Wait, Is Don Francisco Actually Back? Here’s Everything We Know
If you grew up in a Spanish-speaking home, Don Francisco was a household name. Sábado Gigante aired for 53 years—yes, fifty-three. The show ended in 2015. After a short run on Telemundo that finished in 2018, Don Francisco mostly stepped away from major TV.
Now, TelevisaUnivision has announced that he’s coming back. From what we know, this feels like a nostalgic treat for Latino families everywhere.
Don Francisco’s Return Is Real
TelevisaUnivision says Don Francisco will host a new limited series on Univision, where he’ll interview big names from the Hispanic community. The network describes the show as mixing “the intimacy of a close conversation with the scale and emotion of a major television event.”
The news was shared during TelevisaUnivision’s 2026-2027 Upfront presentation, making it clear this is a big show for the next season. The network told mitú the series will include “interviews, surprises, nostalgia, and unforgettable reunions, revisiting the moments that defined generations and brought millions of families together.”
What We Don’t Know Yet
TelevisaUnivision hasn’t shared many more details yet. They said they’ll announce more when they’re ready, and that there could be chances to interview Don Francisco in the future.
Don Francisco and His Place in Latino TV culture
Don Francisco is now 85 and has been on TV since 1962. Over the years, he’s interviewed people like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Bill Gates on Sábado Gigante. He’s been a familiar face in Latino homes for more than fifty years. His last big show, Don Francisco Te Invita on Telemundo, aired 100 episodes before ending in 2018.
That was nearly a decade ago.
So, his return to Univision—the network where he made his name—in a prime slot is a big deal. It shows TelevisaUnivision is counting on Don Francisco to attract viewers for the 2026-2027 season.
What We Can Expect
TelevisaUnivision says the new series will “blend nostalgia with content designed for today’s audiences.” Each episode will have “in-depth interviews exploring personal journeys, defining moments, and reflections on identity, legacy, and cultural impact.” Unlike Sábado Gigante, which was a variety show with games, comedy, and contests, this new show seems more focused, intimate, and probably more thoughtful.
The network says Don Francisco is coming back “with the qualities that have always defined him: warmth, humor, curiosity, and an extraordinary ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level.”
