El hormiguero

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.