Laurent Ruquier’s Television Future: A Career Shift Explained
French television personality Laurent Ruquier is stepping back from his long-standing television commitments as he pivots toward his interests in theater production and writing. According to reports confirmed by Christopher Baldelli, the president of T18, Ruquier will not return to the network for the upcoming season. This decision signals a major transition for the 62-year-old broadcaster, who has been a fixture of the French media landscape for over three decades.
Why is Laurent Ruquier leaving television?
After a career spanning iconic programs such as On n’est pas couché and Les Enfants de la télé, Ruquier is prioritizing his work in the performing arts. As noted by Christopher Baldelli in Le Buzz TV, Ruquier’s move is driven by his desire to dedicate more time to the theater. Having acquired several Parisian venues, he plans to focus his energy on writing, producing, and developing new stage projects.

This departure marks the end of his time at T18, where he had hosted Chez Ruquier since the channel’s inception. While his television career has defined his professional identity for years, his shift toward live performance represents a return to a long-held passion.
What happens to his role on Mask Singer?
Ruquier’s exit from the small screen extends beyond his work at T18. Reports indicate that he has also chosen to step down from his role as an investigator on the TF1 entertainment program Mask Singer. This decision aligns with his broader goal of reducing his television obligations to focus on his theatrical ventures.
Key Takeaways
- Career Transition: At 62, Laurent Ruquier is moving away from television to focus on theater production and writing.
- Network Departure: Christopher Baldelli, president of T18, confirmed that Ruquier will not continue his partnership with the network.
- Mask Singer Exit: Ruquier will not participate in the upcoming season of the TF1 show Mask Singer.
- Legacy: His departure marks the end of a television career that included notable runs on Les Grosses Têtes, On n’est pas couché, and Les Enfants de la télé.
Whether this departure from the broadcast industry is permanent remains to be seen. For now, Ruquier’s focus is firmly set on the stage, closing a significant chapter in French television history.