The Operación Triunfo phenomenon continues to captivate audiences across the Americas and beyond. The show’s musical talent has resurfaced on screen, engaging a whole generation for weeks on end. The competition’s format includes 16 rounds, with a first edition streaming exclusively on Prime Video, featuring premieres and live content that marked a historic shift for the franchise. The audience response was overwhelming, drawing millions of unique viewers who followed talent content week after week with a high level of loyalty. Many viewers tuned in to 14 premieres, and a large portion remained engaged throughout the season.
The success data speak for themselves: the second edition of OT is confirmed to stream on Prime Video. This was announced by Maria Jose Rodriguez, who oversees original productions for Spain on Prime Video, at a recent press conference. Program organizers noted by Gestmusic, the production company behind OT, that if premieres were broadcast on traditional television, they would draw record audiences in prime time each Monday night.”
I waited seven hours for twenty seconds of fame: the overtime squad journey
Despite strong performance, the production team and the platform are proceeding with caution before greenlighting another edition. Creators recognize that OT thrives when there is adequate rest between seasons. Tinet Rubira, Gestmusic’s director, remarked to the media that the advantage of Prime Video is the absence of a fixed grid—no rush, no constant scheduling pressure.
We bring together young people and adults
The music competition concluded on a Monday in February, with Naiara emerging as a fan favorite. It became a social hub where fans connected online, with fresh premieres airing Monday nights at 22:00 for three months. Since this was OT’s first foray onto a streaming platform, the show also offered live viewing in Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico, where it sparked trending topics and strong audience numbers.
Rubira explained that the recipe for OT’s success lies in balancing proven format elements with new, trend-aware twists. He emphasized that a solid base must be respected while remaining open to fresh ideas. Although the core audience skews younger, the program has grown into a family affair, with many viewers of different ages tuning in together. The team aims to include as many people as possible, listening to a broad range of voices to guide the show’s evolution.
I hate networks
The year also marked a first: TikTok became a major ally. The hashtag #OT2023 generated billions of views, driving content virality and keeping the storyline alive across a 24-hour broadcast cycle. Yet social networks also brought challenges. Some contestants faced intense scrutiny, with comments that could feel overwhelming to young competitors. Noemí Galera, head of casting at Gestmusic, warned about the pressure placed on teenagers. She pointed to a recent contestant facing harsh criticism, noting that while fans have a right to express themselves, the platform’s intense environment can be tough for adolescents in the spotlight.
Save numbers
OT’s merchandise and official store reported strong demand, including swift sales of online merchandise such as t-shirts and hoodies, plus a popular line of digital and physical products. Rubira highlighted that peak online sales can happen rapidly, especially around highly anticipated launches such as game titles or exclusive drops. The OT app tallied impressive engagement, with 1.6 million registered users noted, surpassing the 2018 peak of 800,000. In several weeks, votes mounted into the millions, and during the season’s last premiere, the winner drew a flood of votes within minutes, illustrating the series’ capacity to mobilize its audience online.
Fan phenomenon
Even as OT’s most ardent fans rally online, the live tour has begun to take shape. In Spain, contestants have begun signing autographs in major cities, with crowds reaching tens of thousands in Madrid and Barcelona. The online-connected generation purchased physical records to secure autographs, even when streaming options were limited. Tickets for the forthcoming Spanish tour quickly sold out, with shows at renowned venues filling up in advance. Fans will get the chance to sing along and relive standout performances from the show. Several premiere performances have already earned millions of streams across streaming platforms, underscoring the lasting impact of the series on the music scene.
The next OT edition, building on the 2023 wave of victories, faces the challenge of maintaining a comparable standard. Producers acknowledge that sustaining momentum is tough, but the OT phenomenon has shown an ability to surpass expectations, even in the face of high scrutiny and evolving audience tastes.