Few television entertainers have experienced the kind of longevity as Don Francisco.
As host of wildly popular Spanish-language variety show “Sábado Gigante” from 1962 until its end in 2017, the series aired each Saturday night throughout South America, Central America, Mexico and the U.S.
At the show’s peak, Francisco commanded an audience of tens of millions of viewers each week, with more than 2 million U.S. viewers watching the show on Univision. Recognized by “The Guinness Book of Records” as the longest-running TV variety show in the world, the series aired non-stop for 2,600 consecutive weeks, easily beating the 30-year stint of Johnny Carson when hosting NBC‘s “The Tonight Show.”
Now, nearly a decade after “Sábado Gigante” concluded its 55-year run, Francisco is returning to television at the age of 85
A New Variety Show
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Francisco is mounting a comeback on Univision with a new variety show, “Gigantes con Don Francisco.”
According to Univision, Francisco’s new project won’t be another weekly series, but “a series of special programs featuring interviews, surprises, nostalgia and unforgettable reunions.”
A premiere date has yet to be set, but “Gigantes con Don Francisco” will debut at some point during October 2026.
‘Emotion and Nostalgia’
For Francisco, this new project will lean deeply into the original series, representing a homecoming for the television legend.
“Returning to Univision brings a sense of emotion and nostalgia, but above all, it is an opportunity to reconnect with the audience that accompanied us for so many years and with many of the great artists who were part of our history,” he said in a translated statement.
“It will be a reunion between what we experienced together and who we are today,” he added. “I am very happy to reconnect with you.”
A Welcome Return
As a Univision release points out, “Gigantes con Don Francisco” “will bring together some of the most influential Latin personalities for intimate and meaningful conversations.”
Backed by an in-studio band, Francisco will give away cash prizes and vehicles.
In a Univision teaser, Francisco describes his emotions over his TV comeback.
“Returning to Univision is like opening the door to memories,” he says in a voiceover.
“I want to reconnect with all of you, and with so many familiar faces that have been a part of our lives,” he continues, adding, “I’m back.”
A Television Icon
Francisco, whose real name is Mario Kreutzberger, entered television’s pop-culture consciousness beyond his Latin American origins, even spoofed in a “Saturday Night Live” sketch during the show’s 50th season.
Mixing elements of game shows with comedy, music and celebrity interviews, Francisco was beloved by viewers for decades. The show’s influence was apparent in the A-list guests that “Sábado Gigante” attracted, which included the likes of U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Brack Obama, and Mexican leader Vicente Fox.
As the veteran TV host told the Television Academy, “I like to tell people that my show is part Letterman, part Carson, part Larry King and even part Jack Paar.”
