The longest running variety show in television history will host the most stellar birthday party ever aired, delivering four hours of fantastic entertainment with dozens of international celebrity guests, top musical performances, recaps of its most memorable moments, and much more
Aaron Díaz, David Bisbal, Espinosa Paz, Gerardo Ortiz, Luis Fonsi, Thalía, Mark Tacher, Patricia Navidad and all of our Univision celebrities are among the Hispanic stars that will gather to wish Sábado Gigante a happy 50th
Sábado Gigante’s 50th Anniversary Special airs on the Univision Network this Saturday, October 27, beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central
WHAT: Univision’s record-breaking variety show “Sábado Gigante” (Giant Saturday) turns 50 this year and the Network is going all out to celebrate the milestone. It’s going to be the biggest, most spectacular birthday party ever aired on Spanish-language television—a truly stellar four-hour celebration packed with international celebrities, music, games, prizes, and a fascinating walk down memory lane.
The festivities are set to begin at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday, October 27 with a Red Carpet broadcast covering the arrival of the dozens of international stars and Univision personalities attending the anniversary gala. This portion of the show will be hosted by Lourdes Stephen, co-host of “Sal y Pimienta”, Raúl de Molina and Lili Estefan, co-hosts of “El Gordo y la Flaca”, and Karla Martínez and Raul Gonzalez, co-hosts of “Despierta América”, who will not only introduce the celebrities but also show clips of their best appearances in “Sábado Gigante.”
Then, from 8 to 10 p.m., a special “Sábado Gigante” anniversary program –hosted as always by the show’s creator, the legendary entertainer Don Francisco– will be devoted to thanking the viewers that, throughout all these years, have made it a record-breaking success, keeping it on the air for five decades. On this momentous occasion, the studio audience will be comprised exclusively of invited viewers who share a significant personal connection to “Sábado Gigante” – they met their life partners or were married on the show, won a big prize, were reunited with a family member through the program, performed in a talent contest as a child, or others. They will participate in games and competitions for the chance to win $50,000, the largest cash prize ever awarded to an audience member in the show’s history.
Also during this two-hour portion, famous music artists who have a history with “Sábado Gigante” will perform their biggest hits in genres that range from pop to reggaeton to regional Mexican, including Chino y Nacho, Espinoza Paz, Gerardo Ortiz, Héctor Acosta, Luis Fonsi and Thalía, among others. Some of the show’s most amazing variety acts will also have the opportunity to return and outdo their original performances, such as the famous “Regurgitator,” Stevie Starr, and balancing master Frank Simon. In addition, a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to re-certify “Sábado Gigante” as the longest running variety show in television history.
Finally, from 10 to 11 p.m., all of the stars that walked down the Red Carpet, along with Univision talent and executives, renowned sports figures, personalities from the media and entertainment industries, and other special guests will gather for a glamorous gala commemorating the 50 year anniversary of “Sábado Gigante.” The distinguished attendees will participate in some of the show’s most popular and traditional games, with the winners donating their prizes to different charitable organizations. Among the celebrities confirmed to appear at the SG anniversary gala are Thalía, Patricia Navidad, Mark Tacher, Lorena Rojas, Gerardo Ortiz, Espinoza Paz, Maripily, Gabriel Soto, Bobby Pulido, Aaron Díaz, David Bisbal, Diana Reyes, Alicia Machado, Javier Romero, Jorge Ramos, Fernando Fiore, Barbara Bermudo, Pamela Silva-Conde, Satcha Pretto, Alejandro Chaban, Teresa Rodríguez, Ana Patricia González, Camilo Montoya, Claudia Molina, Enrique Acevedo, Johnny Lozada, Lourdes Ramos, Marisa del Portillo, Tanya Charry, Tony Dandrades, Rodner Figueroa, Claudia Trejos, Natalia Cruz, and many others.
WHEN: “Sábado Gigante Celebra 50 Años” (Sábado Gigante’s 50thAnniversary Special) airs Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT (6:00 p.m.-10 p.m. Central)
WHERE: Univision Network
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running variety show in television history, “Sábado Gigante” was born in 1962, when Mario Kreutzberger, better known as “Don Francisco,” pitched his idea for a dynamic new variety show to one of the incipient television networks in his native country, Chile. The program premiered that same year and became an unprecedented hit. In 1986, after more than two decades of local success, “Sábado Gigante” went international, moving its production from Chile to the U.S. and airing coast to coast on the Univision Network (then known as SIN).
An unstoppable ratings phenomenon ever since, “Sábado Gigante” continues to be hugely popular. In addition to consistently delivering impressive audience numbers in the U.S., it is an ongoing hit in 42 countries, and its creator and perennial host, Don Francisco, is among the most recognized and beloved personalities in the Hispanic entertainment world.
Fans will be able to join the celebration by sharing their favorite moments, their congratulatory messages for Don Francisco and commenting along with others via @SabadoGigante and using the hashtag #SabadoGigante50 on Twitter. In addition to connecting with fellow fans and the show on Sabado Gigante’s facebook page.
