The best of the best. Since September 25, 2023, Émilien, a 21-year-old student, has reigned as undisputed master on the “12 Coups de midi” set. With a prize pool that exceeds 1.74 million euros and 425 participations (as of November 25), he has already written his name in the history of French televised games. But his incredible journey is not unanimous: although it attracts a record number of viewers, some fans and candidates point to a loss of interest in the program. So, should we rethink the rules of the game? In any case, that’s what some viewers are asking.
“Production is playing a bit of a stupid game by allowing the bar to be set so high”
If the longevity of champions is an integral part of the game's DNA, maintaining a balance between suspense and performance remains a challenge for TF1. While some fear viewer fatigue, others believe that the record holder simply embodies the very essence of the program. For Jean-Louis Blot, president of Endemol France, which produces the show, the presence of a champion is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage: “He's the one who fights every day to stay, I have no control over that“, he says to “Télé 2 week”. Same story with Jean-Luc Reichmann, the emblematic host of the Midi de la Une: “I don't look at media interest and profitability, I really look at the pleasure I have in supporting someone as best as possible.“
Some potential players say to themselves “discouraged“at the idea of confronting him.”It demotivated me a little, but we always have a little hope. You never know if he's having a bad day or tired“, confides Cem, a candidate who tried his luck against him on October 9. Faced with this domination, several voices are calling for an adjustment of the rules, such as a limited number of participations. A former champion, Céline, laughs: “Usain Bolt was not asked to wear lead shoes because his dominance would hurt egos!“. But other emblematic figures of the game are more critical: “The production is playing a bit of a stupid game by allowing the bar to be set so high. The hunt for records is over“, regrets a great player on condition of anonymity.
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“Records are logically made to be broken”
Despite the criticism, Émilien's performances appealed to a wide audience. On average, 2.95 million viewers tuned into TF1 at lunchtime in September, an increase of 205,000 compared to 2023. In November, the show even reached a peak of 5 million curious viewers, a figure not seen since January 2023. For the moment, production excludes any change. However, this dominance could impact registrations for the show. Some candidates might prefer to wait until the end of his reign to maximize their chances. But Jean-Louis Blot tempers: “Those who are on the air today applied months ago thinking that Émilien would not be there.”
“Records are logically made to be broken“, recalls Émilien, who does not intend to rest on his laurels. For the main person concerned, the criticisms are not his main concern. “It's not something I thought about [ce changement de règles]. I'll come back without asking any questions.”he confided this time to “TV 7 Days”. “I'm here, I know the place is compromised every day.“While some imagine solutions to oust him, Émilien remains focused on his mission: that of continuing to play.”When I come back, I do my best. If I manage to stay, I'll stay because I really enjoy it there“, he underlined, ensuring that the essential thing for him is elsewhere: “Everyone has the right to think what they want. In this case, I am happy.“
