The first episode of the series Stars sous hypnose aired on Friday, July 11, at 8 :55pm on TF1. The program was a huge success, surpassing the 5.1 million viewer mark. Co-hosted by Arthur (Vendredi tout est permis, Les enfants de la télé) and Messmer, the program topped the ratings for the evening by far, capturing a 27% share of the market.
Produced by Entourage Télévision and Satisfaction, Stars sous hypnose takes place on an imposing stage commanded by the renown host. In an environment representing his prestigious and mysterious universe, Messmer performed astounding acts starring popular model and singer Baptiste Giabiconi, host Sandrine Quétier, comedian and actor Franck Dubosc, actors Michaël Youn and Issa Doumbia, host and model Élodie Gossuin, singer Keen’V, and French swimmer and multiple Olympic medallist Alain Bernard. In front of an audience, the guests reacted as they watched video footage of themselves being hypnotized, or were hypnotized right on stage. This new dynamic formula allows the hypnotized subjects to discuss their experiences amongst each other.