In Spain this summer, a beloved competition on television makes its return to prime time on La 1, bringing back Grand Prix with familiar faces at the helm. The revival introduces Ramón García, Michelle Calvo, and Cristinini guiding the action as the space fills once again with the high-energy blend that fans remember from the late 90s and early 2000s. The public channel used a media presentation to reveal the core elements of this popular format, signaling a new chapter while preserving its iconic essence.
During the event, Maria Eizaguirre, the head of Communications and Participation, underscored that RTVE listened to the audience and prioritized bringing Grand Prix back to life. Ramón García, a long-time presence on the show, expressed genuine excitement about the comeback, noting that the revival runs parallel to the lives of longtime viewers and participants alike. The veteran presenter highlighted that the project reconnects audiences with a sense of shared family viewing that characterized the program in years past.
As the series returns, it remains rooted in its core appeal but adapts to contemporary times. Producers emphasize that the format cannot be a direct replay of the 1996 version; instead, it must reflect today’s television landscape while keeping the family-oriented spirit that defines Grand Prix. The aim is to bring families back together in front of the screen, recreating the communal atmosphere that accompanied the show eighteen years ago. This balance between nostalgia and modernization guides the entire production.
Carlo Boserman, the producer behind Grand Prix, stressed the challenge of maintaining the program’s soul while updating it for 2023. The plan keeps the beloved test structures and even the musical cues that fans recognize, while embracing new stylistic choices and technologies. The backbone remains intact, but the presentation and pacing evolve to suit current audiences without losing the recognizable heartbeat of the original format.
Among the notable innovations is a new character, Nico, depicted as a playful dinosaur who will add a layer of complexity to the contestants’ challenges. The show will also feature a formidable new presence described as a super heifer, a creative device intended to preserve the spirit of the competition while adapting it to modern television. García notes that while the animal character cannot be physically present during every moment, the production team is committed to finding alternatives that retain the program’s soul and keep it relevant.
Regarding the network’s decision to bring Grand Prix back to public television, García stated that TVE feels like home. With a quarter of a century connected to the network, he described the invitation to return as a meaningful moment that leaves a lasting mark on his career, while emphasizing his personal connection to TVE’s history and future. The sentiment reflects the producer and host’s view of the program as part of a shared cultural memory, reimagined for new generations of viewers.
Michelle Calvo will serve as the spokesperson for the people, closely tracking the feelings and stories of residents across the audience. She will also narrate the arc of the participants, ensuring that the emotional pulse of the show remains visible. Cristinini, meanwhile, will provide insights from the commentator booth, explaining the tests and adding commentary that helps viewers understand the strategy and stakes of each challenge. Together, the trio aims to deliver a cohesive experience that marries tradition with contemporary entertainment values.