Sébastien Thoen: French Comedian Discusses Canal+ Return and Critiques ‘LOL: Qui Rit, Sort!’
PARIS, 10 February 2026 – The outspoken French comedian and presenter Sébastien Thoen has made a notable return to the media spotlight this week, addressing his complex relationship with the Canal+ group and delivering a sharp assessment of the popular streaming format LOL: Qui rit, sort!.
A Candid Return to the Airwaves
Appearing as a guest on the second episode of Puremédias l’Hebdo, hosted by Virginie Guilhaume on T18 on Sunday 8 February 2026, Thoen reflected on his professional journey following his high-profile dismissal from Canal+ in late 2020. Despite the previous friction with the group owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, Thoen suggested a softening of relations, noting that he currently feels no restrictions on his creative freedom. “Nothing is stopping me,” he remarked during the interview, discussing his reintegration into the media landscape after a two-year hiatus from the group.
Critique of ‘LOL: Qui Rit, Sort!’
Thoen, known for his provocative humour and tenure with the Action Discrète collective, did not hold back when asked about the Prime Video phenomenon LOL: Qui rit, sort!. The comedian expressed his lack of enthusiasm for the show’s current execution, stating that what he had seen “did not make me laugh very much.” He further elaborated that the performances often felt “overacted,” highlighting a disconnect between the high-energy format and his own comedic sensibilities.
Key Career Milestones
| Project / Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Radio + | Released in 2005 |
| Brigitte et moi | Released in 2007 |
| Spécial Investigation | Released in 2008 |
| Chagrin d’humour | Literary work (French Edition) reflecting on his career and dismissal. |
| Canal+ Dismissal | Occurred in November 2020 following a parody sketch. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sébastien Thoen originally dismissed from Canal+?
Sébastien Thoen was dismissed in November 2020 following his participation in a parody of the programme L’Heure des Pros (CNews), which was deemed unacceptable by the management of the Canal+ group.
What is Sébastien Thoen’s latest television appearance?
He appeared on the programme Puremédias l’Hebdo on the T18 channel on 8 February 2026, where he discussed his career and current views on the French audiovisual landscape.
What did he say about the show ‘LOL: Qui rit, sort!’?
Thoen criticised the show for being “overacted” and stated that the content he viewed failed to elicit much laughter, maintaining his reputation for blunt honesty regarding mainstream entertainment.