Apostrophes (1975)
France's defining literary talk show, where Bernard Pivot turned books and their authors into unmissable Friday-night prime-time television for fifteen years.
Apostrophes - Series Information
- Original Title: Apostrophes
- First Air Year: 1975
- Last Air Year: 1990
- Created by: Bernard Pivot
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Talk
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (70 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 16
- Number of Episodes: 724
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Networks: Antenne 2
- Production Companies: Antenne 2
- Production Countries: France
Apostrophes - Plot
Apostrophes was a live, weekly, literary, prime-time, talk show on French television created and hosted by Bernard Pivot. It ran for fifteen years (724 episodes) from January 10, 1975, to June 22, 1990, and was one of the most watched shows on French television (around 6 million regular viewers). It was broadcast on Friday nights on the channel France 2 (which was called "Antenne 2" from 1975 to 1992). The hourlong show was devoted to books, authors and literature. The format varied between one-on-one interviews with a single author and open discussions between four or five authors.
Where to Watch Apostrophes
Looking for where to watch Apostrophes?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Apostrophes - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bernard Pivot
Main Cast
- Bernard Pivot
- Claude-Jean Philippe
- Gilles Lapouge
- Jean d'Ormesson
- Philippe Labro
- Max Gallo
- Michel Tournier
- Jean Dutourd
- Claude Mauriac
- Henri Troyat
Apostrophes - FAQs
What is Apostrophes about?
Apostrophes was a weekly prime-time literary talk show on French television, devoted entirely to books, authors, and literature. Hosted by Bernard Pivot, it alternated between intimate one-on-one author interviews and lively roundtable discussions featuring four or five writers, drawing around six million regular viewers each Friday night.
Who hosted and created Apostrophes?
Apostrophes was created and hosted by Bernard Pivot, one of France's most celebrated literary journalists. Pivot guided every episode from the show's debut on January 10, 1975, through its final broadcast on June 22, 1990, making him the defining voice of literary television in France for fifteen years.
When did Apostrophes first air and when did it end?
Apostrophes premiered on January 10, 1975, on Antenne 2 (now France 2) and concluded on June 22, 1990, after fifteen years on air. Over the course of its run, the show produced 724 episodes across 16 seasons, airing every Friday evening in prime time.
How many seasons and episodes does Apostrophes have?
Apostrophes ran for 16 seasons and a total of 724 episodes. Season lengths ranged from 25 to 51 episodes. The show maintained a consistent weekly Friday-night schedule throughout its entire fifteen-year run on Antenne 2, making it one of the longest-running literary programs in television history.
Where can you watch Apostrophes today?
Streaming availability for Apostrophes varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription services, digital rentals, or free streaming platforms carrying the series, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across all major streaming services in your country.
What made Apostrophes culturally significant in France?
Apostrophes was a rare phenomenon: a prime-time show dedicated entirely to literature that attracted around six million viewers weekly. An appearance on the program could launch a book to bestseller status overnight. It elevated literary culture to mainstream entertainment and remains a benchmark for intellectual television in France.
What language is Apostrophes in?
Apostrophes was produced and broadcast entirely in French. It aired on Antenne 2, a French public television channel, and featured French-speaking authors, journalists, and intellectuals. The show was a cornerstone of French-language cultural broadcasting throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Who were some notable guests on Apostrophes?
Apostrophes hosted an extraordinary roster of literary figures, including Jean d'Ormesson, Michel Tournier, Henri Troyat, Philippe Labro, Max Gallo, Jean Dutourd, and Claude Mauriac. The show also welcomed international authors, and a memorable 1979 episode featuring Charles Bukowski became one of its most legendary broadcasts.
More About Apostrophes
Explore further details about Apostrophes on these authoritative reference platforms.