After 14 years of entertaining Brazilian families, the end of Programa Raul Gil on SBT marks the close of a notable chapter in television history. The show, which premiered on January 28, 2010, was hosted by the beloved presenter Raul Gil, who made it his mission to provide not just entertainment, but also to celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Brazil.
Raul Gil, now 87 years old, concluded his final episode on Saturday afternoon with heartfelt messages of gratitude directed to the Abravanel family, who own SBT, and to Silvio Santos himself, who passed away recently. Throughout his career, Gil had been inspired by Santos, who he referred to as one of the greatest communicators of Brazil. "The SBT is who we must thank the most," stated Gil during his tearful farewell.
Initially, Gil's show aimed for the top spot in audience ratings, launching with marathons of nearly five hours filled with engaging entertainment segments. He found himself competing against heavyweights like Luciano Huck and Rodrigo Faro, yet managed to secure double-digit ratings at the height of the show's popularity.
Raul's early ambition was reflected when he remarked, "And the faith in God takes me everywhere, and it will take me to first place in the audience," indicating his determination to thrive. The show became known for its iconic segments, including “Pra Quem Você Tira o Chapéu?” and “Jovens Talentos,” which continued to attract viewers, especially during the initial years.
Despite its success initially, over the years, the show began to struggle with ratings, falling to about 3 points according to the IBOPE index. By 2024, Gil experienced market pressures, which prompted SBT to place the program at 12:00 PM, shifting it from its previous time slot and severely limiting its viewership.
Controversy arose surrounding the program's near cancellation back in 2017, when SBT considered reformatting its weekend programming. Gil faced internal challenges related to his contract and the network’s ambitions to move forward artistically. Gil's passionate appeal to stay on air resulted, eventually, in him remaining with SBT, but the impact of viewer habits could not be ignored.
On social media, Raul expressed his mixed feelings about the transition. "Today, we bid farewell to an unforgettable chapter at SBT. We have 14 years of success filled with moments of emotion and laughter, and the Programa Raul Gil always aimed to be more than just entertainment; we brought love and unity to every home," he shared after the last episode.
The farewell episode featured the final competition of “Shadow Brasil Gospel,” showcasing numerous talented finalists and marking the culmination of Gil's legacy, as he joined the finalists to sing emotional pieces reflecting the years spent connecting with audiences. "Silvio Santos will live forever in our hearts and minds, for he did so much good during his lifetime here on Earth," he quoted, affirming the lasting impact of the beloved TV icon.
Once the cameras stopped rolling, Raul thanked everyone involved with the show, from the audience to the production crew, acknowledging the solid support and mutual respect shared over the years. Importantly, he emphasized the importance of family and friendship, requesting viewers to hold their loved ones close as he sent wishes of peace and hope for the future.
Social media erupted with mixed reactions: many fans reminisced about their fond memories watching Gil's show over the years, praising its talent discovery role within Brazilian culture. Some viewers expressed disappointment at the cancellation of what they regarded as not only entertainment but also family tradition.
While the future for Raul Gil remains uncertain, with reports indicating visits to other networks like Band and RedeTV!, one thing is clear: his influence transcended generations. Raul Gil's ability to maintain relevance across changing times presented challenges but also highlighted his unique contributions to entertainment.
Moving forward, SBT plans to revamp its programming with new shows aiming to captivate modern viewers, reflecting the shifts occurring within the broadcasting industry as it adapts to contemporary platforms like YouTube and TikTok encountering significant changes.
The conclusion of Programa Raul Gil not only resonates as the end of a beloved era but also serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting bond formed between audiences and this iconic presenter. Raul Gil may be stepping away from SBT, but his legacy and contributions will undoubtedly echo within the hearts of many, symbolizing the pivotal role he played as a connecting thread through years of Brazilian broadcasting.
