Univision ends ‘Sabado Gigante’ after more than 50 years

While many in the English-language TV community may have never heard of “Sabado Gigante,” this does not change the fact that this show is more than a little bit of a big deal. This is the longest-running variety series on TV (even longer than “Saturday Night Live”), and it survived everything from a move from Chile to Miami to a variety of different networks. It began all the way back in 1962, and it has existed until now.

Today, Univision announced that the series, which stars Mario Kreutzberger as his alter ego Don Francisco, will be ending its room soon. In a statement, Univision Communications Inc. President / CEO Randy Falco had the following to say:

“During my 40 years in the industry I have met few people with the same energy, creativity and passion for television and the audience as Mario, and I join in celebrating him and his team at ‘Sabado Gigante’ for the great success and the milestones achieved in broadcast television … Mario is an important part of the Univision family, and his knowledge of the industry and commitment to innovation will help us to continue defining the future of the media industry.”

This show was watching by hundreds of millions of people around the world, and in many ways its impact will probably not even be felt fully until after it was gone. The fact that it was trending worldwide after the news was announced really makes its impact clear; this is a show that many Spanish-speaking families grew up with, and it will be strange for so many of them to see it now end.

What is your reaction to seeing this show say goodbye? Share with a comment below, and head over here to have some further TV news sent over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Univision.)