The last two Roscos in Pasapalabra history aired this Thursday. Legal conflict between ITV and MC&F means the iconic round will no longer feature. A new, undisclosed final test is set to replace it.
Pasapalabra marked a turning point on Spanish television this Thursday, broadcasting the last two editions of El Rosco in the show's history. The episodes, featuring contestants David and Javier, closed a chapter that has defined the programme for years. The change comes after a prolonged legal dispute between the format's rights holders, ITV and MC&F, which has forced the removal of El Rosco from Pasapalabra's final round.
With the Supreme Court's decision now in effect, neither Atresmedia's platform nor the show's official website or social media channels retain any record of these final Roscos. The ruling requires the separation of the two formats, ending their longstanding association. As a result, Pasapalabra will introduce a new final challenge, details of which remain undisclosed. Host Roberto Leal has hinted only that the replacement will be surprising, but no further information has been released.
Meanwhile, El Rosco is set to reappear on Spanish television under a different name and within a new programme on Telecinco. Mediaset acquired the rights to broadcast the game in Spain a year and a half ago and is currently preparing its launch. This move ensures that the popular word game will continue, albeit outside its original context.
The significance of Thursday's broadcast lies in its finality: David and Javier were the last to compete in El Rosco as part of Pasapalabra. The format's removal marks the end of an era for both the show and its audience, who have followed the iconic round for years. The transition also reflects broader trends in Spanish television, where legal disputes over intellectual property can reshape even the most established programmes.
For context, Pasapalabra has been a staple of Spanish TV since its debut, with El Rosco becoming one of the most recognisable and challenging segments. The legal battle between ITV and MC&F centred on format rights, a common issue in international television. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the importance of intellectual property in the industry. As viewers await the unveiling of Pasapalabra's new final round and the return of El Rosco in a different format, the landscape of Spanish game shows enters a new phase.
