Telecinco’s reality show Gran Hermano reached its thrilling conclusion on December 19, 2024, crowning Juan Luis Quintana as the winner of its nineteenth season, securing €150,000 of the total €300,000 prize. The final took many by surprise, with Juan defeating Óscar by just 3% of the votes, making his determination and support from fans all the more noteworthy.
Throughout the season, viewers witnessed over 100 days of dramatic tension, romance, and absurd comedies within the walls of Guadalix de la Sierra. The finale saw Juan, labelled by some as "el mueble" (the furniture)—a term used to describe contestants who blend seamlessly with their surroundings without making much impact—triumph over his competitors Óscar and Ruvens, who placed second and third respectively.
Juan's victory was attributed to considerable support from the group known as "las fresis"—Daniela, Maica, Vanessa, Lucía, and Silvia—who rallied their fans to back him once their favorites were evicted. This group dynamic shifted the audience's voting patterns, leading Juan to be seen as the viable champion once the top contestants were forced out.
The mechanics of this specific season were unprecedented. Following his earlier expulsion, Juan was brought back via the "viva extra" (extra life) twist initiated by his friend Adrián. Under the condition of returning, they both agreed to take half of the prize money should either one of them win. This decision means Juan's €150,000 win will be significantly diminished once taxes are factored, leaving him with less than €100,000 after payments to the Spanish tax authority.
While there were celebratory moments, the finale was not devoid of controversy. Tensions flared when Juan’s mother clashed with Óscar's sister live on stage, expressing frustration over the lack of airtime her son received during the season, amplifying debates about visibility and public engagement within reality shows.
Reflecting on his unexpected victory, Juan stated, "I don’t believe it, I feel very proud to have reached here and of all the people who supported me. What I’ve gained is humility, and being myself." His emphasis on humility resonates with viewers who appreciate authenticity over entertainment-driven personas.
The season also recorded lower viewing figures than previous editions, averaging 982,000 viewers, with only 16.2% audience share. Comparatively, earlier seasons often exceeded two million viewers per episode, prompting speculation about the current format’s appeal and introducing questions about the future of Gran Hermano.
Telecinco has announced plans for GH Dúo, where celebrity contestants will partake, with Maica Benedicto being one of the confirmed participants. The finale highlighted changes necessary for the format to revitalize itself and engage viewers effectively as they seek both drama and substantial storylines.
Jorge Javier Vázquez, the show’s host, expressed his emotional connection to this season’s participants and nostalgia during the final moments, hoping for the return of the beloved format soon. After the announcement of Juan’s victory, he remarked: "Decimos adiós to this chapter, but it’s only the beginning for many more stories to come." He urged viewers to stay tuned for what’s next for the franchise.
Overall, Juan's win is not just about recognition; it subjects the audience's influence on reality television formats and raises compelling discussions about the values of entertainment. Can seemingly passive contestants truly succeed based on social dynamics? How should future formats address visible participation and pull viewers back? These questions linger, and the upcoming seasons of Gran Hermano may offer insight as Telecinco embarks on its next haunting stage of reality TV.
