‘Pasapalabra’ introduces a new final round as World Cup matches disrupt TV ratings. Antena 3 bets on high-profile guests from comedy, theatre, and Spanish pop to keep viewers engaged.
Antena 3’s flagship afternoon show ‘Pasapalabra’ is under pressure this week as it contends with a major format change and fierce competition from the 2026 World Cup broadcasts. The program, known for its loyal following and high ratings, has been forced to adapt after a Supreme Court ruling required the removal of its iconic final round, ‘El Rosco’. In response, producers have launched ‘AlaZ’, a new alphabet-based challenge that introduces strategic twists and clues reminiscent of classic word games.
This shake-up comes at a critical moment for Spanish television, with World Cup matches drawing massive audiences and disrupting the usual viewing patterns. To maintain its appeal, ‘Pasapalabra’ has assembled a diverse lineup of celebrity guests from July 7 to 9, aiming to inject fresh energy and attract viewers from different backgrounds.
The guest roster features Nerea Garmendia, a Basque comedian and presenter celebrated for her roles in ‘Vaya Semanita’ and popular series like ‘Los hombres de Paco’ and ‘Allí abajo’. Garmendia, who recently returned to ETB2’s comedy programming, brings a vibrant presence to the show. Joining her is Leo Rivera, an actor from Talavera de la Reina with extensive experience in musical theatre and television. Rivera, a familiar face on ‘Pasapalabra’, is known for his appearances in ‘7 vidas’ and ‘Un paso adelante’, and is expected to provide strategic support to his team.
Comedy continues with Canco Rodríguez, widely recognized for his portrayal of ‘Barajas’ in the hit series ‘Aída’. Rodríguez, who recently starred in the film ‘Aída y vuelta’, is known for his dynamic stage presence and ability to create memorable moments on set. Rounding out the lineup is Karina, a legendary figure in Spanish pop music. Famous for hits like ‘El baúl de los recuerdos’ and her near-victory at Eurovision 1971 with ‘En un mundo nuevo’, Karina’s participation adds a nostalgic touch and broadens the show’s appeal across generations.
The introduction of ‘AlaZ’ marks a significant shift for ‘Pasapalabra’. The new final round, developed after the legal dispute over ‘El Rosco’, challenges contestants with a fresh format that emphasizes both knowledge and tactical play. Early reactions suggest that while some viewers are still adjusting, the show has managed to retain much of its signature suspense and engagement. This transition echoes broader trends in Spanish television, where established formats are being reimagined to adapt to legal, competitive, and audience pressures.
As the World Cup continues to dominate prime time, the battle for viewers intensifies. ‘Pasapalabra’ is not alone in facing these challenges; other major events, such as the San Fermín festival, are also adapting their coverage and programming to compete for attention, as seen in the recent expansion of live broadcasts for Pamplona’s bull runs (full details here).
For context, ‘Pasapalabra’ has long been a staple of Spanish entertainment, blending wordplay with celebrity participation. The show’s ability to attract high-profile guests from comedy, theatre, and music has been key to its enduring popularity. The current lineup reflects this tradition, with each guest bringing a distinct background and fan base. The legal dispute over ‘El Rosco’ highlights the complexities of intellectual property in television, a challenge not unique to Spain but increasingly relevant as formats are adapted and exported internationally. The launch of ‘AlaZ’ demonstrates Antena 3’s commitment to innovation under pressure, and the coming weeks will reveal whether these changes can sustain the show’s strong position in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
