Curtain falls on Spanish TV show after 53 years

Record-breaking Spanish-language television variety show "Sabado Gigante" is bringing the curtain down after 53 years, the Univision network said Friday.

The show, anchored by Chilean presenter Don Francisco, will call time on more than half a century of broadcasting on September 19.

Watched by millions throughout the United States and Latin America, the show -- "Giant Saturday" in English -- holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest-running television variety show in history.

It began life in Chile in 1962, fronted by Francisco -- real name Mario Kreutzberger -- before production later moved to Miami.

Offering a three-hour mix of comedy, talent shows, interviews and music performances, "Sabado Gigante" became a staple of many households in more than 40 countries where it aired.