M6 celebrated the end of 2024 with its special broadcast titled "2024, An Exceptional Year," hosted for the first time by the dynamic duo of Ophélie Meunier and Xavier de Moulins. The special showcased the year's most significant moments, ranging from thrilling sports achievements to impactful political events.
This star-studded retrospective aired on December 31 and revisited events such as the exhilarating Olympic Games held in Paris, where athletes like Léon Marchand shone brightly, and the dramatic political events, including the dissolution of the National Assembly under Emmanuel Macron's presidency.
Meunier expressed her enthusiasm about the show, noting, "2024 has been truly unique, a grand cru. We have chosen to present it live, which will bring palpable emotion and some surprises, including live concerts." The inclusion of archival footage and testimonials from carefully selected guests aimed to capture both the joyful and poignant moments of the year.
Among the notable guests featured were Philippe Katerine, who left his mark at the Olympic opening ceremony, and Miss France 2025, Angélique Angarni-Filopon, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the year covered.
"From the perspective of news outlets, it was undoubtedly complicated this year," mused Xavier de Moulins, who reflected on the challenges the media faced amid political upheaval. Yet, he and Meunier sought to offer their viewers moments of joy and hope, inspired by noteworthy memories like Céline Dion performing at the Eiffel Tower and Thomas Jolly's resilience during rainy events.
With ten years of friendship and professional rapport, Meunier and de Moulins complemented each other’s styles, making their collaboration seamless. "There is no desire to overshadow each other. We have both built independent careers and have no ego issues. Our goal is simply to entertain our viewers," de Moulins assured.
Meunier echoed this sentiment, stating, "It all feels very natural and fluid between us; we are genuinely happy to do this together." Their chemistry stood out, as they drew on shared experiences and mutual respect formed over years of working within the same network.
When asked about the selection of the featured personalities and events, Meunier explained the process. "The aim was to explore all themes possible. We brainstorm lists of individuals we admire, and if they are available, we are thrilled!" This careful and thoughtful approach ensured the special covered relevant cultural, sporting, and political themes, reflecting the year’s eclectic spirit.
Viewers were treated to insights on which moments had personally affected the hosts, especially Meunier's memorable experience at the Paris Olympic Games this past summer. "That's something rarely experienced, especially right at home," she shared. When asked about the standout personality of the year, they humorously delayed the reveal, hinting at results from surveys conducted with the audience.
Both hosts look toward 2025 with optimism and excitement, confident the unique experiences of this past year have well-prepared them for the next. "This year has been foundational for us, and we aim to continue growing, marking our presence," Meunier concluded.
Through their lively presentation and relatable commentary, Meunier and de Moulins successfully encapsulated the essence of 2024 for their viewers, offering both nostalgia and hope as they ushered the audience toward another promising year.