The slogan of Nitro is „Fernsehen für Helden“ (television for heroes). It describes itself as a „premium entertainment channel“ („Premium-Unterhaltungssender“) for a widespread audience. It is mainly targeted at males aged between 20 and 59.

The program contains many old German and American series and films, but also first runs of some American series like Modern Family, Nurse Jackie or Chase.

On 2 April 2012, the video on demand site RTL Nitro Now launched, where several shows can be viewed seven days after airing.