“On Friday” is set to be Telecinco’s new intimate prime-time program, announced to viewers as the network’s next big bet after the trial run of “The Last Night.” Mediaset confirmed the show’s branding and named its presenting duo: Santi Acosta and Bea Archidona.
Archidona is returning to television with a familiar cadence, while Acosta steps back into a role that aligns with his long history in front of the camera. Between 2002 and 2012, the journalist hosted a string of popular Telecinco formats, including “Salsa Rosa,” “Sábado Dolce Vita,” “Enemigos sinceros,” and “Materia reservada.” More recently, Archidona hosted the Telecinco special “Ana,” following the birth of Ana Obregón’s great-grandchild, a moment that underscored the network’s appetite for timely human-interest stories.
The official communications from Mediaset describe “Friday” as a weekly feature that promises “a great privilege” for viewers. The program will include a five-member collaborative team to tackle social headlines and profile a weekly interview with a guest who resonates deeply with audiences.
In addition to the studio discussions, the new format produced by Mandarina Prods. (the company behind “En boca de todos” and “Codigo 10”) will reserve space for nostalgia. The program will welcome actors from classic television series and film, celebrated singers, and other memorable figures from the entertainment landscape, inviting a reflective look at cultural milestones.
This venture marks Mediaset’s second attempt to revive the heart-focused genre after the cancellation of “Deluxe” the previous summer. The first revival, “The Last Night,” hosted by Sandra Barneda and produced by Cuarzo, ran for six episodes. It aimed to broaden its scope beyond sensationalist tabloid content, offering conversations that could appeal to a broader audience while still entertaining.
The approval of “On Friday” follows Mediaset’s broader strategic moves, including a significant separation from La Factory de la Tele, the producer behind the incomplete “Deluxe.” Reports indicate that the company has begun a definitive restructuring after years marked by clashes, legal disputes, and renegotiations over formats such as “Here is a Tomato” and “Sálvame,” all under the leadership and oversight of Paolo Vasile. This shift appears to signal a renewed focus on channel identity, audience loyalty, and high-visibility programming that can draw steady viewership across North America and beyond. [Citation: Mediaset press communications]