United States

“Sabado Gigante” Longest-Running Variety Show Ending After 53 Years

After 53 years, Univision's popular "Sabado Gigante" (Giant Saturday) will be ending on Sept. 19, the network announced on Friday.

The variety show is hosted by Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco.

Univision says Francisco will continue to contribute to the network with new projects and specials.

“Mario is one of the most beloved and legendary entertainers in the world and has been an innovative and inspirational force in the television industry throughout his career," said Alberto Ciurana, president of programming and content for Univision.

Francisco is expected to discuss the show's departure on April 18. He thanked Univision in a statement.

"There is no doubt that they have been fundamental in my professional development and in my personal and family life. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Channel 13 of the Universidad Católica de Chile gave me as I was starting out, to Univision in the United States and also to the Televisa Network, which allowed us to bring our ‘Sábado Gigante’ into the homes of millions of families in the United States and the world every week," the statement said.

The show received a Guinness World Record in 2012 for longest-running variety show on television, broadcasting since 1962.

NBC 6 South Florida's Jackie Nespral began her TV career as a spokesmodel on "Sabado Gigante" in 1987.

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