José Mota, the beloved Spanish comedian, is back with his latest venture, 'José Mota No News', which premiered on February 14, 2021, on RTVE. Every Friday night, Mota delivers humor through satire, offering viewers a refreshing take on current events. This new format combines sharp wit with engaging interviews and sketches, marking Mota's return to the small screen after his successful 'Cruz y Raya' days.
Mota's objective with 'José Mota No News' is clear: to create a humorous sanctuary amid the noise of today's news media. "Porque normalmente lo que nos lleva todo es a crispación... queríamos hacer un programa que fuese un poquito un paréntesis en todo ese ruido que nos agrede," Mota explained during his recent interview. The program features other prominent figures from Spanish television, such as Patricia Conde, Santiago Segura, and Florentino Fernández, all contributing to the lighthearted atmosphere of the show.
During its premiere, 'José Mota No News' garnered ratings of 9.2% and 1.029 million viewers. Although these numbers place it within RTVE's daily average, they fall short of the twinkling highs Mota typically achieves during his New Year specials. Facing stiff competition from rival shows like 'El Desafío', which captured 15% of the audience, and 'De Viernes', which held 10.1%, RTVE made the strategic decision to adjust the show's timing. Consequently, the second episode will air on February 21 at 9:40 PM to avoid clashes with competing programming.
This upcoming episode will feature guests Antonio Resines and Kira Miró, alongside the usual comedic skits and commentary on the current affairs of the day. With this mix of humor and guest participation, Mota aims to keep audiences entertained without venturing too far away from the topical humor so prevalent on Friday nights. "El público que asiste está totalmente involucrado en el proyecto y estoy teniendo unas sensaciones con el programa maravillosas ... es un regalo para mí la propuesta de 'Caramba'," he stated, enthusing about the new direction he's taking with the series.
Each episode will creatively incorporate running gags and character crossovers, such as the return of Blasa, Mota’s well-known character from previous sketches. Viewers will also witness unique segments like 'Hoy no, ayer', which revisits past events and themes as if they were happening today. Mota's homage to the cultural shifts of past entertainment combined with contemporary satire aims to capture both nostalgia and relevance.
Despite the early challenges, Mota expressed confidence about his new role within RTVE. "No, no, no, no lo hemos hablado, la verdad que no. En ese sentido, Televisión Española nos lo ha dado todo, no nos ha metido presión," he remarked, indicating there were no imposed audience targets from the network, allowing room for the show's creative growth. Mota has spent considerable time with RTVE, feeling at home with the public broadcaster, and is clear about his intent to respect and contribute to the network's legacy through fresh and engaging content.
Reflecting on his experience, Mota also pointed out the importance of community and viewer engagement, stating, “si nosotros no nos divertimos, el espectador no se lo va a pasar bien.” This sentiment resonates throughout the production team, where humor is the central theme, transforming complex, often serious issues of society and politics, making them accessible and entertaining for Spanish audiences.
With each episode, viewers can expect Mota's signature humor mixed with current relevant events, as he and his collaborators aim to entertain and bring lightness to the Friday night viewing experience. The anticipation for the next show remains high, as Mota and his team keep pushing the envelope of humorous commentary with fresh sketches and insightful discussions.
José Mota's return to humor on RTVE is set against the backdrop of the challenging television timescape where audiences are constantly bombarded with information. With 'José Mota No News', Mota's mission is clear: deliver laughter, showcase community, and provide relief from the everyday stresses of news consumption, cementing his status as one of Spain's favorite comedic personalities.