In a significant shift for French television, the popular talk show Touche pas à mon poste (TPMP) officially concluded its run on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, after an impressive 15-year span. The show's charismatic host, Cyril Hanouna, who has been a polarizing figure in the media landscape, is set to embark on a new chapter with the M6 group, which will see him join W9 and Fun Radio this September.
The final episode of TPMP aired on Zoubida TV, an online platform, marking a departure from its traditional broadcasting on C8, which ceased operations at the end of February 2025 due to regulatory issues. The shift to online streaming began on March 3, 2025, and was initially intended to run until the end of April. However, in a surprise announcement made on March 21, Hanouna revealed that the show would conclude earlier than expected.
Reflecting on the end of TPMP, Hanouna expressed no regrets during the last episode, stating, "Nothing stops! We will have our little seminar and then work on the next steps. We do last shows every week. This is just a goodbye; I won't give you a rendezvous in ten years, but very soon." His sentiments were echoed by fellow cast members, who described the show as more than just a program but a family.
Launched in 2010 on France 4 and later moved to D8 (renamed C8), TPMP quickly became one of France's most-watched shows, boasting around two million viewers at its peak. Despite its popularity, the show was not without controversy, accumulating a staggering €7.6 million in fines due to Hanouna's often reckless antics, which led the audiovisual regulator Arcom to impose sanctions on C8.
As he transitions to M6, Hanouna has made it clear that he aims to focus on entertainment rather than politics. David Larramendy, president of the M6 group, confirmed that Hanouna's new role is intended to steer clear of political content, stating, "We are not a political group; we have a German shareholder who does not engage in politics, and we do not plan to do so in the medium or short term." However, Hanouna himself has signaled that he still intends to produce political shows, declaring on Europe 1, "Of course we will do it. We will do it for 2027," referring to the upcoming presidential elections.
During the last episode, Hanouna reiterated his desire to contribute positively to France, saying, "I want to do more for my country and help the French. The next president really needs to put money back in the pockets of the French people." This sentiment aligns with the increasingly political tone TPMP had adopted over the years, which had garnered both support and backlash.
As Hanouna prepares for his new role at M6, he will host two new daily live shows: one on W9 in the early evening and another on Fun Radio in the afternoon. The programming is expected to maintain a light-hearted, entertainment-focused approach, distancing itself from the political discussions that characterized much of TPMP's latter years.
Despite the emphasis on entertainment, Hanouna's relationship with M6 has not been entirely smooth. In late January, popular M6 host Karine Le Marchand publicly opposed Hanouna's arrival, citing concerns over his controversial reputation. After some back-and-forth, she softened her stance but remained vigilant about the situation. Internally, there have been discussions about Hanouna's fit within the M6 brand, especially given the network's desire to focus on family-friendly content.
In his farewell address, Hanouna reflected on the impact of TPMP on his life, noting, "When I started, my son was 12 years old; now he is 24. It’s wonderful to work with someone who is both my boss and my friend." His co-hosts also shared emotional tributes, highlighting the close-knit nature of the team and the legacy of the show.
As the dust settles on TPMP's finale, the question remains whether Hanouna can successfully reinvent himself in the entertainment sphere without the political overtones that have defined much of his career. His upcoming projects at M6 are poised to attract a younger audience, which could be more lucrative from an advertising perspective.
Looking ahead, the media landscape in France will be watching closely to see how Hanouna's new endeavors unfold. Will he manage to captivate audiences with pure entertainment, or will his political ambitions resurface? The answer may well shape the future of French television.
