Episode two of the flashy competition The Best in History on TVE1 drew mixed reactions, pairing surreal moments with a psychedelic flair that some viewers described as almost hallucinogenic. The show’s tone suggested it was less about clear competition and more about spectacle, inviting audiences to question what they were watching as much as who was left on the stage. In this second installment, whispers of deception resurfaced, echoing concerns raised after the premiere about authenticity and performance. The running narrative pitted Isabella the Catholic against Rafa Nadal, with speculation that the night could hinge on a single, dramatic upshot rather than sustained excellence. Some observers noted that the program seemed to drift toward fantasy rather than fair competition, blurring the line between satire and sport.
In the outcome, the tennis star claimed the second spot, while Felipe VI fared even worse, slipping to a notably low position. He exited early, ranking seventh from the bottom, overshadowed by Amancio Ortega who finished sixth. The clash among regal and corporate icons—Spain’s monarchy shadowed by Zara’s empire—was a focal point of commentary, underscoring the show’s tendency to weave celebrity culture with historical references. A market-side note highlighted Inditex closing the prior week at 41.01, suggesting potential movements in media coverage that could lift or dampen sentiment around the show’s sponsors and backers. The episode’s reception pointed to a broader issue: while public broadcasters sometimes pursue entertainment formats that mirror private channels, there can be a misalignment between ambitious ideas and audience appetite. The result was a noticeable drop in viewership, dipping to 5.1% on the second night after a strong start, and even failing to capitalize on a lead-in from a Spain-Netherlands matchup. Analysts and viewers alike wondered whether the program had reached a dead end and debated if bold experimentation was worth the risk when it failed to energize a large audience.
The 2005 era brought a similar yet sharper take on the concept through Joan Ubeda and Toni Soler on TV3 with their program El favorit. The format was newsworthy for its clever execution, inviting audiences to vote on Catalonia’s most beloved historical figures—names such as James I, Ermessenda de Carcassonne, Rafael Casanova, Pope Borgia, Joan of Serrallonga, Casals of Pau, and Pompeu Fabra. The premise blended playful competition with education, offering a window into how medieval life could be depicted with modern entertainment value. Oriol Junqueras appeared as a history professor in one memorable moment, theatrically brandishing a sword while shielded in defense, a device that underscored the show’s broader aim: to engage viewers in a lighthearted exploration of the past. The comparison to contemporary times highlighted how far public entertainment had come in blending culture, politics, and nostalgia into screens of varying sizes.