Laurent Ruquier describes BFMTV tenure as a nightmare

French television host Laurent Ruquier has spoken candidly about his brief three-month stint at the news channel BFMTV, describing the experience as a “nightmare.” During an interview on RTL, Ruquier stated that the workload was so taxing it gave him the “impression that one is going to die.”

Ruquier hosted “Le 20h de Ruquier,” a debate-centered news program that aired from September to December 2023. The show struggled to secure significant viewership, notably trailing behind competitors like CNews. In late December 2023, Ruquier requested to be released from his contract, citing low audience numbers and a lack of personal fulfillment in the role.

BFMTV director Marc-Olivier Fogiel previously noted that the departure was driven by a disconnect between the necessary professional investment and the pleasure Ruquier derived from the format. Ruquier has since returned to theater and stage performances to rediscover his passion for his profession.