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Stunned fans say farewell to ‘Sabado Gigante,’ Don Francisco

Mario Kreutzberger, popularly known as Don Francisco, poses on the set of "Sabado Gigante" in Miami. Univision announced Friday that the beloved variety show hosted by Don Francisco will end Sept. 19, after 53 years on the air.
Mario Kreutzberger, popularly known as Don Francisco, poses on the set of “Sabado Gigante” in Miami. Univision announced Friday that the beloved variety show hosted by Don Francisco will end Sept. 19, after 53 years on the air.
(Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)
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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.

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