On April 27, 2025, Luciano Huck opened the "Domingão" with a heartfelt tribute to the late Silvio Santos (1930-2024) as part of the celebrations marking Globo's 60th anniversary. The special program honored not only Santos but also Chacrinha and Faustão, pivotal figures in Brazilian television history. Huck entered the stage holding a replica of the iconic silver microphone that Santos famously used, emphasizing the record-breaking audience numbers Santos achieved during his tenure at the network.
"It was here, in this scenario of Silvio Santos, for 10 years, that he became the phenomenon Silvio Santos. I ask permission from the Abravanel family to use the microphone that counted the years the presenter used at Globo. He managed to draw as much audience as the broadcast of the man on the moon," Huck stated during the tribute.
Silvio Santos hosted his studio program on Globo from May 1965 to July 1976, producing and directing the show himself, which ran for an impressive eight hours. Initially, the "Programa Silvio Santos" was broadcast only in São Paulo, expanding to Rio de Janeiro in July 1969, and achieving national reach shortly thereafter.
During the tribute, Huck also recreated the set of "Domingão do Faustão," donning an outfit reminiscent of Fausto Silva, who hosted the show from 1989 until 2021. Huck praised Silva, noting, "It is an honor to be on this stage that belonged to my friend, master, Fausto Silva. A guy who forever changed the way television is made on Sundays, doing everything with intelligence and humor, with brilliant insights." He acknowledged the importance of Silva in the evolution of television programming, stating, "The audience was part of the show, the Faustão ballet... I am here to honor everything that this program represents and represented for those who love television."
In addition to the nostalgic set design and the dancers, Huck invited a lineup of celebrities to participate in the segment "Sexolândia," which had originally aired during Silva's show. This segment aimed to engage guests in discussions about sex, love, and marriage, reflecting the program's light-hearted yet insightful approach to serious topics.
Fausto Silva was brought on board by Globo in 1989 to create a Sunday afternoon program that would compete directly with Silvio Santos. Upon its debut in March of that year, it quickly became the leader in audience ratings. Although Silva faced stiff competition from Gugu Liberato in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he managed to reclaim his audience dominance shortly after.
As part of the special, Huck showcased rare videos and recreated classic segments, focusing on the history of Globo's studio programs since the 1960s. "We decided to focus on the history of Globo's studio projects since the 1960s, from Silvio Santos at the very beginning to Domingão now. There have been more than 50 programs throughout this history. I believe the studio program has always been a mirror of society, reflecting what the people sang, the behavioral issues that were debated... We revisit this journey," Huck explained.
The tribute to Silvio Santos included contributions from Maisa Silva, who started her career at age five on Santos' show and has since become a beloved figure in Brazilian entertainment. "People, what a wonderful energy!" she exclaimed as she took the stage. "I practically grew up on stage, learning to read and write while communicating with the viewers. I have admiration for studio programs and the entertainment that fuels the imagination," she added. Silvio Santos passed away on August 17, 2023, at the age of 93.
Huck's homage not only celebrated Santos' legacy but also highlighted the significant impact that these television icons have had on Brazilian culture. By revisiting these classic formats, Huck connected the past with the present, reminding viewers of the enduring influence of these legendary figures.
In the context of Globo's 60th anniversary, the special edition of "Domingão" served as a poignant reminder of the network's rich history and the beloved personalities that shaped its programming. Huck's tribute was a fitting acknowledgment of the contributions that Silvio Santos, Chacrinha, and Faustão made to Brazilian television, and it resonated with fans who have grown up watching their shows.
As the program concluded, viewers were left with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the entertainment that has defined Brazilian Sundays for decades. Huck's tribute not only honored these television legends but also reinforced the idea that their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of entertainers.
