'Sábado Gigante' Ends: How Don Francisco Show Reached American Audiences Through Parodies

The longest-running variety TV show on Latin American Television, “Sábado Gigante,” will come to an end September 19, 2015, announced Univision Communications Inc. this past Friday.

“I have no words to acknowledge all the recognition and applause that we have received over the years. When we began in the United States in 1986, we told them that we were ‘separated by distance and united by the same language.’ Today I can say with great pride and satisfaction that that distance turned into closeness and affection. To all those who joined us by tuning in to “Sábado Gigante” with their constructive criticism, work and loyalty, I would like to say from the bottom of my heart and in capital letters, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.” Said the show’s host Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco.

If you are an American born, and have no idea what we are talking about, we would like to refer you to a couple examples that prove that “Sábado Gigante” has been iconic for Television everywhere:

1) Starting in 2002, “Saturday Night Live,” entertained the audience with their character “Ferecito,” played by Fred Armisen. The character, which featured gold teeth and played the “timbales,” was featured as host of “Show Biz Grande Explosion!” He would deliver punch lines while striking a cowbell, and end his segment with expressions such as: “Ay, Dios mio!” or “I just kidding!”

2) Stephen Colbert played a recurring character called “Esteban Colberto” on his segment “Colberto Reporto Gigante.” He wore a thin mustache, chewed gum and danced to Latin music with two attractive women by his side.

3) In 2006, Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy,” air an episode in which “Stewie” started speaking Spanish during a conversation with “Brian”, the dog. “Sorry, I started sleep-watching “Sábado Gigante” last night,” was Stewie’s line on the episode.

“Sábado Gigante” may be closing its cycle, but it will remain in the memory and hearts of everyone who followed the show for 53 long years. Qué dice el público?