BTN News: Pablo Motos kicked off the 19th season of “El Hormiguero” with a vibrant start, shifting from his usual white shirt to a sky-blue one—a shade seen on many Spanish gentlemen, especially politicians like Alberto Núñez Feijóo. The long-running Spanish TV show welcomed its new guests, comedian Susi Caramelo and content creator Plex, along with tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Nadal, who has avoided the spotlight recently, joined Motos to discuss his decision to skip the US Open, his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz, and his new business venture in the hospitality industry. With humor, light-hearted moments, and a touch of nostalgia, the season premiere set the stage for what promises to be another compelling year on prime-time television.
Nadal Discusses Tennis, Fatherhood, and Retirement Rumors
During the show, Pablo Motos touched on familiar topics with Rafael Nadal, asking about his experience missing the US Open and whether he has any pre-match superstitions. Nadal remained composed, addressing the questions with his characteristic humility. He spoke highly of Carlos Alcaraz, referring to him as a rising talent in the tennis world but downplaying the idea of rivalry. When asked about his future retirement, Nadal focused instead on his close friendship with Roger Federer, bringing back memories of their emotional farewells. The moment turned sentimental, reminiscent of the iconic scenes from Top Gun, with Nadal and Federer holding hands and shedding tears.
New Faces and Fresh Humor on El Hormiguero
The new season also introduced some fresh talent to the mix. Susi Caramelo, who recently appeared on Telecinco’s “Cuentos chinos,” joined the show’s humor segment. The other new addition, Plex, a young content creator with millions of followers, made his first appearance. With a fresh haircut and a calmer demeanor than his usual energetic online presence, Plex seemed ready to handle whatever “El Hormiguero” throws his way, even after a worldwide adventure with Frank de La Jungla.
Caramelo debuted her segment titled “Diario de Putácora,” promising a unique comedic twist. Meanwhile, the show maintained its familiar dynamic, with the signature puppet ants delivering their cheeky humor—complete with jokes that hark back to the golden age of Pajares and Esteso. The youthful energy of Caramelo and Plex aims to bring a new vibe to the program, while the traditional humor style remains a staple for its loyal audience.
A Moment of Magic: Nadal Talks Business
The conversation took an unexpected turn when Motos casually mentioned Nadal’s recent venture into the hotel business. Nadal quickly transitioned into a promotional mode, revealing details about his investment in a new hotel chain characterized by “Mediterranean air.” He spoke passionately about the brand’s concept and the upcoming launch, showcasing a side of the tennis star not often seen on TV. Motos, sensing the business opportunity, jokingly advised Nadal to ensure the lighting systems in the hotel rooms are user-friendly.
Balancing Nostalgia with New Directions
The season premiere also featured lighthearted moments that balanced nostalgia with a sense of renewal. Traditional elements of “El Hormiguero” were ever-present—the science segment continued with its usual experiments, while the humor roundtable engaged in discussions that ranged from summer adventures to generational differences. Yet, the inclusion of new faces like Plex and Caramelo aims to appeal to younger viewers, particularly from Generation Z, without straying too far from the show’s core identity.
A Strong Start Against the Competition
The premiere episode of “El Hormiguero” proved a ratings success, capturing a significant 21% of the audience share with 2.37 million viewers. This performance was notably strong compared to the new rival show, “Babylon Show,” hosted by Carlos Latre on Telecinco, which only managed a 6.1% share. Motos’ strategy of blending familiar faces with fresh talent and mixing light-hearted banter with more meaningful conversations appears to have resonated well with viewers, setting a high bar for the season ahead.
Conclusion: El Hormiguero Remains a Prime-Time Favorite
As “El Hormiguero” embarks on its 19th season, the show’s ability to balance tradition with innovation remains its greatest strength. Whether through emotional interviews with sports legends like Rafael Nadal, introducing new comedic talents, or exploring new business ventures, the show continues to evolve while maintaining its unique charm. With a mix of nostalgia, humor, and smart guest choices, “El Hormiguero” proves why it remains a staple of Spanish prime-time television.
