Legendary Chilean television host Mario Kreutzberger, widely known as Don Francisco, will return to Univision with a new variety and interview program titled Gigantes con Don Francisco, according to announcements made by Televisa Univision and reported by outlets including Diario Primicia. The 85-year-old presenter’s upcoming series arrives 11 years after the final broadcast of his historic program Sábado Gigante.
Premiere Date and Format Details for Gigantes con Don Francisco
The new program is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, October 11, broadcasting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, according to Diario Primicia. Production will take place in the same studio where Kreutzberger recorded his historical broadcast for decades. Don Francisco detailed during an appearance on Despierta América that the project consists of a limited series of eight episodes, each running for one hour including commercial breaks. Episodes will also become available on the ViX streaming platform one day after their original broadcast, as detailed by Diario Primicia.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup and Archival Integration
During an appearance on Despierta América cited by Diario Primicia, Don Francisco explained that the series aims to blend memories from his extensive television career with current personalities and content. “Nuestros invitados van a ser gigantes,” the host stated regarding the caliber of guests slated for the set. Initial invitations have gone out to prominent figures including Lucero, Luis Fonsi, and professional soccer player Memo Ochoa. The production will incorporate archival video footage, personal reunions, and emotional moments, echoing the style of the host’s previous special broadcasts.
Production Team and Interactive Public Segments
Audience participation will remain a core component of the new format, mirroring the style of interactive entertainment that defined Sábado Gigante across more than half a century. Diario Primicia reported that co-host Nitzia Chama will manage live audience interaction inside the studio. The program will feature music, surprises, and prizes for viewers.
Reflecting on Five Decades of Sábado Gigante
The return marks a major milestone for Hispanic television, arriving a decade after Don Francisco’s formal departure from Univision. Sábado Gigante ran for 53 years starting in 1962 on Chile’s Canal 13 before relocating to Miami in 1986. At its height, the variety show drew 80 million weekly viewers across more than 20 countries. The final episode aired on September 19, 2015, featuring appearances by Juanes, Luis Fonsi, and journalist Jorge Ramos, alongside recorded farewell messages from international leaders and artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Gigantes con Don Francisco premiere?
The series debuts on Sunday, October 11, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Univision, according to Diario Primicia.
Where can I stream Gigantes con Don Francisco?
Episodes will be available on the ViX streaming platform one day after their initial television broadcast, as reported by Diario Primicia.
How many episodes are in the new series?
Don Francisco confirmed that the project is a limited series consisting of eight one-hour episodes.
Will the show feature a live studio audience?
Yes, audience interaction is central to the format, with co-host Nitzia Chama managing participation alongside music, interviews, and surprises.
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