Paz Padilla launches 'El show de Paz' on Telecinco, marking her return after a controversial departure. The program blends humor, emotion, and interviews, with a focus on solidarity and family.
Paz Padilla is back on Telecinco, taking the lead in 'El show de Paz', a new weekend magazine show that debuts this Saturday at 16:00. The program, which will fill the afternoon slot until 18:00, stands out for its mix of humor, emotional stories, interviews, and solidarity-driven segments. Notably, the show revives hidden camera pranks, a genre that had nearly vanished from Spanish television, with Padilla herself at the center.
The production, overseen by Jaime Guerra, director of Production and Content at Mediaset, aims to diversify weekend afternoons with a variety of content. According to Sergio Lizarraga, executive producer and director at Secuoya Studios, the format draws inspiration from classic American talk shows, particularly the Ellen DeGeneres style, but is tailored to Padilla's unique personality. The team expects the show to offer a genuine alternative to current television offerings, moving quickly between comedic and moving moments.
Padilla will be joined by a diverse group of collaborators, including models Cristina Piaget and Fabiola Martínez, singer Roi Méndez, comedian Jenni Alcolado, actor Jimmy Castro, and her sister Lola Padilla, who makes her television debut. The premiere episode will feature Cuban-American actor William Levy, known for his roles in popular Latin American telenovelas.
Padilla has acknowledged that this new project was unexpected, as she was focused on theater, conferences, and writing before receiving the offer. She describes her approach as embracing opportunities as they come, believing that life’s events have led her to this point. Despite her abrupt and controversial exit from 'Sálvame', Padilla insists she maintains a good relationship with the network, having already returned for 'Te falta un viaje'.
Comparisons to Ellen DeGeneres bring both excitement and pressure for Padilla, who describes herself as both eccentric and deeply empathetic. She highlights her ability to switch from playful antics to genuine emotional engagement, a trait she believes will define the new show. Social media also plays a significant role in her daily life, and she sees value in television adapting to digital trends, though she cautions against obsessing over audiences who have already left traditional TV.
Padilla notes that media coverage often dramatizes her personal life, but she prefers to focus on growth and positivity. She wants the program to transmit the idea that, despite life's wounds, it is possible to continue living with love and humor. She is aware that Telecinco has changed, but stresses that her responsibility is to give her best on stage, regardless of ratings or detractors.
A key novelty is the involvement of her sister Lola, who recently faced retirement and was encouraged by Padilla to join the project. Lola’s exact role remains a surprise, but Padilla describes her as warm and charismatic. The selection of collaborators was guided by the show's focus on emotions, with an emphasis on kindness and generosity rather than conflict or anger.
Padilla also considered including her daughter, but wedding preparations have made that impossible for now. She expresses confidence in her daughter’s abilities, hinting at possible future involvement. The show is directed by Raúl Prieto, with whom Padilla previously worked on 'Sálvame', and she praises his creativity and understanding of television.
Reflecting on her time at 'Sálvame', Padilla says she holds no resentment or nostalgia, despite the personal challenges she faced. She emphasizes that she would not return to that format, as she feels she has changed, but would have no issue working with former colleagues in a different context. The demands of live weekend television do not intimidate her, as she has managed similar workloads before, though she now values her freedom and ability to travel more than ever.
Padilla enjoys both the hidden camera segments and interacting with the studio audience, describing herself as mischievous and happiest when making television. She defends the use of hidden cameras as a way for actors to reveal truths through fiction. The launch of 'El show de Paz' comes at a time when Spanish television is experimenting with new formats and personalities, as seen in other recent programming shifts. For context, the Spanish TV landscape has seen notable changes in recent years, such as the surge in ratings for major events and entertainment, as highlighted during the Ecuador-Germany World Cup match and Venezuela earthquake coverage on La 1 (see details here).
For reference, Telecinco is one of Spain’s leading private broadcasters, known for its entertainment and reality programming. 'Sálvame', where Padilla previously worked, was a long-running talk show that ended amid controversy. The new show’s focus on positive emotions and family involvement marks a shift from the confrontational style that once dominated the channel’s afternoons. The inclusion of hidden cameras and a varied team of collaborators reflects a broader trend in Spanish TV towards more diverse and emotionally engaging content.
