Cyril Hanouna, the controversial French television host, has announced his new venture following the abrupt shutdown of C8, the channel where his popular program "Touche pas à mon poste" (TPMP) has aired for years. During a special live broadcast on February 27, 2025, Hanouna confirmed he will be joining the M6 group, with his new program set to launch on W9 and Fun Radio from September 1, 2025.
This major career move follows the decision made by ARCOM, France's regulatory authority, not to renew C8's broadcasting frequency. C8, part of the Canal+ group owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, will cease operations by midnight on February 28, 2025, concluding its twenty-year run. Hanouna took the opportunity to announce his new direction at the end of his final show on C8, utilizing his trademark theatrics and elaborate staging, including a segment involving his team traveling in what Hanouna dubbed the "bus of the future".
"Plusieurs projets m'ont été proposés," Hanouna stated, indicating the range of opportunities explored before his move to M6. His announcement was met with mixed reactions within the industry, particularly from M6 staff, where initial resistance was vocalized, especially by host Karine Le Marchand, who famously threatened to leave if Hanouna joined the network.
Despite initial pushback, Le Marchand has since softened her stance, expressing apologies for past conflicts, acknowledging, "On va lui faire du mal. Je lui présente mes excuses." This indicates a possible resolution to the feud, paving the way for collaborative television projects under the M6 umbrella.
The decision by ARCOM to end C8's frequency renewal was fueled by continued infractions related to broadcasting regulations. Over the years, C8 has accumulated steep fines totaling approximately 7.6 million euros due to various incidents, including controversial on-air pranks and harsh criticisms directed at public figures. This includes significant penalties such as the 3 million euros levied for Hanouna’s infamous homophobic prank back in 2017, and most recently, 3.5 million euros for offensive remarks made against LFI deputy Louis Boyard.
Hanouna's penchant for stirring controversy has drawn ire from various sectors, particularly from left-leaning figures, dubbing him as the poster child for sensationalist television. His programming has increasingly ventured toward political discourse, inviting right-wing and far-right personalities, which has segmented his audience and led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
What lies next for Hanouna remains to be detailed, yet speculation abounds. While staying connected to Canal+ through interim programming on Dailymotion and YouTube until the new training begins on W9, television critics and fans alike are watching closely to see how Hanouna will reinvent himself on the M6 platform. Hanouna is also teasing future projects, hinting at launching his own television channel, showcasing his vision of entertainment distinct from what he produced on C8.
Despite the controversies, nobody can deny Hanouna’s significant impact on French television. His departure from C8 marks not as much the end of his career but rather the beginning of what could be a new chapter packed with both challenges and potential triumphs.
This latest chapter will certainly be marked by continued scrutiny as he navigates his way through the competitive world of French television. With his talent for capturing and engaging his audience, the question remains whether he can sustain the audience loyalty he cultivated on C8 as he embarks on this new venture with M6.
Nevertheless, as he stated at the conclusion of his dramatic announcement broadcast, the show must go on. "The audiences are our only parachute," he quipped, as he prepares to take his show on a new route and redefine his brand at what many hope will be his newfound platform on W9.