The show finally arrives at its moment of truth, the jewel in TVE’s crown. It earned the Ondas Award, the season’s most prestigious honor, a milestone that crowns years of patient work. Like the ambitious project of El Escorial, the effort behind it was immense, and when the spotlight finally falls, the promoters who believed in it can rest assured they did not waste a single moment chasing applause alone.
Think of a space carved out for interviews with the era’s major cultural figures. It’s the kind of line that makes you remember a saying about staring at the stars rather than the finger pointing at them. I’m reminded of the moment when the host became entranced by the co-host, and the show’s energy was undeniable. Jesús Marchamalo has a way of turning conversations into a beacon for national culture, a guiding light in a field crowded with noise.
This has always been the essence of his approach. Throughout his career, he has leaned toward the reverse shot—the intimate, human lens that reveals the ecosystem beyond celebrity. This isn’t merely about fame; it’s about the people who live and breathe culture, the minds that shape it and the stories that sustain it. Jesús Marchamalo stands out as a walking encyclopedia, a curator of ideas who can speak with clarity and confidence without the need for crib notes. One of his most enduring projects has been a long-term exploration of authors’ personal libraries, tracing the paths that have shaped contemporary literature. From Javier Marías to Pérez-Reverte, his conversations illuminate the ideas that drive writers and the books that have informed them. A sharp communicator, he can lecture without looking at a note, and with a cadence that feels effortless.
There have been countless opportunities to witness him in action, from early conferences to intimate gatherings with guests. Looking back at his first breakout moment with Anthony López, one might say the same thing many others do: the work speaks for itself. And indeed, paying close attention to Jesús Marchamalo reveals a closeness, a sense of complicity, and a depth of wisdom that deserve a dedicated platform of their own. The way he sustains thoughtful dialogue makes his event feel essential to the national cultural conversation, a show that resonates across audiences in North America as well as Europe. This is not just a broadcast; it is a cultural touchstone that invites viewers to engage, reflect, and discover anew.
In Canada and the United States, audiences looking for thoughtful media that treats literature, art, and ideas with respect will find in Marchamalo’s approach a refreshing convergence of curiosity and rigor. The program becomes a bridge—linking translations and global voices, while keeping the intimacy of a long, late-night conversation. Its sustained energy, its willingness to let guests speak at length, and its knack for drawing out personal stories behind public achievements all contribute to a sense of authority that fans and newcomers alike can trust. And for those who crave a deeper understanding of national culture from across the Atlantic, this show offers a robust model of how to host a meaningful dialogue that travels well beyond borders.
To those who follow contemporary cultural discourse, Jesús Marchamalo’s interviews function as a curated map—one that points to influential writers, critics, and thought leaders, while also tracing the lines that connect readers to the texts that shape their world. The program does more than entertain; it educates, challenges assumptions, and expands the horizon of what a cultural talk show can achieve. Its success on the air demonstrates a clear appetite for thoughtful, well-reasoned conversations about literature and culture—an appetite that transcends language and geography. In this light, the show not only earns accolades but also helps to cultivate a richer, more informed public conversation across North America and beyond.
Official recognition in the form of awards reflects a broader cultural impact. The Ondas Award stands as a testament to the show’s quality, its ability to connect with viewers on an intellectual and emotional level, and its commitment to presenting diverse voices from the literary world. As audiences in Canada and the United States tune in, they encounter a program that respects their intelligence, invites them to think deeply, and offers a steady stream of insight and cultural relevance. The result is a program that earns trust—and, in turn, invites people to engage more fully with the narratives that define contemporary culture. Marked commentary from critics and scholars alike notes the show’s capacity to illuminate ideas, celebrate literary achievement, and foster a shared sense of cultural literacy across audiences who speak different languages but share a passion for thoughtful, well-crafted storytelling. [Citation: North American cultural critics consensus] This is not merely entertainment; it is a cultural event with lasting resonance.