Businessman and TV host Silvio Santos passed away at 93 on Saturday (August 17th, 2024). He was one of the biggest names in Brazilian media, particularly known for his long-running show, Programa Silvio Santos.
Here’s a look back at ten of the most iconic shows hosted by Silvio:
| Program Name (PT) | Program Name (EN) |
|---|---|
| Vamos Brincar de Forca | Let’s Play Hangman |
| Programa Silvio Santos | Silvio Santos Show |
| Qual é a Música? | What’s the Song? |
| Porta da Esperança | Door of Hope |
| Topa Tudo por Dinheiro | Anything for Money |
| Pião da Casa Própria | House Prize Spin |
| Show de Calouros | Talent Show |
| Em Nome do Amor | In the Name of Love |
| Show do Milhão | Millionaire Show |
| Casa dos Artistas | Artists’ House |
1. Vamos Brincar de Forca
Silvio’s first TV show couldn’t be left off the list. After debuting on TV Paulista (channel 5, which was later purchased by TV Globo), his word-guessing game became such a hit that he was invited to expand his role on the channel. In 2012, a new version aired on SBT but lasted only a short time.
2. Programa Silvio Santos
Silvio’s popularity as a presenter led the director of TV Paulista, Paulo de Grammont, to offer him the opportunity to rent the Sunday afternoon slot. Beginning in 1963, Programa Silvio Santos was more of a block of programming than a single show. It featured segments like “Cuidado com a Buzina,” “Justiça dos Homens,” and “Pra Ganhar é Só Rodar.” Over the following decades, the show aired on various channels, including Globo and Rede Tupi, sometimes on two channels simultaneously. With the founding of Silvio’s own network, SBT, in 1981, Programa Silvio Santos became a Sunday staple, with classic segments like Namoro na TV and Topa Tudo por Dinheiro, as well as sketches like the popular “Câmera Indiscreta” (now known as “Câmeras Escondidas”).
3. Qual é a Música?
Originally aired between 1976 and 1991, this show challenged celebrities’ musical knowledge. One of its most famous challenges required participants to identify a song from just a few piano notes. Qual é a Música? had several revivals over the years, one of which aired from 1999 to 2008. Today, the show is hosted by Silvio’s daughter, Patricia Abravanel.
4. Porta da Esperança
Porta da Esperança focused on fulfilling the dreams of ordinary people. The show, which aired from 1984 to 1996, invited viewers to send in letters describing a personal wish, such as receiving a car or reuniting with a long-lost relative. Those chosen would come to the studio, share their stories, and wait to see if their wish was behind the door. Although new versions were announced twice, including one hosted by Ratinho, none ever aired.
5. Topa Tudo por Dinheiro
Topa Tudo por Dinheiro became almost synonymous with Silvio’s golden era. Any member of Generation X remembers the money-throwing airplanes Silvio launched into the audience on this variety show, which aired from 1991 to 2001. In it, audience members – many from caravans across the country – participated in challenges to win cash prizes.
6. Pião da Casa Própria
The famous spinning wheel began as part of the segment “Pra Ganhar é Só Rodar” in 1962. In this game, customers of Baú da Felicidade were selected to compete for a house. Whoever spun the highest number won. After appearing on various other shows, it became its own segment, Pião da Casa Própria, in 1987. Although it ended after two years, the wheel continued to appear in many other shows over the years.
7. Show de Calouros
Show de Calouros was one of the longest-running segments on Programa Silvio Santos, airing from 1977 to 1992. As the name suggests, it was a talent competition where contestants performed in front of a jury composed of comedians, artists, and other “experts.” Among the most well-known judges were Pedro de Lara, Nelson Rubens, Flôr, and Elke Maravilha. In 1993, the show was renamed Show de Variedades, and Silvio stepped down as host.
8. Em Nome do Amor
“Is it love or friendship?” Silvio would ask the potential couples on this show, which combined secret admirer confessions, flirtations, and dance parties. Silvio conducted interviews to help the undecided, making this show a hit from 1994 to 2000.
9. Show do Milhão
This question-and-answer game show, which promised a million-real prize to the winner, debuted in 1999 and quickly became a ratings phenomenon. Initially called Jogo do Milhão, the show left a mark with Silvio’s catchphrases like “Can I ask?” and “Are you sure about that?” It even inspired a computer game. Originally airing until 2003, the show was revived in 2009.
10. Casa dos Artistas
With four seasons between 2001 and 2004, Casa dos Artistas was a reality show that captivated audiences by locking celebrities in a house under constant camera surveillance as they competed for a prize. Contestants included Bárbara Paz, Supla, Alexandre Frota, André Gonçalves, Suzana Alves, Joana Prado, Agnaldo Timóteo, and Solange Frazão. The third season mixed artists with their fans, while the fourth and final season featured aspiring actors competing for a lead role in an SBT soap opera.
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