The end of the C8 channel, owned by the Canal+ group and conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, is scheduled for February 28. This decision, imposed by the non-renewal of its frequency by Arcom, leaves the question of the future of the channel’s star host, Cyril Hanouna, hanging.
Despite his central role in the C8 audiences, the maintenance of the presenter of Don’t touch my post (TPMP) within the group remains uncertain. “Will Cyril Hanouna stay in the Canal+ group? This is what I want, but it is not confirmed,” explained Maxime Saada, the president of Canal+, in an interview with Strategies. For his part, the host assured Monday evening that there was “nothing done” regarding his future, and that he was still exploring several avenues.
A “totally incomprehensible” decision
For more than a decade, Cyril Hanouna has established himself as an essential figure on TNT thanks to his talk show TPMP. The show, both controversial and popular, allowed C8 to attract a loyal audience, but also to accumulate 7.6 million euros in fines due to regular on-air slip-ups. Maxime Saada admitted to having “underestimated the risk of withdrawing the frequency until the end”, denouncing a “totally incomprehensible” decision by Arcom.
Beyond the question of Cyril Hanouna’s future, the disappearance of C8 symbolizes the end of an era for the Canal+ group. Since its acquisition by Vincent Bolloré, C8 has established itself as an atypical channel, driven by the success of TPMP. The popularity of the show and the loyalty of its audience have shaped the identity of the channel, despite the numerous controversies that have punctuated it.
-Consult our file on the show “TPMP”
Several options on the table: CStar or digital
Despite the uncertainty, several avenues are emerging for the future of Cyril Hanouna. Among them, a transfer of Touche pas à mon poste on CStar, another channel of the Canal+ group, where an adapted version of the show could be broadcast between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. This option would make it possible to preserve the essence of TPMP while remaining in the Canal+ universe. Another strategy considered would be to focus on digital: Hanouna has raised in recent months the idea of broadcasting its programs exclusively on online platforms, which would offer it increased editorial freedom while aligning with new uses of a public increasingly turned towards digital.
At the same time, Canal+ is preparing to withdraw its pay channels from DTT in June 2025, an upheaval motivated by an “increasingly restrictive tax and regulatory environment”. These strategic choices could affect other sectors, such as the financing of French cinema. If Maxime Saada wishes to keep Hanouna in the group, this collaboration remains uncertain. Despite his audience success, the host, divisive and often criticized for his provocations, could push Canal+ to choose between capitalizing on his popularity or distancing himself to improve his image with regulators and the public. Either way, Cyril Hanouna has no shortage of options for the future.
