Cyril Hanouna, the charismatic French television host, made his much-anticipated return to the screen on March 3, 2025, as he resumed his popular show "Touche pas à mon poste" (TPMP). This time, though, there was no C8 channel to tune in to, as it had ceased broadcasting just days prior due to regulatory issues. Now, Hanouna's show is available on his new web platform, Zoubida TV, which can be accessed via online services like Dailymotion and YouTube.
The show's triumphant return at 18h20 was filled with energy and excitement. Hanouna expressed his delight to his viewers, stating, "On est très heureux d’être à l’antenne ce soir, c’est une idée de génie de Vincent Bolloré, notre actionnaire, qui avait ça en tête depuis plusieurs semaines, plusieurs mois," acknowledging the visionary move made by Vincent Bolloré, the conservative billionaire behind Canal+.
Prior to its closure on February 28, C8 was ranked as the sixth most-watched channel in France, boasting 44 million viewers, according to Médiamétrie. Despite this success, C8 had become embroiled in controversy, incurring hefty fines totaling €7.6 million due to persistent "excesses" attributed to Hanouna's hosting style, leading to the non-renewal of its broadcasting frequency by Arcom, the regulatory authority.
Following the last episode on C8, which aired on February 27, Hanouna announced plans to leave Canal+ and join the M6 group, with intentions to host shows on both W9 and Fun Radio starting September 2025. For the time being, he intends to keep broadcasting TPMP online for "a few months, maybe until the end of April."
His decision to shift to web television reflects considerable potential for reaching audiences without the constraints typically present on traditional networks. "Rien n’a changé, on est en direct, le public est là," he stated, clearly pleased with the response, having garnered over 100,000 viewers on YouTube shortly after going live. This triumph seemed to overshadow concerns from M6 employees, who worried about the impact of Hanouna's arrival on the network's programming.
Hanouna clarified his intentions during the broadcast, assuring audiences, "C’est sûr qu’on ne va pas faire de politique sur Fun Radio et sur W9, je ne vais pas inviter Éric Ciotti ou Laurent Wauquiez." This move seems to resonate with M6's emphasis on non-political entertainment, allaying some internal concerns. Nevertheless, the discussions surrounding his reputation and influence continue to circulate, raising questions about how much leeway he will have within the constraints of the upcoming shows.
Critics have voiced concerns over Hanouna's approach to broadcasting, particularly following the Arcom's closure of C8. Some have labeled the cessation as "catastrophic" for media diversity and employment, with Hanouna himself framing it as "un énorme dysfonctionnement des institutions". With his characteristic bravado, he considered whether Arcom might have inadvertently done him "un énorme cadeau", as it granted him newfound freedom on the Internet.
While Hanouna's rapid return to the airwaves is undeniable, it remains to be seen how his online presence will evolve and how audiences will react to his content. The decision to air on platforms outside traditional cable removes the barriers of censorship previously imposed by the regulatory authority, allowing for greater creativity and unfiltered expression.
The viewers certainly seem to welcome the new format; on March 3, the show was met with impressive ratings, peaking with around 130,000 viewers shortly after starting. Suing to its newfound freedom, Hanouna enjoyed the ability to freely mention brands without the fear of regulatory pushback, thereby refreshing the show’s format along with its delivery.
Controversies aside, the dynamic media personality appears to be riding high on this new wave of online broadcasting, eager to engage audiences with his energetic hosting style and controversial takes on societal issues. He seems determined to capitalize on both his loyal viewer base and the expanded reach of digital platforms.
The next few months will be telling for Hanouna as he prepares for his transition to M6 and the next installment of his television career. Already under public scrutiny and pacing for future plans as he hinted at possible political ambitions, the following broadcast season promises to be riveting.
For now, fans can delight in the daily antics of TPMP, once more enjoying the endearing chaos and lively discussions it brings. With the charm of Cyril Hanouna still intact, viewers can expect to see how this new chapter shapes the path not only for him but for the broader media community he belongs to.