Viewers Question En Direct de l’univers Broadcast Format

Viewers questioned the broadcast format of Quebec television program En direct de l’univers after hockey commentators Dany Dubé and Martin McGuire appeared on the show hosted by France Beaudoin. The October 10, 2026, episode featured musical performances celebrating the two longtime Montreal Canadiens broadcasters, while viewers on social media raised concerns about whether the program was airing live.

According to Vedette Québec, the discussion centered on the commentators' simultaneous professional commitments. Both men were also scheduled to cover a Montreal Canadiens game on 98.5 FM that evening, prompting viewers to question how they could participate in both broadcasts at the same time.

The episode featured performances by artists and people close to the guests, with Patrice Lécuyer and Marc Hervieux among those who appeared to surprise the two commentators. Despite questions about the broadcast format, the musical tributes continued to attract attention from the audience.

Several viewers expressed disappointment in online comments, questioning whether the program had been recorded in advance rather than broadcast live as they had expected.

One viewer wrote, "Disappointing, you are not live. Both are live from the hockey game."

Other comments focused on whether the program was being broadcast in real time, with viewers seeking clarification about its format.

Another viewer asked, "Were the shows not live?"

A separate comment questioned the program's usual format, asking, "Okay, always live?"

The scheduling issue also prompted a brief observation from another viewer about the commentators' competing commitments.

One social media user wrote, "In two places at the same time."

Dubé and McGuire have worked together for decades covering Montreal Canadiens games on 98.5 FM. According to the source, the pair reached a milestone on April 8, 2025, when they called their 1,500th Canadiens game together. A special program was organized before the team's game against the Detroit Red Wings to mark the occasion.

The commentators also published a book together in 2023 titled Bon match!, recounting the beginnings of their professional partnership, their hockey memories and significant moments from their careers.

Dubé has additional experience in international hockey. He served as an assistant coach for Canada's hockey team at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, where the team won a silver medal. He later coached the French national hockey team at the 1997 World Championship, helping France finish among the tournament's top 10 teams.

Dubé and Beaudoin have also worked together previously. In 2014, they cohosted Bons baisers de Sotchi, a television program covering the Winter Olympics in Russia.

According to figures cited by Vedette Québec, Montreal Canadiens broadcasts on 98.5 FM captured a 45% market share among men ages 25 to 54 in 2025, reflecting the reach of the commentators' broadcasts.

The 2026-2027 season marks the 18th season of En direct de l’univers. Its planned schedule includes 23 one-hour episodes airing during fall 2026 and winter 2027.