotional situation, this also puts a strain on the family budget: without children, Franziska has to get by on the Hartz IV standard rate of 424 euros. Her boyfriend Patrick, father of the youngest child, is also unable to support her financially – he has now been sanctioned due to several missed appointments at the job center.

Totti, 49, has been living as an early retiree since he was 18. A social worker allocates his scarce financial resources to him, and every Friday he receives 60 euros for the coming week. Totti spends most of his money on alcohol. Addiction has taken control of his life and his household is in disrepair. As a result, the early retiree is dependent on the help of Rainer and Kathrin, who have moved back to the „old camp“ because they have never lost the warm contact with their friends.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – NIEDERGÖRSDORF – ALTES LAGER ran from October 29, 2019 to November 12, 2019 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

Pirmasens in the West Palatinate: in the 1970s, the town once produced 40% of all shoes sold in Germany. Back then, a job in one of the many factories stood for prosperity and advancement. Today, hardly any other city in Germany is struggling so hard with structural change and problems: Every third child lives on Hartz IV, the unemployment rate is 11% and life expectancy is below the German average.

Patricia (42) has been unemployed for 19 years and lives off benefits. But the trained housekeeper’s benefits are now being cut because her husband Patrick (31) earns too much as a truck driver. The reduced income is driving the couple to the brink of ruin and endangering their marriage.

Jo knows how to get by on very little. The 20-year-old has been living on the streets for four years and receives no support from the authorities because he is still too young. He finds refuge in the local homeless shelter, but the Mainz native is threatened with expulsion.

Cindy (31) is also done with state help. The youth welfare office took her daughters away from her two years ago, since then she has been traumatized and can hardly go to the youth welfare office. The long-term unemployed woman is also very worried: she is pregnant with her third child and fears that this one will also be taken into care.

In the 1970s, the „shoe town“ of Pirmasens stood for prosperity and an upswing. But hardly any other city in Germany is now struggling with structural change as much as this town in the Western Palatinate. Camera teams accompanied residents of the Winzler Viertel from summer to winter 2018 and painted a moving picture of the former model region.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE WINZLERVIERTEL VON PIRMASENS ran from May 14, 2019 to May 28, 2019 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

The RTL II social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH is returning to the Benz barracks in Mannheim for a second time. Back in 2017, the documentary followed the residents of the well-known block of flats and caused quite a stir. Now there is a reunion with Dagmar, Elvis and Beate. What has changed for them since then?

The highly acclaimed social documentary accompanied residents in their hard and deprived everyday lives – and left a lasting impression. Now the documentary returns to Mannheim and shows what has changed in the Benz barracks since then.

Reunion with Dagmar: the good soul of the estate continues to live alone in a small house. She watches wistfully as her old workplace, the kiosk, is demolished. She worked there for 15 years to supplement her low income. What little money she had is now gone.

Elvis and his wife Katrin are about to move house. The couple with seven children are allocated a new apartment and finally have their own bedroom. Without further ado, the family of nine packs their belongings into sacks and drives them to their new home in a handcart. However, the renovation there becomes a test of patience for Elvis.

For the production of the three-part series, camera teams were on location in Mannheim every day from late summer 2018 to the end of January 2019.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – RÜCKKEHR IN DIE BENZ-BARACKEN ran from March 26, 2019 to April 9, 2019 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

The RTL II report HARTZ UND HERZLICH, which was produced over several months, focuses on the Blockmacherring in Rostock in the new episodes. The housing estate located in the „Groß Klein“ district is home to thousands of people – many of whom live on the margins of society.

Among them are Sandra and her husband Tino. Both are fighting for their children, who were taken into care by the youth welfare office three years ago. The reason was their often chaotic and inappropriate household management. Both parents are suffering greatly from the loss – and are trying to change their lives.

Michaela is the mother of six children and lives in constant fear. Her violent ex-husband has assaulted her several times in the past. The fear of meeting him leaves its mark. She finds it increasingly difficult to manage everyday life for her children.

16-year-old Claudia has cystic fibrosis. Her mother looks after the teenager devotedly and the neighbors in the Blockmacherring also take a great interest in her fate. Together they underline this: The reality of life in Rostock’s Blockmacherring is characterized by hardship – yet the people stand together impressively.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DER BLOCKMACHERING VON ROSTOCK ran from May 29, 2018 to June 12, 2018 at 8:15 pm on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

A year ago, HARTZ UND HERZLICH took a much-noticed look at the „Benz barracks“ in Mannheim. Now the RTL II social documentary returns and meets the residents again.

What has changed since it was broadcast? How are people doing today? And what problems have been solved? The report gives an authentic impression of the „Benz barracks“ in Mannheim. The elaborate report attracted a great deal of attention last year. The fate of the residents touched many people and stirred them up. One year after the broadcast, there is now a reunion with the residents: Petra and Marcus are happy about a new addition to their family. Daughter Francesca keeps the Hartz IV recipients on their toes, but the family still has to make do with little money. The parents also had to put up with a lot of criticism after the show aired last year. Petra and Marcus decide to change their lives. Dagmar still lives next door to them. The pensioner, who suffers from severe lung disease, impressed many with her courage and fighting spirit. The 78-year-old chopped the wood for her stove herself. She receives wood as a gift so that she doesn’t have to freeze again in winter. But she still fears for her livelihood: her job in the kiosk is in danger. The „Benz barracks“ have never been a place to feel at home. A high crime rate and unemployment rate are the dominant issues in the estate. The reality of people’s lives is tough – yet they stand together impressively. And last but not least, they show a lot of warmth.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – RÜCKKEHR IN DIE BENZ-BARACKEN ran from April 3, 2018 to April 17, 2018 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

The social documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE PLATTENBAUTEN VON BITTERFELD-WOLFEN sheds light on the lives of people in the former chemical parks in three new episodes. Following the great response to the previous reports on the railroad housing estate in Duisburg and the Benz barracks in Mannheim, the focus is now once again on people’s everyday lives. The social documentary looks beyond the horizon and shows those who have been forgotten by society.

The „Benz barracks“ have never been a place to feel at home. Today, unemployment and a high crime rate are the dominant issues on the estate. The apartments are simple and cheap. Not all of them have modern heating; some still have old wood-burning stoves for warmth. Dagmar and Markus are among those living here, battling against the approaching cold. In order to heat their stoves, they have to take care of their wood supplies. It’s a good thing that everyone in the Benz barracks supports each other. Things are less harmonious for Petra and Simone. Their long-simmering neighborhood dispute escalates into violence, which can only be ended by the intervention of the police. But even after that, the atmosphere remains charged.

About „Hartz und herzlich – Die Benz-Baracken von Mannheim“: Several camera teams were on location in Mannheim every day for four months and accompanied the residents of the housing estate from late summer until shortly before Christmas. Credible and authentic, very close up and without dramaturgical exaggeration. There are many oppressive moments, but also a lot of warmth with a large portion of humor – to be seen from 23 May, every Tuesday at 8:15 pm on RTL II.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE BENZ-BARACKEN VON MANNHEIM ran from May 23, 2017 to June 6, 2017 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI (3 episodes).

For the new documentary series, the UFA SHOW & FACTUAL camera teams were on location every day for four months and accompanied people in their everyday lives – capturing both oppressive moments and encounters full of heart and humor. The much-quoted „heart on the tongue“ of the people in the Ruhr area becomes clear time and again.

The elaborate social documentary shows the reality of different people’s lives. There is the single trained housekeeper Marina (52), who can no longer work due to illness and is having more and more problems with the job center. Her daughter Nina (31) is the mother of four children and struggles through everyday life with the few resources available to her.

Former miner Frank (43) lives a few blocks away. He looks back on 13 hard years of service and has still not come to terms with the loss of his job. His neighbor and friend Olaf (46) stands by his side as a good buddy. He himself is not in the best of health, as he can hardly leave his apartment due to being massively overweight and ill. To put it in Frank’s words: „You have to rely on each other when you have little money“.

There is no longer a food market or a pub on the estate. Almost everything here has closed down – except for the „Siedlertreff“ kiosk run by Julian (28), also known as „Julz“. He comments on the day-to-day business with a quick wit and humor and has an opinion on everything. Laborer Klaus (62) drinks his after-work beer here every day and dreams of the old days. Just like many other long-time residents who meet for a chat at the „Bude“. The long-term documentary focuses on people living in poverty, but also shows how traditions are preserved in the settlement.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE EISENBAHNSIEDLUNG VON DUISBURG aired on February 20, 2016 and February 27, 2016 at 8:15 pm on RTLZWEI (2 episodes).

The renewed „Rückkehr in die Benz-Baracken“ achieved an excellent market share of 10.2 percent on average among 14 to 49-year-olds. This makes the social documentary one of RTLZWEI’s most successful programs.

• Sandra’s family’s move becomes a test of endurance
• Pamela fights back against the job center
• New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK, starting August 25 daily at 6:05 p.m. on RTLZWEI and in advance on RTL+

News from Rostock! In the new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK, things get emotional, turbulent and sometimes chaotic: Sandra and her family are in the middle of the stress of moving house – their dream of owning their own home is in danger of being dashed at the last minute! Pamela fights for justice with the job center and Jana experiences a shock: her internet flirt turns out to be a scammer. Carsten travels to Mannheim with girlfriend Antje, where they visit friends in the Benz barracks. New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK, from August 25, Mondays to Fridays at 6:05 p.m. on RTLZWEI and in advance on RTL+.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK accompanies the residents of the Rostock prefabricated housing estate on Blockmacherring through their everyday lives. Between financial worries, family challenges and small rays of hope, the format shows how close hope and despair can be to each other. The social reportage provides authentic insights into life on the breadline – and proves time and again that solidarity, heart and humor can be found even in prefabricated housing estates.

The new episodes have a lot in store for the protagonists. A new phase of life begins for Sandra and her family – out of the block and into their own home in the country. But the move to East Frisia turns into a nail-biter. Carsten and his girlfriend Antje travel to Mannheim for the first time – a whole 750 kilometers away from home! There they meet the familiar HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN faces Michael and Lothar.

58-year-old Pamela is left without cash at the end of the month: her widow’s pension is deducted from her citizen’s allowance, which she considers unfair. She seeks a meeting with the job center and demands fair treatment. At the same time, her washing machine breaks down… Jana also has some bad news: Her online acquaintance turns out to be a scammer. But she’s not alone – can her friends Nicole, Brigitte and Sabrina prevent worse things from happening?

New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK from August 25, Mondays to Fridays at 6:05 p.m. on RTLZWEI and in advance on RTL+. The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual.

About HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DAY BY DAY:

Through personal stories, emotional moments and the unembellished reality of life, HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG provides insights into the everyday lives of people from different regions of Germany who are struggling under difficult conditions with unemployment, limited educational opportunities and financial constraints. Despite the adversity, they refuse to give up hope for a better future.

• Love news from Petra and music manager Felix
• Health worries for Beate and Dieter
• New episodes of „HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ – BARACKEN“ – from January 20, Mondays to Fridays, at 6:05 pm, on RTLZWEI

Shortly after the start of the new year, there will be a reunion with the residents of the Benz barracks in Mannheim! In the new episodes, they once again provide an insight into everyday life in the Waldhof district. While Petra is on cloud nine with music manager Felix and is even thinking about moving to Hamburg, Beate receives a shock diagnosis of cataracts. Dieter also has a doctor’s appointment coming up – he was diagnosed with skin cancer just six months ago, and now it’s time for a check-up. New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ – BARACKEN – from January 20, Mondays to Fridays, at 6:05 pm, on RTLZWEI.

• Return to the Rostock block making ring
• From September 18 every Monday to Friday at 16:05

Rostock, a historic port city on the Baltic Sea, is known for its Hanseatic architecture, the city harbor and the University of Rostock. People live in the various neighborhoods here, struggling under difficult conditions with unemployment, limited educational opportunities and financial constraints. Through personal stories, emotional moments and the unvarnished reality of life, HARTZ UND HERZLICH provides further insights in new episodes into the everyday lives of the people living there, who, despite the adversities, do not give up their hope for a better future. It will start on September 18, 2023, Mondays to Fridays at 4:05 pm on RTLZWEI.

Cindy, a 21-year-old mother of two, is facing significant challenges and a new beginning: after a turbulent year, she has decided to make a fresh start in East Frisia. With a heavy heart, she had to leave her youngest daughter Clara behind in a mother and child home. Her faithful partner Ossi is always at her side during this time. While Cindy continually works to stabilize her life, she dreams of soon being reunited with her two daughters. At the same time, Jenny, a mother of four, has taken up the fight against her excess kilos. By switching to a low-carb diet and using a hula hoop, she wants to bring more movement into her everyday life.

Celine and Falko are dreaming big: the friends are planning to move into their own home. Even though the question of financing is still open, they already have clear ideas about their future interior design. Jasmin and her boyfriend Maik are taking bold steps towards independence. As parents-to-be, they move into their first apartment of their own. However, it soon becomes apparent that they have overlooked some essential things in the planning – including lighting and a toilet seat. Maik’s mother Bärbel is concerned about this lack of preparation.

The documentary HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK depicts the diverse realities of life for people in challenging situations. It impressively shows how they cope with their everyday lives despite all adversity, form communities and stand by each other. This programme not only raises awareness of the social challenges they face, but also highlights their impressive strength and the deep cohesion within the community.

From September 18, 2023, every Monday to Friday at 4:05 p.m.: New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK on RTLZWEI.

• Fresh insights into the lives of the residents of the Benz barracks
• Crowd favorite Elvis celebrates his 50th birthday
• Start of the new episodes on May 8, Mondays to Fridays from 4:05 p.m. on RTLZWEI

Residents from the Waldhof district of Mannheim provide new insights into their lives. Among others, audience favorite Elvis celebrates his 50th birthday. Meanwhile, Petra’s son Pascal is on cloud nine, as the 21-year-old recently got a new girlfriend. Time and again, however, the Baracklers have to overcome the small and recurring hurdles of everyday life. The new episodes of „HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ – BARACKEN“ can be seen on RTLZWEI from May 8, Mondays to Fridays from 16:05.

You have to celebrate the festivities as they fall: Elvis’s family couldn’t resist throwing a small party for the father of the family’s 50th birthday. However, birthday grouch Elvis would have preferred to keep his special day a secret. He is currently plagued by money worries. He and his wife Katrin have not received any money from the government without prior notice. They both suspect that it could be due to their new professional situation. Katrin has a mini-job in a supermarket and Elvis works on a 450-euro basis for a disabled driving service. Will they be able to clear up the supposed misunderstanding?

Dieter has been unemployed for almost three years and is desperate to find a job again. However, as the man from Mannheim has a special school leaving certificate and no completed training, finding a job is proving very difficult. But the job center supports the family man. He soon faces a job interview in which he has high hopes. Janine continues to do everything she can to get closer to her big goal of self-employment. After drawing up her business plan with a start-up center in Mannheim, she is on the verge of being able to open her own beauty salon.

At the edge of the barracks, Petra’s son Pascal is on cloud nine. The 21-year-old recently got a new girlfriend and is over the moon. The couple met on the internet. Tina may live 60 kilometers away, but despite the distance, the new love has already brought about some changes in the Hartz IV recipient. Christine has been toying with the idea of moving near her mother, who needs care, for a while now. The move would mean that her daughter Sofie would have to go to a different elementary school than planned. What decision will she make?

The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH.

From May 8, 2023: New episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ – BARACKEN, Mondays to Fridays from 4:05 pm on RTLZWEI. The episodes are available free of charge on RTL+ for 30 days after broadcast.

About Hartz and hearty – Benz barracks day after day:

Following the great primetime success of the social report, the series once again shows life in the „Benz barracks“ in Mannheim. Several camera teams once again accompanied the residents in their everyday lives. It’s a reunion with Elvis & Co. in Mannheim’s Waldhof district – genuine, authentic, warm and always at eye level. HARTZ UND HERZLICH is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK GROSS KLEIN is a reunion with the residents of this social hotspot. Around 14,000 people live here – many of them without steady work – on the edge of subsistence. New episodes report on people’s everyday lives: real, harrowing, but always funny and, above all, warm.

An exciting new chapter begins in Jack’s life. He is transgender and therefore undergoes gender reassignment surgery. But there are complications and Jack has to go to the emergency room in Berlin as quickly as possible. Will everything go well? And what about his wedding plans with Kathleen?

Cindy has had a difficult few weeks. First her daughter Clara was taken into care by the youth welfare office, then Jean separated from Cindy. Now she seems to have found a new love and is fighting to be allowed to take her daughter back home.

A ray of hope for Regina: the pensioner with a heart condition is full of joy and happiness because she has received a visit from fans – and they haven’t turned up empty-handed: there’s a big present in store. Regina is also to receive a new hairstyle free of charge.

Carsten and Jenny’s son Yusei has a brain tumor. The diagnosis is a shock for the whole family and the presumably benign tumor has to be surgically removed as quickly as possible. The family tries to support little Yusei and give him strength. Will everything go well?

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK GROSS KLEIN runs from Monday, January 3, 2022, Mondays to Fridays at 4:00 pm on RTLZWEI. (20 episodes)

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN is reuniting with the residents of Mannheim-Waldhof. Ten new afternoon episodes provide insights into the lives of the residents of the Mannheim Benz barracks: From October 18, 2021, Mondays to Fridays at 2:55 p.m. on RTLZWEI.

In the first episode, Petra’s son Pascal has to stand trial: he ordered cell phones online and resold them without paying for them. In the worst case scenario, the 19-year-old could face a prison sentence. An appointment with his lawyer in Mannheim city center should prevent this. Since the last meeting, Pascal has made great efforts to get his life back on track. Although Petra’s son does not yet have a job, the fact that he finally has a registered address again after two years of homelessness could have a positive effect on his sentence.

Janine has her hands full with her twins in the yellow block. When she does have a few free minutes, the single parent devotes herself to her new social media hobby. The 25-year-old creates make-up videos and uploads them to the TikTok platform. The young mother invests up to three hours per video. With a bit of luck, Janine could even become a beauty influencer and earn money with her videos.

Katrin’s eldest son Martin is waiting outside the yellow terraced house for family friend Michael. The self-employed janitor has recruited the 17-year-old as a volunteer to help him clear out an apartment outside the barracks. Because the 52-year-old can always rely on the teenager, he has been thinking about Martin’s professional future and wants to help him stand on his own two feet. Through contacts, Michael was able to arrange an internship for his helper, which could lead to an apprenticeship as a car mechanic.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK is reuniting with the residents of Rostock’s Blockmacherring: 10 new episodes in the afternoon give an insight into the lives of the residents of Rostock Groß Klein. The social hotspot was followed day by day for months by the production’s camera teams and portrays some of the neighborhood’s approximately 14,000 residents. Broadcast of the new episodes: From Monday, January 18, 2021, at 4 p.m. on RTLZWEI. After that, the social documentary can be seen every Monday to Friday.

In the first episode, it’s father-of-four Carsten’s birthday. He is 42 years old and organizes a small party just in time for the lockdown. Carsten’s friends from Groß-Klein are not only celebrating Carsten’s special day, but also the fact that they can finally be together again.

Return to the Benz barracks: our camera teams were on site every day for six months and accompanied the residents in Mannheim. The elaborate social documentary shows the deprivations that characterize the lives of some of the residents there.

The new episodes can be seen on RTLZWEI from January 4 from Mondays to Fridays at 4 pm.

Together with a viewer of the show, Dagmar wants to build a seating area and raised beds out of pallets. Perhaps 19-year-old Pascal will go to prison for illegal business. Will he be able to afford a lawyer?

Elvis and Katrin have five children together. The 41-year-old brought three more children into the relationship. The couple have now been married for almost 15 years. But things have been awry in the yellow terraced house in the Benz barracks for weeks. Today’s bone of contention: the upbringing of the seven children still living at home. Because of coronavirus, the children have not been going to school or nursery regularly for months. With 9 heads on around 135 square meters, nerves are often on edge – it’s loud and turbulent. The 47-year-old father accuses his wife of inconsistency in bringing up the children. Both parents are currently unemployed and could share parenting and housework. In theory, anyway. But Elvis has been avoiding the hustle and bustle at home for weeks: he leaves the house every morning, spends the whole day with a friend and only comes back late at night to sleep. Housework, homeschooling and parenting are left to Katrin. Will this work in the long term?

Dagmar’s garden is her absolute sanctuary. Over the years, the 66-year-old has invested a lot of hard work, love and time in it. But there is always room for improvement. A viewer of the show „Hartz und herzlich“ offered the mother of eight her help. Together, the duo would like to build a seating area and raised beds out of pallets. Helper Bianca doesn’t come empty-handed – she brings the necessary building materials with her. The support and the pallets are free of charge for Dagmar. Bianca does not expect anything in return. After deducting all costs, the 66-year-old lives on just under 100 euros a month. Without the donation, she would not have been able to afford the garden improvements. Will Dagmar like the end result?

Petra’s son Pascal is involved in a fraud case as an accomplice. For almost a year, the 19-year-old and his eldest brother made illegal deals by buying and selling cell phones. The mother of six was unaware of any of this. This makes the matter all the more difficult for the 50-year-old now. The criminal activities came to light a few weeks ago. Pascal has already had to make several statements to the police about it and has confessed. But his older brother denies everything. Petra and Pascal now have to wait and see how the public prosecutor’s office will deal with the fraud. In the worst case scenario, the 19-year-old will have to go to prison. Will the unemployed man be able to find and afford a good lawyer?

Double HARTZ AND HERZLICH happiness:

From October 13, 2020, RTLZWEI will be showing the first 6 new episodes of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN in the evening program. The new episodes will not be shown daily from Monday to Friday as usual, but every Tuesday at 8:15 pm.

In addition, the entire 10 episodes will be shown from November 16 in their original time slot – daily at 3 p.m. on RTLZWEI.

Party atmosphere in the Benz barracks: It’s all about the twins at Janine’s, because it’s their birthday! But one person, of all people, doesn’t congratulate them: their own father. And Dagmar is also celebrating a very special birthday.

Grandma Beate is the first to congratulate: Janine’s twins Jaylin and Jaydin are celebrating their very first birthday. Even though money is tight, there should be no shortage of cake or presents. Beate is happy to help her daughter – even though as a single parent Janine is able to cope with almost all of the day-to-day tasks. But one thing is missing for the perfect party: the father of the two children doesn’t congratulate her. A very special day is also in store for the grande dame of the Benz barracks: Dagmar is celebrating a birthday! The soon-to-be pensioner is a proud 66 years old.

HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG ROSTOCK is reuniting with the residents of Rostock’s Blockmacherring: 15 new episodes in the afternoon give an insight into the lives of the residents of Rostock Groß Klein. The social hotspot was followed day by day for months by the production’s camera teams and portrays some of the neighborhood’s approximately 14,000 residents. Broadcast of the new episodes: From Monday, October 26, 2020, at 3 p.m. on RTLZWEI.

Manja, who has MS, needs an apartment that caters to her needs. The many defects also bother the couple. Martin therefore becomes a handyman for his fiancée and wants to renovate on his own initiative.

Manja has multiple sclerosis and is unable to work because of it. The incurable nerve disease often confines the 47-year-old to her apartment, where she lives with her fiancé Martin. But the cult couple feel increasingly restricted in their home. There are many shortcomings that affect more than just the feel-good factor. For Manja, who is dependent on a wheelchair, large parts of the apartment are difficult to get around. As the constant battle with the landlord is wearing on her nerves, Martin is now taking the hammer into his own hands and starting the renovation. Will the 31-year-old be up to this major project?

Hartz und herzlich – Tag für Tag Rostock Groß Klein“ is reuniting with the residents of Rostock’s Blockmacherring: after two prime-time documentary series, ten new afternoon episodes now provide an insight into the lives of the residents of Rostock Groß Klein. The social hotspot was followed day by day by the production’s camera teams over a period of six months and portrays some of the neighborhood’s approximately 14,000 residents. Broadcast of the new episodes: From Monday, January 27, 2020, at 4 p.m. on RTLZWEI.

The documentary series provides an open insight into the everyday lives of the residents shown.

So there is a reunion with 41-year-old Michaela. She is the mother of six children, but none of them live with her anymore. Four months ago, the youth welfare office took the two youngest children into care and placed them in a sheltered housing facility. For Michaela and her two daughters Anne and Jojo, their world collapsed. But the single parent had already been under observation by the youth welfare office for some time. In order to be able to take her children into her arms again outside of regular visiting hours, Michaela underwent therapy prescribed by the office – the outcome of which determined the family’s future fate.

Cindy (19) is pregnant with her second child. The child is to be called Clara – and, unlike her one-year-old daughter Melody, will grow up with her. As Cindy lost her place in a mother and child home almost a year ago, the youth welfare office placed Melody with a foster family. However, the young mother is fighting for her child: she is working on herself and has now moved into her own apartment. But the fear remains – is Clara threatened with the same fate as Melody?

The elaborate social reportage shows the deprivations that characterize the lives of some of the local residents.

The successful RTLZWEI social report HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN will be back from the Benz-Baracken in Mannheim on January 6, 2020, Monday to Friday (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.). The residents of the well-known housing estate have been accompanied regularly since 2017. The fates of the residents have touched many viewers and interest in them remains high. In the new episodes, parts of the Benz barracks are demolished. Dagmar wants to see her old apartment one last time – and gets caught. Is she trespassing? Meanwhile, the bailiff arrives at Beate and Chantal’s door. What happens next in the Benz barracks can be seen on RTLZWEI from January 6 at 4 pm.

Two years have passed since the first episode of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – DIE BENZ-BARACKEN VON MANNHEIM and interest in the residents of the Waldhof district in Mannheim continues unabated. Familiar and new faces share their very personal stories in the new episodes and allow the public to participate.

Happy and proud, new mother Janine presents her twins Jaylin and Jaydin to the rest of the family. But her joy is short-lived, as complications arise with Jaydin and the newborn needs emergency surgery. Will the young mother get the support she needs from the Barackler family to get through this difficult time?

Elvis spruces up the new home for his extended family. After the long-awaited move, everyone is enjoying their new-found space. Elvis, the father of the family, loves his home and appreciates the family atmosphere and solidarity in his neighborhood. But as he is shocked to discover, not everyone can be trusted there either.

Dagmar is happy to share her few possessions with her neighbors. Although the good soul of the Benz barracks doesn’t have much herself, she helps wherever she can. The trained zoo technician gives presents to Janine’s twins and donates sheets and covers to her ex-neighbors Gudrun and Michael for their new home. But at the end of the day, the 65-year-old feels alone and suffers from depression. Will she still manage to continue to be there for the Baracklers?

Broadcast: From Monday, September 2, 2019, at 3 p.m. on RTL II.
The episodes will be available free of charge for 30 days afterwards at www.tvnow.de available.

A year ago, „Hartz und herzlich“ took a much-noticed look at the „Benz-Baracken“ in Mannheim. And a lot has happened in Mannheim-Waldhof since then: „Hartz und herzlich – Tag für Tag Benz-Baracken“ continues to follow the residents. Both old acquaintances, such as Petra and Markus, and new residents have their say and show what has changed in their lives since the show was broadcast.
The RTL II social report „Hartz und herzlich – Die Benz-Baracken von Mannheim“ met with widespread interest and media coverage. „Tag für Tag BenzBaracken“ now gives another insight into the Mannheim neighborhood in five double episodes. How have the residents fared since the show was broadcast?

A lot has changed for Petra and Markus since they moved into the green house. The family of four now lives on 73m² with their daughters Lucia and Francesca. A long-awaited wish has come true for the family: Markus and Petra have their own bedroom and no longer have to spend the night in the living room.

Pascal is about to undergo a crucial operation. His shortened tendons are to be treated in a final operation and enable the teenager to live without crutches or a wheelchair. But the excitement is great: mother Beate is worried about her offspring. Will the operation go well?

The episodes were broadcast on RTL II from June 4, 2018.

• Theme evening in honor of Dagmar
• Best-of and demolition of her house in the Benz barracks
• HARTZ UND HERZLICH HERZENSMENSCH – DAGMAR AUS DEN BENZ-BARACKEN on September 30 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI and seven days in advance on RTL+

She was the good soul of the Benz barracks in Mannheim: Dagmar. In November 2021, the native of Thuringia died unexpectedly of a stroke. This loss came as a shock to her neighbors, friends and countless viewers. RTLZWEI is now dedicating an emotional best-of special to Dagmar and showing the best, funniest and most touching moments of the popular Mannheim resident. HARTZ UND HERZLICH HERZENSMENSCH – DAGMAR AUS DEN BENZ-BARACKEN on September 30 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI and seven days in advance on RTL+.

Dagmar – affectionately called „Daggi“ by her friends – was far more than just a neighbor. With her open heart, her willingness to help and her tireless commitment to people and animals, she was known and admired far beyond the borders of Mannheim. For years, her little white house in the neighborhood was a meeting place for everyone: here you could get advice, borrow tools, get rid of worries – or simply have a laugh. No wonder her close friend Elvis once called her the „Mother Teresa of the Benz shacks“.

The production team sifted through many hours of footage for the special and put it together again: From Dagmar’s first appearances on HARTZ UND HERZLICH, her countless relief efforts, the self-sacrificing care of neighbor Johann, her journey into the past to Weimar to her very last shoot. The emotional journey is complemented by exclusive interviews – including with Dagmar’s brother Horst and the popular Mannheimers Elvis, Jonas, Michael and Lothar. They all remember a woman who shaped her environment with heart, humor and courage.

Following the special episode, RTLZWEI will show another episode of HARTZ UND HERZLICH – TAG FÜR TAG BENZ-BARACKEN, which will focus on Dagmar’s old house. In May 2025, the demolition of Dagmar’s little white house caused great sadness in the Benz barracks. Many barrackers hoped that the building could even remain as a small „Dagmar Museum“. But the announcement of its demolition in the fall of 2024 sealed the building’s fate. In May of this year, the excavator finally rolled out – numerous neighbors and friends came to say goodbye together.

The special episode HARTZ UND HERZLICH HERZENSMENSCH – DAGMAR AUS DEN BENZ-BARACKEN – on September 30 at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI and seven days in advance on RTL+. The format is produced by UFA Show & Factual.

About HARTZ UND HERZLICH:

Through personal stories, emotional moments and the unembellished reality of life, HARTZ UND HERZLICH provides insights into the everyday lives of people from different regions of Germany who are struggling under difficult conditions with unemployment, limited educational opportunities and financial constraints. Despite the adversity, they refuse to give up hope for a better future.