Multiple independent, contemporaneous news reports state that Laurent Ruquier was on air for Les Grosses Têtes on 24 August 2026. RTL's own article about the 24 August broadcast explicitly says that “Laurent Ruquier et ses Grosses Têtes” opened the season and dedicated an extended (≈2h30) tribute to Philippe Bouvard on that date. Paris Match, BFMTV and other outlets likewise report that Ruquier presented the special edition on 24/08/2026. RTL's programme/planning page for the week also lists the guests who accompanied Laurent Ruquier on Monday 24 August. These multiple independent sources corroborate that he presented/appeared on the broadcast on 2026-08-24.