The 20th season of Pékin Express, titled La route des tribus légendaires, is rapidly approaching its conclusion on M6, with much anticipation surrounding the finale. The network has confirmed that the grand finale will be broadcast on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from Johannesburg, South Africa. The season, which has seen teams journey through captivating landscapes in southern Africa, is now down to the final four pairs competing for the title: Mattéo and Esmeralda, Étienne and Judith, Cécile and Marion, and Patricia and Adrien.
Fans can expect to catch the quarter-finals this Thursday, March 20, 2025, before the ultimate showdown. Interestingly, M6’s programming has shifted, with the start of season four of Les Traîtres set for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 9:10 PM. This change means that viewers must wait a bit longer to see the last competitors fight for victory, raising concerns that this scheduling adjustment may affect their audience ratings.
M6 is not merely focused on broadcasting the competitions; they are also keenly aware of the broader landscape impacting their contestants. Currently, both Pékin Express and another popular show, Mariés au premier regard, have been marred by incidents of cyber harassment directed at participants. In response, M6 has stepped up to intervene, publishing a message to viewers on social media urging them to treat contestants with kindness and respect.
“Mariés au premier regard is a show that we all enjoy commenting on social media. We count on your kindness and respect towards the participants and their loved ones as you follow this season,” the network stated in their communications. They reiterated this point regarding Pékin Express, emphasizing that constructive criticism should never devolve into personal attacks.
The ramifications of cyber harassment can be severe, as highlighted by specific contestants who have found themselves in distressing situations due to online trolling. Amandine and Alisson, twin mothers who recently exited the competition, have spoken out about their own experiences. They noted, “We receive many positive messages since yesterday, but we only remember the negatives. We’re not accustomed to receiving this much hostility.” The duo had to disable comments on their social media due to the overwhelming wave of negativity, indicating a sharp rise in hostile interactions.
In the context of the social media discourse, other contestants are also feeling the brunt of harsh criticism, further underscoring the toxic environment that can accompany reality television fame. For instance, participant Bruno from Mariés au premier regard has faced allegations of being a “psychopath” and a “manipulator,” merely for proposing to marry his contestant without her ever having seen his face beforehand.
The sentiment of solidarity among contestants is essential in combating this behavior. Ryad, who previously defended fellow contestant Myriam from cyber harassment, highlighted the importance of community support amidst adversity, saying that such negativity should come to an immediate halt.
As the finale of Pékin Express draws near, anticipation builds not only for which team will emerge victorious but also for what lies ahead for the show itself. In an exciting announcement, Stéphane Rotenberg, who leads the competition, revealed plans for the next season, hinting at something entirely different. “For the first time, we will go to a cold country throughout the season, with a mountain and snow environment,” he disclosed. The next season will take place in Kazakhstan, presenting unique logistical challenges and requiring adaptations to the race due to weather conditions.
This innovative direction promises to inject new life into the already thrilling format of Pékin Express, as the contestants will have to tackle the difficulties of competing in cold climates, presenting an entirely new set of challenges.
The ongoing conversations about the challenges faced by contestants amid increasing scrutiny reflect a larger societal issue regarding the responsibilities of viewers when engaging with reality TV. M6 aims to foster a positive viewing community that understands the impact of their words and actions online.
With the finale scheduled for April 5, 2025, audiences will not only witness the conclusion of the 20th season but will also engage in discussions about the social responsibilities of fans. The dialogue surrounding cyber harassment emphasizes the need for a respectful, supportive environment for all participants, as they navigate the grueling yet exhilarating world of reality television.
As viewers prepare for this highly anticipated event, the intertwining of competitive spirit and the responsibility each individual carries in their interactions will certainly shape the narrative of this season. Pékin Express remains a beloved fixture in the French television landscape, but the season also serves as a reminder of the human element behind the competition.
In summary, as the clock counts down to the finale, M6 is grappling with both the glory and challenges of broadcasting reality television in a digital age where kindness must be championed over negativity. Pairs are ready to showcase their resilience and skills on screen, while audiences are reminded of the power their words hold beyond the television set.
