Don Francisco Celebrates ‘SNL’ Parody of His Iconic Show ‘Sábado Gigante’

Don Francisco praised “Saturday Night Live” for its humorous spoof of his iconic show “Sábado Gigante,” reflecting on its role as a cultural touchstone for Hispanic families. Marcello Hernández parodied Don Francisco’s vibrant hosting style in the nearly six-minute sketch, while Don Francisco expressed his gratitude for the show’s legacy in connecting audiences.

In a heartfelt social media post, legendary television host Don Francisco expressed his gratitude towards “Saturday Night Live” for their humorous tribute to his iconic variety show, “Sábado Gigante.” Sharing his reflections on Instagram, he noted how the show was not just entertainment but a cherished space for families and the Hispanic community, stating, “It was not only a great television show, it was much more: a meeting point for families and for our Hispanic community.” The sketch, featuring Marcello Hernández as Don Francisco, ran almost six minutes and humorously captured the vibrant essence of the original show, filled with zany antics and challenges. Hernández, a talented Cuban and Dominican comedian, made headlines last season as the first Latino member of the “SNL” cast. In the spoof, comedian Nate Bargatze played an audience member bewildered by the quirky challenges presented to him, his confusion only heightening the comedic effect. Don Francisco’s nostalgic post concluded with an appreciation for the enduring affection fans have for their beloved show, which ended its remarkable 53-year run in 2015. He noted, “Thanks to the unconditional support of the public, we closed that chapter almost 10 years ago. But the affection and respect for what we built together continues as alive as always.” The original “Sábado Gigante,” created by the charismatic Mario Luis Kreutzberger, captivated audiences globally since its debut in 1962, becoming the longest-running variety show in television history. From its beginnings filled with cancellation struggles to a triumphant relaunch in Miami, it became a weekly ritual for millions, bridging generations across different cultures and languages. While its comedy skits kept audiences entertained, the show was also a platform for important moments, engaging with political candidates and chronicling significant events such as the 9/11 attacks and the Chilean miners’ rescue in 2010. All these elements combined to craft a profound connection with viewers, marking “Sábado Gigante” as a milestone in television history, even leading to its cancellation in 2015. Through its mix of lighthearted comedy and poignant content, the show left an indelible mark on the viewing habits of countless families and created a shared space for laughter and reflection that still resonates today.

The article centers around the fond reaction of Don Francisco, the iconic host of the long-running variety show “Sábado Gigante,” towards a recent sketch from “Saturday Night Live” that parodies his beloved program. It highlights the cultural significance of “Sábado Gigante,” which aired over five decades, reflecting on its role in uniting families and the Hispanic community. The article also touches on the new prominence of Latino representation in mainstream comedy through performers like Marcello Hernández, who starred in the “SNL” sketch.

In summary, Don Francisco’s reaction to the “SNL” parody of “Sábado Gigante” showcases the enduring legacy of his show and its impact on viewers across generations. With its blend of humor, family entertainment, and poignant moments, the show remains a cherished piece of television history, highlighting the need for cultural representation in comedy. Don Francisco’s tribute underlines the lasting affection and respect that audiences continue to hold for their shared cultural milestones.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com