On March 3, 2025, the popular French talk show "Touche Pas à Mon Poste" (TPMP) made its triumphant return on YouTube and internet broadcasting, after the abrupt cessation of C8 on February 28, 2025. This shift marked not just the continuation of the beloved program, but also promised greater creative freedom under less stringent regulations compared to traditional television formats.
The show's comeback was met with enthusiasm, drawing an impressive average of 220,000 viewers on YouTube, with its numbers starting at 43,000 and peaking at around 280,000. Cyril Hanouna, the flamboyant host who has become synonymous with TPMP, opened the Monday night broadcast with the declaration, "Vive la liberté!" heralding the newfound freedoms enabled by the change of platforms.
Unlike its previous incarnation on C8, TPMP, now streaming on various platforms including Dailymotion and the creatively dubbed "Zoubida TV," allows for more flexible content presentation. Hanouna noted during the first broadcast, "L'émission est la même, et elle nous coûte moins cher!", acknowledging the cost-saving shift they manage to implement within three days of transition.
Despite the initial success, the transition to online did come with adjustments. Several panelists, including Jordan De Luxe, shared their experiences, noting significant salary cuts. "I have been paid 330 euros for my participation, and we all earn the same,” he mentioned during his appearance on Sud Radio the day after the first show on the web.
The panelists’ pay being more than two times less than prior emphasizes the financial shifts occurring due to the change from C8. De Luxe expressed his commitment to the show, emphasizing, "I wanted to stick with the crew, and I appreciate Hanouna for having me on board." His remarks represented the loyalty felt among the cast, even amid the significant changes.
Throughout the broadcast, Hanouna maintained his provocative style, directly critiquing regulatory policies. He took aim at Arcom, the French regulatory authority, accusing them of enforcing what he described as "anti-democratic" practices leading to C8's closure. He asserted his determination to utilize this platform more freely, stating, "We will be stronger and more liberated than before!”, reinforcing the show’s commitment to engaging, sometimes controversial content.
The first digital broadcast also displayed the potential tension with regulatory standards. Hanouna provoked the regulatory body by openly showcasing various brands throughout the episode, something he had previously been fined for as it could be seen as hidden advertising. This time, waving off any regulations, he presented products unapologetically, claiming, "It's my money; I pay for this, it's my show!" The atmosphere suggested not only continuity from C8 but also Hanouna's resolve to challenge the norms of broadcasting.
The future of TPMP remains uncertain within this new format. With the change to digital, Hanouna and his team are set to navigate the complex waters of regulatory oversight. Indeed, TPMP could still face scrutiny under the digital broadcast laws, which could impose obligations similar to those of traditional television networks.
Harsh realities hover around the perception and existence of "Zoubida TV." If the regulatory authorities classify the channel as merely another service under electronic communication, it may prompt closer examination and stricter controls than anticipated. Reports suggested, for example, Orange, the telecom provider, included cessation provisions within their contracts should regulatory infractions arise.
Yet, the panelists maintained their camaraderie as Hanouna openly stated, "We're still the same team!", underscoring the show's unchanged ambiance and familiar interactions, even amid pay disparities. For Hanouna, the goal remained clear: without compromising the spirited debate and entertainment essence, he aims to maintain viewer engagement and financial viability of TPMP.
With this digital shift, the potential for creative expression expands for Hanouna and his team, but so too does the challenge of sustaining viewership without the reach of conventional television. Reflecting on this cautious optimism, Hanouna declared, "This change could be the start of something great!" While he thrives on unpredictability, it also requires overcoming new hurdles associated with media dynamics.
Overall, TPMP’s evolution from C8 to digital streaming platforms presents both opportunities and difficulties. With Cyril Hanouna at the helm, the show embraces its fans with the promise of continued entertainment, pressing the boundaries as they explore this new frontier.