Much has been said about the lasting influence and unwavering presence of the beloved knowledge-and-win cultural contest. Sergi Schaaff, never far from the spotlight, guided the program with keen attention to every detail—from plans to questions—until his passing at 85. His tireless work ethic and vivid creative mind kept him at the helm, even when illness nudged him toward rest. In recent months, he spoke softly of continuing his mission, insisting, I’ll be here as long as the body allows. His dedication became the stuff of television legend, a blend of Santa Claus warmth and a fearless, witty sage who conjured daily magic on screen.
The enduring series Know and Win celebrated 25 years on La 2 TVE this February and earned the Ondas award, a moment the industry called the icing on an already storied career. Schaaff’s health prevented him from accepting the honor in person, yet his legacy loomed large, a testament to a life devoted to public entertainment. His career began on the airwaves in the 1970s, during the early era of TVE, an era that yielded many iconic programs that shaped the medium. Classic titles like I wouldn’t come if I knew and Time is money were part of a long and influential run.
Sergi Schaaff, creator of Know and Win and other historic TVE formats, dies
Before becoming a familiar face on competition formats, Schaaff cut his teeth on early TVE projects that are now remembered by older audiences. He worked on Here’s the Second Show, a program area on La 2 during its early era, and on The Road Belongs to Everyone, a 1967 production that played a pivotal role in introducing audiences to drama and adaptation. These early efforts laid the groundwork for future achievements in adapting classic literature for television, offering a vivid entry point into the evolving landscape of Spanish television in the 1960s.
Throughout the 1970s he continued with dramatic adaptations within competitive formats. Fictions, Original, and Club Theatre showcased his talent for molding stage works into televised experiences. He earned his first Ondas award in 1979 for Salome, directing and featuring Núria Espert, adapted by Terenci Moix. Schaaff contributed to Catalan programming with Terra d’escudella (1977) and Festa amb Rosa Maria Sardà (1979), all while serving as a leader in RTVE Catalonia. His role focused on creating and managing programs, always staying loyal to TVE, even after brief stints with other regional channels like TV-3 and Valencia Channel 9.
His foray into major competitions began in the 1980s with I know I won’t come, spanning 1985–1988, where his collaboration with Jordi Hurtado and the memorable voices of Virginia Mataix and Juanjo Cardenal brought knowledge and skill to the foreground. Time is golden followed, running from 1987 to 1992, introducing audiences to a blend of intellect and agility as participants tackled challenging questions and quick thinking. The era also saw the emergence of a new generation of television professionals who would redefine the genre.
great professionals
During this period, formats like 3×4 (1988–1989) gathered a team of notable talents, including Hurtado, Romero, Julia Otero, and Jordi González. The show highlighted personalities who could captivate viewers with a mix of knowledge and personality, creating moments that lingered long after the credits rolled. Hurtado and his collaborators would later continue to shape the landscape, becoming synonymous with a vibrant era of Spanish television and setting the stage for future stars to shine in their own right.
By the early 1990s, Schaaff’s influence continued to grow. Life is a game (1992–1994) featured Romero once again, alongside other familiar voices, while The Quetzal Route (1993) followed the adventures of bold explorers. Hurtado remained a central figure, steering Know and Win through a quarter-century of cultural programming that resonated with generations of viewers. It would take more than time to end a voyage that felt like a trusted ship, delivering knowledge and joy to audiences who watched with anticipation and affection.
In summary, the era was defined by a blend of clever formats, strong partnerships, and a relentless drive to entertain and educate. The professionals who contributed to these productions lifted the craft, infusing it with personality and lasting appeal. The result was more than a collection of successful shows; it was a movement that shaped how audiences engage with culture on television, a legacy that endures in the countless hours of programming that followed.