April 17--Just hours after Univision announced the end of its long-running Spanish TV staple "Sabado Gigante," shocked fans of the show took to Twitter to say goodbye, or adios.
Hosted by the exuberant Don Francisco, whose real name is Mario Kreutzberger, the variety show was on the air for 53 years and maintained a loyal fan base.
Shown in more than 40 countries, Univision's longest-running program drew tens of millions of viewers every Saturday night.
"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," Alberto Ciurana, president of programming and content for Univision, said in a statement released Friday.
The final episode will air Sept. 19.
News of the show's departure left fans on social media stunned and others simply thankful for Don Francisco.
Tell us how you are feeling about "Sabado Gigante" coming to an end. Leave us a comment or tweet us at #AdiosSabado.
My mom used to get tapes of Sabado Gigante from a friend in Miami. Don Francisco became a fixture in my household. #Chileanroots
-- Cindy Lopez (@CL_opez) April 17, 2015
Sabado Gigante is ending in September after 53 years. http://t.co/ly0FnTvZVF pic.twitter.com/fqgyoUh95o
-- Chris Bohez (@BohorquezCM) April 17, 2015
@SabadoGigante, Mario Kreutzberger ( Don Francisco ), have given me the best Saturdays for the entirety of my 19 years, and I will miss you
Sᢡdo Gigante will end its 50+ year run on Univisin September. I'll always remember EL CHACAL DE LA TROMPETA. pic.twitter.com/QsCWae2pPi
-- caracinema (@caracinema) April 17, 2015
Saturdays will never be the same. #SabadoGigante is calling it quits http://t.co/STDqAhoY2l pic.twitter.com/cN9XiU6HaZ
-- Melanie Anzidei (@melanieanzidei) April 17, 2015
