After hosting the last episode of his Univision show "Sábado Gigante" last September and taking a short break, Don Francisco will be returning to television with rival network Telemundo.

According to Variety, on Feb. 29 ,NBC Universal, Telemundo's parent company, announced that the famous and beloved television personality and journalist, born Mario Kreutzberger, had signed a multi-year deal with the network to form a joint production company and serve as a senior news correspondent.

As a correspondent, Kreutzberger will conduct high profile interviews with celebrities, politicians and a variety of other public figures. As the host of "Sabado Gigante," which aired on Univision for 30 years, Kreutzberger interviewed a variety of public figures, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.

The production company will focus on providing original content for Latinos in the United States and in Latin America.

The day after the announcement was made, Cesar Conde, the chairman of NBC Universal Telemundo Enterprises and NBCUniversal International Group, welcomed the media icon to the network on Twitter.

“Mario has such a unique understanding of the Spanish-language audience both here in the U.S. and abroad,” Conde told Variety. “He knows how to adapt and create innovative content that connects with Spanish speakers around the world; that’s why we’re so excited to be working with him.”

Kreutzberger shared his own reasoning behind the move to partner with Telemundo.

“At the end of the day Telemundo has been the fastest-growing Spanish-language producer in the U.S.,” Kreutzberger said. “And since what I know is how to produce, it’s an honor and a challenge [to embark on this new venture]."

The television host began "Sábado Gigante" in Chile over 20 years ago before it even began broadcasting on Univision. The show witnessed major changes over its lifetime, moving from black and white to color and eventually including social media.

Some Telemundo stars, including actresses Patricia Manterola and Patty Alvarez, have already taken to Twitter to congratulate Kreutzberger on his return to television.

On March 1, the television host will discuss his decision and future with Telemundo further in an exclusive interview with María Celeste Arrarás on "Al Rojo Vivo."

Related