Years ago, before First Datesa Carlos Sobera He was only known for hosting contests. The successful dating show He opened him up to other genres and audiences – “I’ve rejuvenated my target” – and has made him a key player in Mediaset. He alone represents the synergy of the group’s channels, because he is the only one who moves from Telecinco to Cuatro and from Cuatro to Telecinco continuously and without breaking a sweat. Tonight he takes one of those paths to bring the dating show formula to prime time on the main channel with the premiere of First Dates Hotel (22.50).
In September, the spotlight will also be on Sobera in an indirect way, because the battle of access will be exacerbated with the arrival of Broncano to TVE, his fight with Pablo Motos (Antena 3) and the premiere of Latre’s program on Telecinco. They will all face First Datesthe truly endurance“The problem is that they are competing for the same audience and with the same offer.”
What makes First Dates Hotel different from the classic version?
Appointments in First Dates Normally they start at the bar and end at the table, we don’t know what happens after. But at the hotel you have a prior context where single people meet in some spaces, like the pool, and then we also know what happens after the date. That makes an important difference.
Does this turn prove that the format is inexhaustible?
The format is very much alive and the last year has been one of the best in terms of audiences. The programme doesn’t tire you out because you can come and go whenever you want and it’s very light entertainment. Also, although the concept is always the same, the protagonists are different.
First Dates participants are an inexhaustible source. Do they still surprise you?
Very natural people come, who you would never think would go to First Dates -many older people, widows, divorcees…- and then there are people who have very peculiar personalities and who show themselves without restraint. And that is appreciated.
How many times do people on the street ask you if you are an actor?
That’s the question I get asked the most. Not even Javier Bardem could play a role like that. They are ordinary people, special, diverse people… but they are normal people who are happy to show themselves as they are. Absolutely transparent. It would be impossible for them to be actors because they would have to maintain the lie for a very long time. And, to start with, it would force you to trust the actors (laughs).
What do you think about First Dates Hotel being broadcast on Telecinco?
Well. I make the trip from Telecinco to Cuatro continuously and for me it is the same, it is Mediaset. I maintain that the First Dates Normally it should be on Cuatro, because it is a special programme for a special channel, but the Hotel can be opened to a more generalist public and channel, because the programme’s audience is generalist.
First Dates allowed you to do different things when you were only known for hosting contests. What has that meant to you?
First Dates It has allowed me to open up to other formats on the network, such as reality shows: GH, Survivors, See you again… I have been able to show more registers, grow professionally and rejuvenate my target, because there are many young people who come to see the program but do not see others.
In September you will have a new rival, David Broncano. Will he do more damage to Pablo Motos or First Dates?
Pablo Motos has been around for 18 years, he has earned the public’s trust and they are not going to let him go so easily. There has to be something really good about the competition for people to leave. It is true that Motos, Broncano or Latre are going to do more or less the same format and they are going to compete for the same target and the competition between them is going to be very tough. First Dates It remains a different offering with an audience looking for something different. And the same goes for The intermediate. Undoubtedly, we will all notice the presence of so many diners sitting at the table, but the problem is that they are competing for the same public with the same offer.
You have been with Mediaset for many years, have you received offers from other networks?
I’m very happy at Mediaset, I admit it. I don’t know how much more time I have left in my working life, but I’m completely happy. I get on very well with the network and that’s very important, because almost all the problems tend to come from personal conflicts. I’m delighted and, in addition, they offer me very different formats: I have fun and I grow as a professional. It shows on my face and that’s why no one makes me offers.
Is that connection still valid with the new management of Mediaset?
Yes. Alessandro [Salem] He is an exceptional guy, a polite and courteous man who has very clear ideas about the type of television he wants to make. In addition, he is very respectful of those of us who work at the network and that creates a special atmosphere. On the other hand, the team at First Dates Warner’s is also fantastic, and the same thing happened to me with Bulldog’s and now with Cuarzo’s. [antigua y nueva productora de Supervivientes].
Mediaset is experiencing an audience crisis and it is having to fight hard. Do you think it will recover soon?
That’s a crystal ball. What I do know is that the path we are following is the right one. We must open ourselves to all national producers and talents and, on the other hand, we must launch many formats to know what the public demands. And we must pamper those that work so that they continue to be the backbone. All with humility, care and respect. People take a long time to abandon a programme or channel en masse and it also takes a long time to return. Time is longer and you may be four or six years behind your competitor, but the important thing is that the distances are reduced little by little, even if it is by a few tenths of a second.
What would you ask Mediaset for? Do you want to do something new?
I don’t have any cravings (laughs). Ten years ago I was dying to do a late night show that I was never offered, but then I’ve done so many things that I’ve become satisfied. Now I’m happy.
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