Don Francisco returns to the screen of Univision this Sunday, October 11, with the premiere of «GIGANTES con Don Francisco», a new series of special programs that brings him back to the same stage where he recorded «Sábado Gigante» for decades.
The official announcement from TelevisaUnivision states that the program will air on Sundays at 7 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. Central on Univision, and will be available on the streaming platform ViX the day after each television broadcast.
The return of Mario Kreutzberger —the real name of the 85-year-old Chilean host— comes eleven years after the closing of “Sábado Gigante,” which ended on September 19, 2015, after 53 years on air and with a Guinness record as the longest-running variety show hosted by the same presenter.
"GIGANTES" is not a continuation of that iconic show, but rather a distinct proposal. It is a series of special Sunday programs focused on in-depth interviews, reunions, and surprises with prominent figures of Latin culture.
The co-host of the show will be Nitzia Chama, actress, journalist, and personality from "Despierta América" on Univision, originally from Veracruz.
Each episode will revolve around a different guest and will include a live musical band, archival footage, reunions with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as games with the studio audience, cash prizes, and the chance to win a car.
Among the confirmed guests for the special programs are Mexican singer and actress Lucero, singer Luis Fonsi, and soccer goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa.
One element that adds a strong nostalgic component to the project is precisely the setting. The new program is recorded in the same Miami studio where Don Francisco filmed "Sábado Gigante," the show that became a cultural phenomenon for several generations of Hispanic viewers in the United States and Latin America.
The driver himself summarized it in a promotional video posted on Instagram: "Returning to Univision is exciting. I want to reconnect with you and so many giants who were part of our lives. I'm back!".
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