Frédéric Lopez Returns With 'Un Dimanche à la Campagne'

Frédéric Lopez, the French television host known for his roots in the Béarn region of southwestern France, returns with a new episode of "Un Dimanche à la campagne" ("A Sunday in the Countryside"), scheduled to air on France 2 on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

The program, which brings together guests for unhurried conversations set against rural backdrops, has carved out a distinct place in French television by rejecting the fast-paced, combative style common on many talk shows.

In an interview accompanying the announcement, Lopez reflected on the deeper meaning behind this approach. He argued that the simple act of showing people who do not interrupt one another carries a political dimension, suggesting that patience and attentive listening have themselves become rare and, therefore, meaningful on screen.

"Montrer des gens qui ne se coupent pas la parole, c'est politique," Lopez said, framing the show's gentle format as a quiet counterpoint to the noisier norms of contemporary media discourse. His comments imply that the choice to let guests speak without interruption reflects broader values about respect and dialogue in public life.

Since its launch, the show has built a reputation for its intimate, reflective tone, allowing guests to discuss their personal experiences at length. This format contrasts with shorter, more fragmented interview segments typical of much modern broadcasting, and appears to be part of its enduring appeal among French audiences.

While the report did not specify further details about the identities of the guests featured in the 27 September episode, it emphasised Lopez's broader reflections on the show's purpose. His remarks suggest that, for him, the format itself, rather than any single topic, carries a meaningful message about how people might choose to communicate.

The continuation of "Un Dimanche à la campagne" on France 2 underscores the program's lasting place in the channel's Sunday schedule, as well as Lopez's ongoing role as one of French television's more contemplative hosts.