Les Grosses Têtes is a foundational daily radio program and podcast produced by the French network RTL. Since its inception in April 1977 by Philippe Bouvard, the show has maintained a consistent presence in the French media landscape, transitioning to current host Laurent Ruquier in 2014. The program is structured as a comedic panel show that balances intellectual inquiry with humor, making it a staple of afternoon entertainment in the Francophone world.
The format centers on a revolving cast of "sociétaires," a group comprising prominent French humorists, writers, actors, and public intellectuals. These panelists engage in rapid-fire dialogue, wordplay, and cultural debates, often prompted by questions submitted by the listening audience. A significant portion of the broadcast is dedicated to testing the panel’s general knowledge on topics ranging from classical history and literature to contemporary pop culture. One of the show’s signature segments is the "Invité Mystère" (Mystery Guest), wherein the sociétaires must identify a hidden public figure through a series of deductive questions.
Broadcasting live from Monday to Friday, the show occupies the mid-afternoon time slot on RTL. In its podcast iteration, the content is organized into full-length daily episodes, condensed "best-of" highlights, and archived segments featuring historical moments from the show's multi-decade run. While the production is rooted in Parisian media culture, its digital distribution via the official RTL website and major podcasting platforms facilitates a global audience. The tone of the program is characterized by a mix of high-culture references and populist humor, presented in a fast-paced, improvisational style that relies on the chemistry and wit of its recurring participants.