Sabado Gigante Canceled, Last Episode Date Set For September After 53-Year Run, Univision Announces

Spanish-language television network Univision has canceled its “Sabado Gigante” variety show after a 53-year run, reports said Friday. The show reportedly will air its final episode on Sept. 19.

“Sabado Gigante” has aired in dozens of countries and was Univision’s top-rated show, the Los Angeles Times reports. It has aired thousands of episodes on Saturday nights. Host Mario Kreutzberger, who goes by the moniker Don Francisco, has been with the show since it started as a Sunday program in 1962, and will continue to work with Univision.

“For so many in the Spanish-speaking community, Don Francisco’s weekly three-hour show defines Saturday evening entertainment, and I want to thank him and the incredible team for their outstanding work,” Univision’s President of Programming and Content Alberto Ciurana said in a statement.