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4 clusters · 7 sources · 28 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated 3 days ago

Cătălin Măruță debuts as host of Furnicuțele

Overview

Cătălin Măruță has officially debuted as the host of the Antena 1 entertainment show ‘Furnicuțele’, replacing Denise Rifai. The premiere aired on September 7, 2026, following Măruță’s return to television after an 18-year career at PRO TV and a seven-month hiatus. Măruță previously noted that the show’s recorded format, filming three days a week, was a primary factor in his decision to return, allowing for better family balance.

Initial viewership metrics for the premiere were comparable to those achieved under Rifai. The program averaged nearly 400,000 viewers per minute, ranking third overall behind Pro TV and Kanal D. However, the show performed strongly within the commercial target demographic (ages 21-54, urban), reaching second place and briefly surpassing Pro TV during its second hour. Antena 1 recorded a market share of nearly 13 percent during the broadcast.

Regarding the production environment, colleague Radu Ciucă commented on the professional dynamic with Măruță, noting that while they share deep respect, Măruță’s habit of checking his phone during briefings can occasionally cause friction when instructions are later questioned.

Separately, Sandra Mutu has signed with Antena Stars to host ‘Retrospectiva Știrilor’, a weekly news retrospective airing Saturday mornings at 9:00. Mutu described the role as a professional challenge and a way to step out of her comfort zone.

Entities

Antena 1 · Cătălin Măruță · PRO TV · Furnicuțele · Denise Rifai

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Cătălin Măruță chose the show ‘Furnicuțele’ because it allows for more personal and family time. adpm.ro · hotnews.ro
[● 2 SOURCES] The new season of ‘Furnicuțele’ is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026. adpm.ro · hotnews.ro
[● 2 SOURCES] The show ‘Furnicuțele’ is a recorded format with filming occurring three days per week. adpm.ro · hotnews.ro
[○ 1 SOURCE] Sandra Mutu has signed with Antena Stars to host the weekly news retrospective ‘Retrospectiva Știrilor’. click.ro
[○ 1 SOURCE] The show ‘Retrospectiva Știrilor’ will air every Saturday morning at 9:00. click.ro

Timeline

3 days ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Cătălin Măruță debuts as host of ‘Furnicuțele’ on Antena 1
Cătălin Măruță debuted as the host of ‘Furnicuțele’ on Antena 1, achieving strong viewership ratings and ranking third overall in the initial broadcast.
10 days ago

[CULTURE] 4 sources
Romanian presenters Cătălin Măruță and Sandra Mutu join Antena networks
Cătălin Măruță returns to Romanian TV at Antena 1 with the recorded show ‘Furnicuțele’ this September, while Sandra Mutu joins Antena Stars to host a new weekly news retrospective.
23 days ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Romanian television prepares for new seasons of Furnicuțele and MasterChef
Romanian television prepares for new seasons of ‘Furnicuțele’ and ‘MasterChef România,’ both set to premiere on September 7, featuring Cătălin Măruță and Cătălin Scărlătescu.
about 1 month ago

[CULTURE] 8 sources
Cătălin Măruță to host Antena 1 show ‘Furnicuțele’
Cătălin Măruță will replace Denise Rifai as the host of Antena 1’s ‘Furnicuțele’ this autumn, marking his return to television after an 18-year tenure at PRO TV.

Sources

adpm.ro · clickpentrufemei.ro · clicksanatate.ro · elle.ro · hotnews.ro · stiripesurse.ro · vrn.ro

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history