Summary (tl;dr)

Univision is currently trending due to its significant recent success in September 2026 ratings, particularly within the U.S. Hispanic market, coupled with the highly anticipated return of legendary host Don Francisco to its programming lineup. The network is also actively seeking new talent and rolling out a robust new slate of entertainment content.

Essential Background

Univision has long been a cornerstone of Spanish-language television in the United States, offering a wide array of programming including telenovelas, news, sports, and variety shows tailored to Hispanic audiences. For decades, it dominated the market, with iconic figures like Don Francisco (Mario Kreutzberger) becoming household names through programs such as "Sábado Gigante," which ended its historic run in 2015. The landscape of Spanish-language media has become increasingly competitive with the rise of streaming platforms and other networks.

The Full Story

Univision has concluded September 2026 as the top-rated network across all U.S. television among Hispanics, regardless of language, significantly outperforming competitor Telemundo in total viewers and key demographics like Adults 18-49 and 18-34. This success is largely driven by its strong daytime lineup, popular telenovelas such as "La Rosa de Guadalupe," and extensive sports coverage through TUDN, which aired exclusive matches like Liga MX and the Mexican National Team games.

Adding to the buzz is the return of veteran host Don Francisco, who is launching a new series of special programs titled "GIGANTES con Don Francisco" on Sunday, October 11, 2026. This marks his first return to Univision's screen since 2015, featuring in-depth interviews and reunions with prominent Latin cultural figures. Furthermore, TelevisaUnivision launched "Soy Univision," a nationwide talent search throughout September and October 2026, aimed at discovering new bilingual personalities for its various platforms, with casting calls in major U.S. cities and Puerto Rico. The network also recently unveiled its 2026-27 programming slate, introducing 10 new telenovelas, the evolution of its Premios Juventud awards into a multi-city "PJ Fest," and expanded sports rights. In a related development, Ignacio "Nacho" Meyer, President of U.S. Networks & Local Media, is stepping down on October 15, 2026, moving to an advisory role after nearly 15 years with TelevisaUnivision, signaling ongoing organizational shifts within the company.

Why It Matters

This trend signifies Univision's continued strength and adaptability in a dynamic media environment, reinforcing its position as a leading entertainment source for the U.S. Hispanic community. The robust ratings demonstrate the effectiveness of its programming strategy, including beloved telenovelas and comprehensive sports coverage, in retaining and growing its audience. The return of an iconic figure like Don Francisco taps into nostalgia while attracting new viewers with fresh content, highlighting the value of established talent in television. The "Soy Univision" talent search and the broader new programming slate indicate a forward-looking strategy to engage younger, bilingual audiences and secure future growth across both traditional broadcast and streaming platforms like ViX. The leadership transition, while a significant internal change, underscores the company's efforts to evolve its operations in response to market demands.

Geographic Location

• Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States (TelevisaUnivision's announcement of strong September ratings, production hub for various programs, "Soy Univision" casting call, and announcement of leadership transition)
• New York, New York County, New York, United States (TelevisaUnivision's 2026-27 Upfront presentation, "Soy Univision" casting call)
• Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States ("Soy Univision" casting call)
• Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States ("Soy Univision" casting call)
• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States ("Soy Univision" casting call)
• San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States ("Soy Univision" casting call)
• Marbella, Andalusia, Spain (Culminating event for Premios Juventud's PJ Fest)