On February 27, C8's flagship program, Touche pas à mon poste (TPMP), will air its final episode, marking the end of 16 seasons filled with controversy and charisma. This closing event has sent waves through the French television community, especially with C8 itself ceasing broadcasts just one day later upon decision from the Arcom regulatory authority.
The show, hosted by Cyril Hanouna, has long been at the center of public debates, gaining notoriety for its no-holds-barred approach to entertainment. Recently, Hanouna opened up about his relationship with former chronicler Matthieu Delormeau, who left the show in May 2023. "I’ve seen Matthieu not long ago; we had lunch together. He knows I love him," Hanouna expressed during discussions with his current team.
Despite Delormeau’s departure, the anticipation surrounding the final show is palpable. Following the announcement of C8’s forthcoming closure, anger erupted among the station's employees, but the nostalgic reflections sparked by the show’s end have even stirred emotions among former team members.
This Thursday, viewers can expect a "without-filter" finale where Hanouna and his current crew will highlight iconic segments from the show. Former chroniclers, such as Enora Malagré and Thierry Moreau, have been contacted to make appearances, with Hanouna particularly hoping for Delormeau's return as well. "I hope he gives us a surprise appearance for the last episode," he added.
C8 will follow the series finale with the documentary, "Inside TPMP: the Talk Show’s Behind-the-Scenes," premiering after the final episode. The documentary aims to capture the essence of the show and its making—revealing insights, moments of humor as well as strife, and heartfelt messages from the cast.
On February 25, during the last regular episode before the finale, Hanouna engaged his team in sharing their biggest regrets during their tenure with TPMP. Guillaume Genton, another chronicler, made headlines when he expressed his wish for reconciliation with Delormeau, acknowledging their previous clashes over the years. "I regret being on bad terms with Matthieu; I never had any issues with him personally," Genton shared, reflecting the complicated history between them.
The sparks between Genton and Delormeau have been numerous, highlighted by their disagreements over fame, the pressures of television, and their public feuds. Despite these conflicts, the acknowledgment of shared history fosters hope for future amends.
Life after TPMP remains uncertain, and Hanouna is reportedly contemplating future television endeavors. Speculation surrounds whether he may join rival networks such as M6 or Canal+. The audience eagerly awaits revelations during the final episode as Hanouna prepares to share insights about his upcoming plans.
One thing is clear: TPMP has left its mark not only on audiences but also on the personalities associated with it, often blurring the lines between entertainment and real-world relationships. With millions tuning in to catch the end of this era, the nostalgic weight of the finale, filled with memories and undercurrents of emotion, looms large over French television.
On the last show, Hanouna's promise of honesty suggests emotionally charged farewells, shared stories, and acknowledgment of what TPMP represented for both its stars and its fans alike. The culmination of this vibrant chapter is bittersweet, illuminating the connections forged, and those momentously disrupted along the way.
“This is not just the end of our show; it’s the end of an era for many of us,” Hanouna reflected during Tuesday’s discussions. The final episode promises excitement, public curiosity, and more revelations than just the broadcast's conclusion.
With streams of memories, laughter, and maybe tears, all eyes will be on C8 on February 27 as the curtain closes on TPMP’s vibrant history, leaving fans pondering the show's impact and future television possibilities.
And as speculation mounts about what’s next for Hanouna, and whether Delormeau will grace the stage one last time, viewers are encouraged to tune in for what promises to be both heartfelt and hilariously enlightening.