A muscular show which promised action, but which above all caused yawns. Despite a grandiose staging and an impressive cast, the show left viewers wanting more.
TF1 had pulled out all the stops for the first broadcast of Gladiatorsa program awaited by thrill-seekers. Inspired by a concept born in the 90s in the United Kingdom and the United States, this new version promised to be an eye-catcher. The principle is simple: anonymous candidates, from all over France, compete against professional athletes called the Gladiators. There are sixteen of them, with names worthy of superheroes: Goliath, Tank, Flame, Viper, Comet, Electra…
Half men, half women, all ready to defend their honor in tests of strength and endurance. Each episode features several candidates, called challengers, who must face the Gladiators in four challenges. The more points the challengers score, the more advantages they gain for the dreaded final event: the eliminator. This journey strewn with pitfalls is the last step before the end. The winner of the season will leave with 50,000 euros and a golden helmet.
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A trio of hosts known to the channel TF1
To carry this new show, TF1 relied on a surprising trio of animators. Jean-Pierre Foucault, veteran of TV sets, shares the stage with Denis Brogniart and Hélène Mannarino. The filming took place at the Aren'Ice in Cergy-Pontoise, in an atmosphere worthy of the greatest American shows. If Denis Brogniart, accustomed to adventure with Koh Lantaseemed perfectly in his element, Jean-Pierre Foucault aroused curiosity and perplexity. The latter, pillar of the election Miss Franceembodies the quintessential host of the 90s and 2000s.
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As for Hélène Mannarino, she represents the new television generation, revealed by the morning show Bonjour ! by Bruce Toussaint. The objective of this trio? Bringing an intergenerational dynamic and a mixture of seriousness and lightness. Yet, from the first minutes, something seemed to be missing. And viewers did not hesitate to express their dissatisfaction on social networks.
Internet users disappointed with the atmosphere of Gladiators
On social networks, the reactions were immediate. On X (formerly Twitter), Internet users did not mince their words. “This is what happens when you want to do American-style shows and you can't do it !”, quipped a viewer. Another summed up his feelings in a concise sentence: “No rules, format worn out in 10 minutes. Overplayed atmosphere”. The show struggled to captivate and the length quickly became unbearable for many.
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But what stood out the most was the feeling of lack of action. “If I understand correctly, there are 10 minutes of talk for 10 seconds of action”tweeted one user, summarizing what many felt. The concept failed to maintain the tension necessary for such a format. Then, Jean-Pierre Foucault was particularly the target of criticism. “Jean-Pierre Foucault at the approximate presentation”wrote a user. Another was even more direct: “He is overwhelmed, maybe needs money ?”. The host, although accustomed to major meetings, was not convincing.
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