After weeks of anticipation and delays, including a papal death and apocalyptic weather alerts, the highly awaited premiere of La Familia de la Tele finally took place on La 1 of RTVE on May 5, 2025. The show, led by María Patiño and Belén Esteban, kicked off with a chaotic energy that fans of the previous hit Sálvame have come to expect.
The opening act was a wild gymkana dubbed “Pradín Exprés,” a parody of the popular show Pekín Express, where former collaborators raced through the streets of Madrid without money or resources. Narrated with humor and flair by Paula Vázquez, Paloma del Río, and Cayetana Guillén Cuervo, the segment was a mix of laughter and chaos, showcasing the participants’ improvisation skills as they dashed through the streets, often getting soaked in the rain.
Online reactions were swift, with viewers humorously comparing Lydia Lozano’s efforts to run in heels to a comical San Silvestre race. As the gymkana concluded, the main event began—a surreal parade featuring floats adorned with iconic outfits from RTVE’s history, including the farewell dress of Mayra Gómez Kemp from Un, dos, tres and Ramón García’s New Year’s cape. The spectacle was both nostalgic and extravagant, capturing the essence of the show’s whimsical nature.
Isa Pantoja, heavily pregnant, stole the spotlight as she appeared on a float decorated in the style of Cantora, surrounded by flamenco dancers while her mother Isabel Pantoja’s hits played in the background. The moment was a viral sensation, drawing applause from the audience.
In a surprising turn, Rocío Carrasco made an unexpected appearance, hiding under a large costume before revealing herself and reconciling with her historical rival, Marta Riesco, live on air. This moment of unity was a stark contrast to their turbulent past and added an emotional layer to the premiere.
Lydia Lozano, true to her dramatic persona, made a grand entrance in an ambulance, accompanied by doctor Sánchez Martos, poking fun at her reputation as a “drama queen.” This theatricality, combined with the other collaborators’ outlandish costumes, reaffirmed that the spirit of Sálvame remains alive, even as the show transitions to public television.
Despite the entertaining chaos, the premiere did not achieve the expected ratings, garnering an 8.7% share and 769,000 viewers in its first segment, which placed it behind competing shows like Sueños de libertad and TardeAR. However, the second part saw a slight increase to 9.1%, indicating potential for growth as the format settles.
María Patiño, who is at the helm of this ambitious project, expressed her excitement and optimism for the show’s future. “This is just the warm-up,” she stated, hinting at the more structured format set to debut on May 6, 2025, which will include fixed sections and dynamic elements within the studio.
In the lead-up to the premiere, viewers were treated to glimpses of the set, which features a kitchen, bathroom, large orange sofa, and recreation area, reminiscent of the famous Gran Hermano house. Belén Esteban humorously exclaimed, “There is even to make churros, is this serious?” as she explored the kitchen, indicating the light-hearted tone of the show.
The emotional moments were not lost on the audience, particularly for Lydia Lozano, who broke down in tears during the show. At 16:11, she was called to the forefront alongside Inés Hernand and Aitor Albizua, leading to a poignant moment as she remembered her mother, Sol, who had passed away just a week prior. Patiño praised Lozano’s dedication, saying, “She has made a great effort to be here and is someone who loves her profession and gives her all.”
To add to the emotional tribute, a video featuring Yoyes, a close friend of Lydia's mother, played on the big screen, further touching the hearts of viewers. The combination of laughter, tears, and nostalgia set the stage for a show that promises to deliver both entertainment and heartfelt moments.
As the premiere wrapped up, it became evident that La Familia de la Tele aims to blend the chaotic charm of its predecessors with new elements that reflect the evolution of reality television. The show’s unique approach is likely to keep audiences engaged, even as it navigates the challenges of being on public television.
In summary, the first episode of La Familia de la Tele was a whirlwind of emotions, humor, and nostalgia, capturing the spirit of its predecessor while setting the stage for a new era of entertainment. With the promise of more structured content to come, viewers can expect a blend of chaos and heartwarming moments that only this unique cast can deliver.
