The science challenge show Take Off launches its third series this Friday at 6.45pm on RTL Télé, RTL Play, and takeoffshow.lu.
The show has moved to a regular Friday slot at 7pm, with a repeat broadcast on Sundays at 11am. As a one-off, the series premiere this Friday will begin at 6.45pm. This episode will determine which 12 contestants advance to the next stage of the competition.
25 new candidates will compete for a €10,000 prize, facing fresh challenges under updated rules. Among them, Rares Marinescu admitted to mixed feelings: “I’m really excited, but at the same time, I’m also stressed.” Fellow contestant Liz Calmes expressed confidence despite the nerves, aiming to secure one of the top 12 spots needed to advance to the studio episodes.
A key format change heightens the stakes from the outset. While not all candidates must complete three challenges, some can secure their place after the very first task. Conversely, the lowest-ranked four will be eliminated immediately.
“This makes the show even more exciting”, said Take Off coach Lucie Zeches, adding that “the most difficult thing for the candidates with this new game mode is simply that it could be over for them at any moment”.
Filming for the premiere occurred during a July heatwave at the Slate Museum in Martelange, adding logistical strain. Producer Yann Figuet noted that securing iconic Luxembourg locations always presents a challenge. “The place is huge, we have different sets where the various challenges happen”, he explained, adding, “I haven’t measured how many cables we have, but we had to lay several thousand metres of cable.”
The competition is a joint initiative of the André Losch Foundation and the National Research Fund (FNR), with a €10,000 grand prize for the eventual winner. To claim it, contestants must solve more than 30 scientific challenges.
Joseph Rodesch hinted that surprises are in store, even during the studio episodes where candidates initially compete in teams. “I think in a show like this, there are always new twists, so you can definitely look forward to it”, he said, declining to give further details.
