In a surprising twist during one of Spain's most anticipated sporting events, Belén Esteban and Inés Hernand took center stage at the Copa del Rey final held in Seville on Saturday. With the match featuring fierce rivals FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the atmosphere was electric. Yet, just before the kickoff, it was Esteban, a prominent television personality, who managed to steal the spotlight.
As the match drew the attention of 72,000 spectators at the Estadio de La Cartuja, Esteban and Hernand interrupted the broadcast to promote their upcoming television program, 'La familia de la tele,' which is set to premiere on Monday, April 28, 2025. "Our team is Athletic, but we're here at the Copa del Rey final, with this Barça-Real Madrid... may the best team win. Today, we're neutral, but we have something to say..." Esteban began, before Hernand chimed in, emphasizing the importance of their own upcoming show.
"Today, a lot is at stake in this match, just like we have a lot at stake on Monday with the premiere of 'La familia de la tele.' With great humility, we want to take advantage of the massive audience, both culés and vikingos watching us, and invite you to spend your afternoons with us, in the house of everyone," Hernand stated passionately.
Esteban continued, urging viewers not to miss the show, which will air from Monday to Friday at 3:50 PM on TVE. "You won’t regret it; I assure you it will be a program for all ages. Give us a chance to entertain you. See you on TVE! Long live the best, long live Spain, and long live the king!" she exclaimed, capturing the hearts of many while also raising eyebrows on social media.
The Copa del Rey final itself was a hard-fought battle, ultimately won by FC Barcelona, but it was Esteban's exuberant promotion that sparked a flurry of reactions online. The moment she shouted, "Long live Spain and long live the king!" coincided with the arrival of King Felipe VI at the stadium, having just returned from the Vatican after attending Pope Francis' funeral earlier that day.
This unexpected crossover of royal presence and television promotion led to a mix of admiration and criticism on social media. Many viewers praised Esteban for her charisma and ability to engage with the audience, while others expressed their disdain, calling her appearance unnecessary in a sports context. One Twitter user humorously noted, "Belén Esteban announcing the arrival of the king during the Copa never ceases to surprise us!" while others were less forgiving, claiming they were tired of her presence on the screen.
Despite the mixed reactions, the promotional appearance was a calculated move by TVE, aiming to capitalize on the massive viewership of the Copa del Rey final to boost interest in their new program. The premiere of 'La familia de la tele' promises to be a grand affair, featuring 14 street shows, over 200 dancers, and hundreds of special guests in Prado del Rey.
Originally slated for April 22, the program's debut was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis, highlighting the delicate balance broadcasters must navigate between entertainment and significant current events. Now, with the premiere set for April 28, the excitement is palpable as Esteban, Hernand, and their team prepare to unveil their new format, which aims to blend entertainment with a family-friendly atmosphere.
As TVE gears up for this new venture, the anticipation surrounding 'La familia de la tele' reflects a broader trend in Spanish television, where personalities like Esteban continue to dominate the airwaves. With her history in the industry and a loyal fan base, Esteban's ability to draw viewers is undeniable, even if her methods sometimes raise eyebrows.
The upcoming launch will feature a special parade conducted by notable figures such as Paloma del Río, a veteran sports commentator, and Cayetana Guillén Cuervo, a cultural icon in Spain. This event is expected to set the tone for the show's future episodes, which will focus on a variety of themes including health, culture, and entertainment.
As the countdown to the premiere continues, both fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how 'La familia de la tele' performs in the competitive landscape of Spanish television. Will it capture the hearts of viewers as Esteban hopes, or will it face the same skepticism that often accompanies high-profile television launches? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Esteban's presence at the Copa del Rey final has ensured that all eyes are on her as she steps into this new chapter of her career.
With the excitement of the Copa del Rey still fresh, the stage is set for Esteban and Hernand to make their mark on daytime television in Spain. As they prepare to take viewers on a new journey filled with laughter, surprises, and perhaps a few controversies, the question remains: can they maintain the momentum generated by this high-profile promotion?
