Jean-Sébastien Girard Officially Replaces Wauthier on Bonsoir bonsoir! in 2026
In a significant shift for the summer talk show “Bonsoir bonsoir!”, Jean-Sébastien Girard has been officially appointed as the new host, replacing Jean-Philippe Wauthier. Wauthier announced his departure on Monday, emphasizing a need to pass the torch, which he conveyed through a statement. He expressed his excitement about Girard taking over the show, highlighting their friendship and mutual admiration.
Background on the Host Transition
Jean-Philippe Wauthier has been on leave since March due to professional burnout. Prior to Girard’s appointment, Marie-Claude Barrette filled in as host for a few weeks. There were discussions about Wauthier potentially returning in July, but ultimately, he decided against it after initially indicating he would come back.
Jean-Sébastien Girard’s New Role
On Monday, Girard expressed his enthusiasm for officially stepping into the role of host for “Bonsoir bonsoir!”. He referred to this opportunity as “an extraordinary chance” to work with an incredible team and create a show that truly reflects his personality.
Impact on Other Programs
Wauthier’s transition has also affected his role in other shows. He was replaced by Patrick Huard on “Deux hommes en or avec Rosalie,” which is set to return this winter on Télé-Québec. His departure from “Deux hommes en or” was initiated before the public announcement of his burnout.
Future of La journée (est encore jeune)
It remains unclear if Wauthier will return to his role on “La journée (est encore jeune)” on ICI Première. The show has seen various hosts since his leave, with Radio-Canada maintaining a rotating schedule for its hosts. The station indicated that they are evaluating the situation day by day.
Audience Response
- This autumn, “La journée (est encore jeune)” has experienced a decline in listeners.
- Data from Numeris shows it is the only show on ICI Première losing audience compared to last year.
- During the same period, ICI Première is achieving record ratings.
As this transition unfolds, fans and viewers are keen to see how the change in leadership impacts the future of the beloved summer talk show “Bonsoir bonsoir!” and Wauthier’s next steps. The broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, with audience preferences playing a crucial role in shaping the programming decisions.
