eighteen years later, TVE-1 revived one of the most emblematic contests from Spanish television in the 1990s, Grand Prix. The show kept the same host, Ramón García, pairing nostalgia with fresh segments to draw a new generation of viewers. Has it succeeded? Viewers seem to think so, with the latest edition opening to 2,572,000 viewers and a 25.1 percent audience share (281,000 viewers and 21.4 percent in Catalonia), a striking result for today’s landscape. What kept and modernized the new Grand Prix? Here are five key similarities and differences, alongside the ongoing hits and misses of the current incarnation.
Servers
Anyone who watched the original Grand Prix would find it hard to imagine the show without Ramón García at the helm. TVE has been clear that the host should stay, and the program now features two partners: michelle calvo, known for her audience reach and her role in engaging diverse communities, and cristini, who brings a contemporary spark to the format. The show relies on a live booth gimmick to capture younger viewers, broadcasting tests as if they were streaming on a social platform. The newer iteration has earned praise online for its fast pace and relevant energy, with Cristinini injecting a brisk, timely feel that helps the program stay current.
Super Heifer
At the outset, a standout figure captivated the audience as the series introduced a live animal moment that became a signature. Times changed, and new animal welfare rules led to the retirement of live animals from the studio. The figure was replaced by Super Heifer, a costumed character who adds challenge by making it harder for contestants to complete tasks when rivals use his wildcard. The switch nods to nostalgia while aligning with contemporary standards and humor.
Wilbur and the Dinosaur Mascot
Two new elements joined the modern Grand Prix: a dinosaur mascot and a mustache-clad gymnast character who plays the part of a playful guide as Ramón García explains each challenge. A charismatic host persona within the set becomes a fan favorite, though opinion around these additions remains divided among viewers and networks alike.
Godparents
The program restored the role of godparents, a rotating lineup of celebrities who assist and cheer on the townspeople throughout the games. Last season featured Lolita and Miguel Ángel Muñoz in prominent roles during classic challenges such as Hot Potatoes, Superbolas, and Dictionary, where the godparents contribute by noting numbers, guiding a blindfolded contestant to skillful throws, and collaborating with mayors and advisors to validate word definitions.
Tests
The show aimed to preserve beloved challenges while adding new ones that reduce physical strain on participants. In one segment, teams retrieve flag markers carried by parachutenavy and propelled by fans. In another, contestants cross a circle and climb through a net to reach banana trees above a pool. There is also a ramp where participants dress as ladybugs to ascend, and a refreshed version of the Mathematical Penguins in which town representatives disguised as penguins score the result of a math operation proposed by García. The overall approach blends familiar test formats with inventive twists to keep rivalry lively and entertaining for contemporary audiences.