La 1, the principal channel of Televisión Española, is undertaking significant changes to its programming schedule, showcasing new strategies aimed at boosting viewership for its popular series. This upcoming modification includes alterations to air times and new plot developments for 'Valle Salvaje', one of the network's standout shows.
Sergio Calderón, director of TVE, has prioritised these changes as part of the network's broader initiative to consolidate its evening audience around compelling fiction. "Our afternoons will continue to taste of tradition. That's the flavor of coffee and novels," remarked María Eizaguirre, director of Communication and Participation at RTVE, during the recent press conference announcing the adjustments.
A key aspect of this reshuffle is the introduction of 'Valle Salvaje', which will now air daily at 16:15, followed by the final stretch of 'La Moderna' at 17:05, and concluding with 'La Promesa' starting at 17:35. This new time slot reflects the network's commitment to deliver quality content, offering viewers captivating stories during the early evening hours, purportedly raising their draw to the channel.
'Valle Salvaje', which has steadily climbed the ratings ladder, recorded its best monthly performance to date this February, increasing two points since September. Amid these promising statistics, potentially emboldened by its prominent slot, Calderón expressed confidence: "The ratings we are seeing now are unprecedented; we haven't experienced such figures for over 10 years."
While 'Valle Salvaje' enjoys this renewed push, the fate of 'La Moderna' stands in stark relief. Once considered forward-looking, the series faced disappointing audience reception and was announced as cancelled, with its final few episodes set to conclude on March 3. "We initially thought the show could gain traction, but audience demand has not met our expectations," said Calderón, reflecting on the strategic choices made. The series will be placed on slipstream, allowing for just 30 minutes of airtime as the network prepares for its departure.
Cast members from 'Valle Salvaje' have voiced their excitement about upcoming storylines. Actor Marcos Pernas, who portrays the character Rafael, shared, "We’re at risk of being caught… There will be curves. Expect many twists and developments." This foreshadowing intrigues current viewers and promises new excitements for the storyline. Looking forward, Josep Cister, the creator of 'Valle Salvaje' and 'La Promesa', affirmed confidence in the shift, insisting, "We are ready to surprise our audience; there are big developments for the characters us to explore. We're living through remarkable ratings, and we expect more engagement."
Alongside the altering narrative arcs, significant announcements include the re-launch of the series' theme song, now to be performed by Lorena Gómez and st. Pedro, reflecting contemporary developments and cultural relevance. Fans of 'Valle Salvaje', who have made it one of the highlights of the channel, can look forward to fresh arrangements and potential new musical elements infused within the plots.
The overarching goal of these schedule changes reveals TVE's strategic approach to reestablish narratives and connect effectively with their viewers as they navigate the changing television viewing habits of their audience. Offering varied storylines with relatable themes, TVE is carving out its identity as the network for serialized drama, dedicated to the ethos of quality television.
Expectations are high as audiences and actors alike anticipate what these shifts will mean for character developments and overall storytelling depth on 'Valle Salvaje' and the remaining two series. With exciting new directions and formats planned, viewers are encouraged to tune in. There’s much potential for cherished traditions around the television set to continue as stories evolve and develop.