This Sunday, October 11, Don Francisco makes his comeback on Univision with the debut of "GIGANTES with Don Francisco," a fresh series of special programs bringing him back to the same studio where he hosted "Sábado Gigante" for many years.
According to the official announcement from TelevisaUnivision, the program will air every Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. Central on Univision. Additionally, it will be accessible on the streaming platform ViX the day after each television broadcast.
Mario Kreutzberger, the real name of the 85-year-old Chilean host, returns to the screen 11 years after "Sábado Gigante" ended on September 19, 2015. The show holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running variety show hosted by a single presenter.
"GIGANTES" is set to be a unique offering, distinct from the iconic show of the past. This new series of Sunday specials focuses on in-depth interviews, reunions, and surprises featuring prominent figures in Latin culture.
The show will feature co-host Nitzia Chama, an actress, journalist, and personality from Univision's "Despierta América," hailing from Veracruz.
Each episode will spotlight a different guest and will include a live band, archival footage, reunions with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as studio audience games, cash prizes, and even the chance to win a car.
Confirmed guests for these special programs include Mexican singer and actress Lucero, singer Luis Fonsi, and soccer goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa.
A key nostalgic element of the project is the setting itself. The show is filmed in the same Miami studio where Don Francisco recorded "Sábado Gigante," a cultural phenomenon for generations of Hispanic viewers in the U.S. and Latin America.
In a promotional video shared on Instagram, the host encapsulated his excitement: "Returning to Univision is thrilling. I want to reconnect with you and so many giants who were part of our lives. I'm back!"