'Pasapalabra' debuts new final round 'AlaZ' after losing 'El Rosco' rights

A forced farewell

The Spanish Supreme Court ruled in May 2026 that the intellectual property rights to 'El Rosco' belong to MC&F, a Dutch production company. After years of litigation, Antena 3 was compelled to stop using the round. The final 'El Rosco' episode aired on 18 June 2026, drawing a 25-year era to a close.

The new round

'AlaZ' is a faithful adaptation of 'DallAZetA', a format from Swiss public television RSI that has aired for several seasons. The name keeps the original phonetics. Unlike 'El Rosco', the new round displays the number of letters in each answer as blank spaces, and contestants must fit the exact word, similar to the game Hangman. They can ask for a letter to be revealed at the cost of five seconds.

First duel ends in a tie

On 19 June, contestants Javier Alonso and David Trigo faced the new round. David, having accumulated more time, chose to proceed alphabetically from A to Z, while Javier went in reverse. Both recorded 22 correct answers, leaving three words unsolved. They shared 600 euros and avoided the elimination seat, the 'Silla azul'.

“It's incredible. The audience will say 'wow'.”

Contract moves amid rival show

With Telecinco planning to launch a quiz show containing 'El Rosco' in the autumn, Antena 3 has reportedly signed at least six former contestants to exclusive contracts, barring them from appearing on competitor channels for at least a year. The identities and full terms remain undisclosed. The move aims to secure the program's talent base as the two broadcasters vie for quiz show audiences.