El hormiguero (2006– ) User Reviews (4)

Probably... the worst late show in Spain combined with the worst English celebrities interviews

[la_fleur · 2/10 · 22 April 2009]

Last Monday I saw the interview that the Spanish comedian Pablo Motos did to Jorge García (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0306201/) well known for playing the character of Hugo 'Hurley' Reyes in the American series Lost.

As a Spaniard I felt pretty ashamed and disrespect the way the interviewer treated García. He mocked him about the poor Spanish he speaks despite his surname, he did bad jokes about lost and what is worse he compared him with an obese local singer we have in Spain.

The rest of the interview García was pretty annoyed, looking forward to finish the sooner the better the interview, and he trying to cut the crap from Motos.

The rest of the program was pure rubbish. An actor-comedian dress as a crazy scientist (a completely nonsense) revealed the audience several spoilers about the current 5th season of lost, which has never been aired in Spain.

What I'm really surprised is that the managers of this television company, called Cuatro, let Motos perform interviews to English and American famous people when he doesn't know to speak a single word in English.

In general this show is not funny, they don't even make good jokes. It's not worth seeing it, unless you are a immature childish kid.

One of the most reactionary and shameful programmes on the Spanish television scene.

[epdrntr · 1/10 · 16 December 2023]

A late show full of vulgarity, misogyny and reactionarism, presented by one of the most despicable characters on the Spanish television scene. Capable of making his representatives threaten any journalist who criticises his programme or his person. The way he treats the female guests on his show (actresses, singers, etc.) is disgusting and uncouth. But the worst thing is the atmosphere that is created when he interviews old reactionaries like him. In recent times, the interview with the writer Pérez Reverte established an unsurpassable level of stupidity and rancidity. The programme and its presenter are unbearable.

The fact it's been going for 17 years says something

[torkelsenmagnus · 7/10 · 14 May 2023]

El Hormiguero is a polarising show. From its beginnings on Cuatro in 2006, it's now pretty much a Spanish institution. Not bad for a show that was supposed to be a one-series Autumn filler in the Spanish graveyard slot.

Want to promote your product to 3 million Spaniards on Antena 3 and have fun whilst doing so? El Hormiguero is your answer.

This show kind of implicitly revolves around Pablo Motos. For one short hour punctuated by seemingly endless ad breaks, you're in the Motos world, but he's a presenter you either like or you don't. He keeps the show moving and his pace matches the show's, but he has received criticism over some comments where he hasn't really thought it through.

The main reason why El Hormiguero is successful is down to (a) Marrón, the amusing scientist/collaborator who makes every dance seem sexier than it needs to; and (b) its production values. Oh, and that Trancas and Barrancas are cute.

One of the most common complaints, except for Pablo himself, is that they've... kind of run out of things to invent. Which, in fairness, is forgivable when you've been going for 17 years. But Marrón still comes with the same bursts of energy as in 2006 (if the hairstyle's changed a bit!).

All in all, the original opening spiel on the show translates to "The Anthill is a place where whatever happens happens, we'll make you feel good." And you still feel like you haven't wasted an hour watching it. If only for Trancas and Barrancas (if they were funnier when Pablo had more time to interact with them instead of the day's celebrity). How they still put up with Motos is anyone's guess.

Pacy comic show which combines interviews with stunts

[wutanzan · 8/10 · 12 December 2012]

Evening show where light-hearted celebrity interviews are combined with demonstrations of magic, scientific novelties, stunts and challenges. Pablo Motos, the host, is sharp witted, steers the show along solidly and bravely endures a lot of jokes at his own expense. The show uses a small panel of repeating presenters who provide short sections and usually each show has one celebrity guest who is invited to participate in various challenges and stunts. Spanish guests know what to expect however non-Spanish guest celebrities can be thrown by the shows format as it doesn't resemble a U.K/U.S talk show. Some celebrities however have thrown themselves into the show in a good-natured way and provided memorable nights entertainment, e.g. Hugh Jackman and Will Smith.