'The Revolt' Unveils 'El Hormiguero'

David Broncano and his team decided this Thursday to break the rules of the television game, revealing what happens behind the scenes, which usually remains in offices or backstage. There is a maxim in television that journalists and presenters should never be the news or the protagonists. This unwritten rule is sometimes broken. But it had been a while since it was staged as in 'The Revolt' the other night, with such force and media echo. It sounded like a slap of disproportionate dimensions against 'El Hormiguero', the show with which it has been competing since September and from which it has managed to snatch the leadership it comfortably enjoyed in recent months.

The television season has been marked by rivalry in this time slot, fueled by the controversial arrival of the comedian to TVE (which was discussed at Pablo Motos' debate table, attributing the decision to the Prime Minister himself) and by the subsequent jabs launched from 'The Revolt' at the competition. But this week the confrontation went further. Broncano interrupted his show on Thursday, at the moment he was supposed to introduce the interview, to explain that it could not take place because the guest - the pilot Jorge Martín - had received a threatening call from 'El Hormiguero'. "They found out he was coming here today and, as he was supposed to go there with them next week, and they don't want anyone to come here before going there, they have moved their... I won't go into details of how they did it, but they have their ways of pressuring. And so, Jorge told us he couldn't do the interview here today. I won't go into details, they have done the things they can do for this. And so today there is no interview, he told us 'I'm very sorry, but I can't go to the show', because otherwise some things would happen," he recounted to an audience witnessing an unprecedented reaction.

Was it a moment of heat? It doesn't seem so. The rumour that Antena 3's magazine didn't like sharing star guests has been the subject of jokes and hints in other shows and, of course, on social media. In fact, one of the main problems faced by shows trying to challenge it has been that no one wanted to attend their sets in case a successful format like 'El Hormiguero' wouldn't invite them back. This happened to 'Cuentos chinos' and 'Babylon Show', to name two recent examples on Telecinco. The team of 'The Revolt' also expressed this at the beginning. In fact, some days they humorously narrated how until the last minute they couldn't find anyone to sit on their sofa. But on Thursday, they put humour aside and complained that this has been happening since the project was broadcast on Movistar, even though at that time they were not direct competitors. "We have hinted at it here sometimes, some guests have said it. It's something that has been happening for years, since we were on 'La Resistencia', when we weren't even theoretically competitors. But there has always been a lot of play on their part with this. You've seen that no one has ever come here or to La Resistencia before going there. Even when they can make sure they don't come here directly, they do it. And when they don't have that much strength, they at least demand that they go there first," the host confessed.

If Pablo Motos' format is known for anything, it is for attracting any type of figure, regardless of their social sphere, nationality, or career. Over the years, all political leaders, athletes, and actors who do not usually give interviews in Spain, highly sought-after celebrities, and international stars have answered its call. If there was a place to be, it was 'El Hormiguero'. In fact, its biggest coups against 'The Revolt' have been with stellar names like Victoria Federica or Lamine Yamal. Losing that reputation and distinctive sign would weaken its strength, something neither Motos nor Antena 3 are willing to allow.

"Broncano and 'The Revolt' broke the television rules, the rigidity of the last century. It's the first time 'El Hormiguero' has responded with a tweet to a controversy generated by them. It seems like a wake-up call, with a fantastic staging of how certain television practices that seem out of place to me can be stopped," journalist Mariola Cubells explains to this newspaper when asked about the controversy.

It's true. 'El Hormiguero' responded almost instantly to what was happening on screen, stating that it was all due to a misunderstanding. They are aware that something like this could cause a significant reputational crisis, which would not benefit Motos, who has been heavily criticised lately for moving away from entertainment to delve into other areas and for his political stances.

To recall a similar case, many professionals look back and refer to the war between José María García and José Ramón de la Morena in sports radio. But the truth is, there are some television precedents of such battles, like those fought by 'Aquí hay tomate' and 'Sé lo que hicisteis…'. Although that was more fierce because the latter was dedicated to continuously revealing its secrets and denouncing some methods. The Telecinco show suffered such wear and tear that it ended up being cancelled.

'El Hormiguero' is far from something like that. In fact, despite the competition, it has maintained enviable ratings. On Thursday night, it managed to beat 'The Revolt', for instance. But just barely. In strict competition, Antena 3's show reached a 14.2% audience share, while TVE's remained at 13.9%. It is worth noting, however, that Broncano's team replaced the planned interview with footage of wild animals. Quite a statement of intent.