Mediaset España has signed Josep Pedrerol and ‘El Chiringuito’ after a long run at Atresmedia. The sports talk show will debut on its new network in September. The move keeps the familiar team and format intact.
Mediaset España has officially announced the arrival of ‘El Chiringuito’ and its host, Josep Pedrerol, marking a significant shift in Spanish sports television. After more than a decade at Atresmedia, the popular late-night football program will now air on Mediaset, with broadcasts set to begin in September. The transition ends weeks of speculation about the show's future, following Pedrerol’s recent farewell to his previous network.
The news was confirmed on July 21, when Mediaset welcomed Pedrerol and his team with a public message and video on X, the social platform owned by Elon Musk. The group emphasized that both the presenter and the core team behind ‘El Chiringuito’ would remain unchanged, ensuring continuity for viewers. According to OKDiario, the agreement is for a long-term contract, reflecting Mediaset’s commitment to strengthening its sports content portfolio.
Josep Pedrerol expressed enthusiasm about the move, highlighting the strong support received from Mediaset and the opportunity to bring renewed energy to the program. He noted that the show’s established team would continue to deliver the same blend of sports debate and entertainment that has defined ‘El Chiringuito’ for years. Jaime Guerra, Mediaset’s Director of Content Production, described the acquisition as a major asset, citing the program’s unique approach to covering sports news and its loyal following.
The switch comes after Atresmedia and Pedrerol mutually agreed to end their contract on July 14, closing a 13-year chapter for the show. The timing aligns with the traditional start of the television season in Spain, as networks refresh their lineups each September. This move is expected to reinforce Mediaset’s position in the competitive late-night sports segment, where audience loyalty and familiar faces play a crucial role.
‘El Chiringuito’ has become a staple of Spanish football culture, known for its lively debates, exclusive interviews, and coverage of major events. The show’s format, which blends analysis with entertainment, has influenced how sports are discussed on Spanish television. Its transition to Mediaset is seen as a strategic response to evolving viewer habits and the ongoing rivalry among Spain’s major broadcasters. The move also comes at a time when sports programming is increasingly central to network strategies, as seen in other recent media developments such as the high-profile TVE broadcast involving Spain’s Royal Family at the World Cup final.
For viewers, the main change will be the channel, as the show’s familiar faces and style are set to remain. The continuity of the core team and the promise of a long-term contract suggest that Mediaset aims to preserve what has made ‘El Chiringuito’ successful, while potentially reaching new audiences. In the context of Spanish television, such moves highlight the importance of established brands and personalities in shaping network identities and attracting loyal viewers. As the new season approaches, attention will focus on how ‘El Chiringuito’ adapts to its new home and whether the transition will impact its influence on sports discourse in Spain.
