Veteran Host Don Francisco Returns to Univision for Nostalgia-Filled Specials
Don Francisco, the longtime host of 'Sábado Gigante,' is returning to Univision with a new series of special programs called 'Gigantes con Don Francisco.' The shows will feature interviews, surprises, and reunions, and are set to premiere in October. Episodes will be available on ViX the day after their broadcast.
The new specials mark a significant return for Francisco, who helmed *Sábado Gigante* for over five decades before its finale. Unlike that weekly marathon, *Gigantes con Don Francisco* is planned as a lighter series of specials, not a regular broadcast. Univision has confirmed the October premiere window but has not yet revealed a specific date or guest list, though the format will include a house band, cash prizes, and a car giveaway.
Episodes will stream on ViX the day after their linear airing, extending the show’s reach to the platform’s subscriber base. Francisco’s statement emphasizes reconnecting with longtime viewers and the artists who shaped the original program’s history, framing the project as a bridge between past shared experiences and present-day identities.
This revival could resonate strongly with older Hispanic audiences who grew up with *Sábado Gigante*, offering a sense of cultural continuity in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. It may also help Univision and ViX attract nostalgic viewers and advertisers targeting that demographic, while younger audiences might discover a legendary figure through streaming. However, its impact depends on whether the specials capture the original’s communal energy without feeling dated, and whether nostalgia alone sustains interest beyond initial viewership.