In recent days, the Spanish television program 'La familia de la tele' has faced significant challenges, recording disappointing audience ratings since its launch on May 5, 2025. Despite high hopes for the new show, which features popular figures like María Patiño and Belén Esteban, the numbers have steadily declined, prompting urgent reassessments by the broadcasting network, RTVE.
On its premiere, 'La familia de la tele' managed to attract a modest 10.1% audience share, which was already lower than expected. The following day, on May 6, the show's ratings dipped to 9.5%, and by May 7, it plummeted to an alarming low of just 6.2%. This decline has left the program as the fourth choice among viewers in its time slot, trailing behind competitors such as Antena 3 and Telecinco, which have been performing significantly better.
In its third day of airing, 'La familia de la tele' recorded only 445,000 viewers during its key segment from 18:57 to 20:31, a stark contrast to the 761,000 viewers who tuned in for a brief five-minute segment earlier that day. The overall share for the day, including other programming like 'La Promesa,' was a disappointing 8.9%. Inés Hernand, one of the program's hosts, acknowledged the need for adjustments, stating, "The things have to be adjusted" to meet audience expectations.
TVE's decision to restructure the program's schedule was influenced by the ongoing conclave to elect a new pope, leading to special news broadcasts that interrupted regular programming. This change resulted in 'La familia de la tele' being pushed to a later time and significantly shortened, making it even less competitive. Despite these challenges, the network has opted to maintain the show's current format, believing that with the right adjustments, it can still find its footing.
In a podcast discussing the show's performance, Hernand expressed her disappointment but also emphasized the importance of patience. "I have patience, but many people do not," she lamented. She acknowledged that the initial episodes contained a lot of internal references that may not resonate with a broader audience.
The drop in viewership has sparked criticism from within RTVE, with some journalists questioning the strategic direction of the network and its commitment to content that aligns with its public service mandate. Critics argue that the show's format, which draws heavily from the sensational style of 'Sálvame,' may not be appropriate for a public broadcaster.
TVE's executives remain optimistic, however, stating that they are committed to making all necessary adjustments to improve the show’s appeal. They believe that with time and the right changes, 'La familia de la tele' can regain its audience. This sentiment reflects a broader trend in Spanish television, where networks are increasingly adopting formats that have proven successful on private channels.
As 'La familia de la tele' continues to navigate these turbulent waters, it will be crucial for the producers and hosts to refine their approach to attract viewers. The program's future hinges on its ability to adapt and resonate with a diverse audience, especially as it competes against established shows that are currently dominating the ratings.
Looking ahead, the program is scheduled to air its first block at 15:50 and the second at 18:40 on May 8, 2025. The network has decided to limit its broadcast on RTVE Play to coincide with the airing of 'Valle Salvaje,' another show that has been performing well. This strategic move aims to retain viewers who might otherwise tune out during the airing of less popular content.
In summary, 'La familia de la tele' has experienced a rocky start, and while it has the potential to improve, immediate changes are necessary to address the declining ratings. The coming weeks will be critical as the program seeks to establish its place in the competitive landscape of Spanish television.
