Univision Network will have a giant hole in its Saturday night line-up. The broadcaster said on Friday that “Sabado Gigante,” its top-rated variety show, will be going off the air after a record-breaking 53 years. Created and hosted by Chile-born Don Francisco since 1962, “Sabado Gigante,” or “Giant Saturday,” is the No. 1 rated show on Saturday night among U.S. Hispanics and, according to Guinness World Records, is the longest running TV variety show in the world.
With its mix of humor, talent contests, family reunions, celebrities and musical acts packed into a frenetically paced three-hour program, “Sabado Gigante” has been a staple of television throughout Latin America, as well as an object of scorn for intellectuals and comedians. The last show will run on Sept. 19th this year and Don Francisco, whose real name is Mario Kreutzberger, will host entertainment specials and help develop on-air talent at the Miami-based network, which took on “Sabado Gigante” 30 years ago.
