In a historic moment that captivated viewers worldwide, the conclave in Rome to elect a new Pope concluded on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with the appearance of white smoke at 18:08 hours. This significant event prompted Spain's national broadcaster, TVE, to interrupt its regular programming, including the popular afternoon shows 'La Promesa' and 'La familia de la tele,' to provide live coverage of the papal election.
As the white smoke signaled the selection of a new pontiff, TVE cut into the broadcast of 'La Promesa' during a commercial break, transitioning to a special news segment led by anchors Marta Carazo and Alejandra Herranz. Viewers were treated to scenes of jubilation from the Plaza del Vaticano, where crowds celebrated the election of the new Pope, marking a moment of joy and anticipation.
TVE's decision to prioritize this historic event meant that the second part of 'La familia de la tele' was canceled unexpectedly, just half an hour before its scheduled airing. The producers announced on social media, "Due to current events, the second part of 'La familia de la tele' will not be broadcast this afternoon." This cancellation came as the show was still reeling from its recent premiere, which had already faced challenges.
'La familia de la tele' debuted on May 5, 2025, after a delay caused by the death of Pope Francisco and a massive power outage. The program aimed to capture the spirit of the beloved show 'Sálvame' and featured a star-studded lineup, including Isa Pantoja, who was introduced during a grand parade at Prado del Rey. Despite the initial excitement, the show struggled to attract viewers, achieving only an 8.9% share in its third broadcast.
Television expert Xavi Oller noted both the strengths and weaknesses of the new format in a recent analysis. He praised the creative team behind 'La familia de la tele,' highlighting their ability to engage viewers with a fresh and lively approach. Oller remarked, "They know how to connect with the audience using a modern and relaxed language." However, he also pointed out the intense competition from established afternoon shows like 'Y ahora Sonsoles' and 'El Diario de Jorge,' which have already secured loyal audiences.
As the ratings for 'La familia de la tele' dipped below 7% in its evening broadcast, the pressure was on for the producers to adapt and innovate. The show has made several adjustments since its premiere, including moving furniture in the studio to create a more inviting atmosphere. The set, named "Bellavista," spans 1,000 square meters and is designed to resemble a neighborhood, complete with various themed areas for different segments.
In a bid to maintain viewer interest, the production team has employed creative stunts, such as dressing a cast member, Víctor Sandoval, as a donkey to commemorate the international day of this animal. Additionally, María Patiño was assigned a special mission to meet singer Manuel Carrasco on a train, adding a touch of excitement to the program.
Despite these efforts, the cancellation of the afternoon segment due to the papal election has raised questions about the future of 'La familia de la tele.' While the program initially garnered 807,000 viewers during its launch, the subsequent drop to 731,000 viewers has left producers and executives at RTVE contemplating their next steps.
RTVE's commitment to covering significant news events like the papal election reflects the network's responsibility to inform the public. The decision to air a special report on the election throughout the afternoon, linking it to the evening news segment 'Telediario 2,' showcases the broadcaster's dedication to delivering timely and relevant content.
As the new Pope takes on his responsibilities, the impact of this election is felt not only in the Vatican but also across the world. For many, the selection of a new pontiff represents hope and renewal, particularly in a time of global uncertainty. The excitement surrounding the election has drawn attention not just to the papacy but also to the media landscape in Spain, where competition for viewer ratings is fierce.
In the wake of the conclave, other channels, including Antena 3 and Telecinco, have also shifted their programming to accommodate news coverage, with prominent anchors Vicente Vallés and Carlos Franganillo leading their respective broadcasts. Meanwhile, La Sexta's 'Más vale tarde' remained on air, with Cristina Pardo reporting live from the Vatican, and Cuatro extended its show 'Todo es mentira' to keep viewers updated on the latest developments.
The decision to cancel afternoon programs in favor of significant news coverage highlights the media's role in shaping public discourse and providing immediate access to important events. As viewers continue to tune in for updates on the new Pope and the implications of his election, the future of 'La familia de la tele' remains uncertain.
Will the show be able to regain its footing after this setback, or will the competition continue to overshadow its efforts? As the dust settles from the papal election, all eyes will be on RTVE and its new programming strategies in the coming weeks.
