Cyril Hanouna and Stéphane Courbit Announce End of H2O Production Partnership
Cyril Hanouna, prominent television personality and founder of the production company H2O, and Stéphane Courbit, CEO of Banijay France, have announced the dissolution of their partnership. The move marks the end of a decade-long collaboration that fueled the success of hit programs like Don’t Touch My Post! and established H2O as a notable force in French entertainment.
The split comes as Banijay continues its international expansion and reflects a strategic realignment for both entities. While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the partnership’s decade-long run transformed H2O from a fledgling production house into a recognized brand synonymous with lively debate and accessible entertainment, substantially impacting the French television landscape.
H2O’s rise began with the breakout success of Don’t Touch My Post! on C8,a program that quickly became a social phenomenon. This success attracted the attention of Banijay, which acquired the company in 2015, granting Hanouna considerable creative control. Under the Banijay-H2O alliance, a diverse portfolio of programs emerged, including Balance ton post!, Take it or leave it, Facing Baba, and 1 young person, 1 solution, alongside numerous digital formats and live events.
alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO of Banijay France, acknowledged the fruitful collaboration, stating, “I was very happy to have participated in the arrival of Cyril Hanouna in the group. We have spent exceptional years together,driven by the talent of an extraordinary presenter. I would also like to salute the professionalism of the H20 teams, including Lionel Stan, Managing Director, who has enabled H20 to be a major player in entertainment.”
The future direction of H2O and its programs under new ownership remains to be seen, but the company’s established brand and track record of success position it for continued influence in the French entertainment industry.