25 revelations of El Gordo y la Flaca for their 25 years (PHOTOS)

Maintaining Their Popularity Thanks to the Duo of Raúl de Molina and Lili Estefan.

They Have Remained in the Public’s Favor for Over Two Decades.

Exclusive Interviews, Live Segments, and Online Content Have Expanded the Program’s Reach.

As of September 21, 2023, El Gordo y La Flaca is the longest-running Spanish-language television program in the United States.

Univision’s program celebrated with a special broadcast from the city of Miami, featuring all its hosts and guest artists.

In interviews with EFE, the show’s hosts, Lili Estefan and Raúl de Molina, agreed that their bond and «authenticity» were the «secret to success.»

«We never imagined that a show that began with two Cubans in Miami could become something that would last for 25 years and still have very good ratings,» said De Molina.

Symbolizes the Perseverance of the Latino Community in the US: Lili

25 years of El Gordo y la Flaca/PHOTO: Mezcalent

«The legacy of El Gordo y La Flaca goes beyond television. It is the program that symbolizes the resilience, brotherhood, and perseverance of the Latino community in the United States,» said Estefan.

The program, which airs in the United States and Latin America, is known for combining celebrity news with humor sketches and live performances.

«Now that we’ve reached 25 years, I want us to have another 25 years. If not on television, we’ll sneak in wherever we can, but El Gordo y La Flaca will continue for a long time,» said De Molina.

Here is a list of 25 things you might not know about the El Gordo y la Flaca program.

It Started on September 21, 1998

25 years of El Gordo y la Flaca/PHOTO: Mezcalent

The first broadcast of El Gordo y la Flaca took place on September 21, 1998.

Cubans Raúl de Molina and Lili Estefan have been the main hosts from day one.

At that time, Lili Estefan was working on Sábado Gigante alongside Don Francisco.

Raúl ‘El Gordo’ de Molina was a contributor to the program Primer Impacto, whose current hosts are Pamela Silva and…

«I was terrified,» says Lili about Raúl

Eugenio Derbez joined the 25th-anniversary celebration of El Gordo y la Flaca/PHOTO: Televisa Univision

Lili Estefan has confessed that she was scared to work with Raúl: «I was terrified, I said ‘Oh my God, how am I going to handle him?’.»

On the first show, Lili Estefan wore a blue satin blouse and black pants. Her blonde hair reached her shoulder.

Raúl de Molina wore a black suit, a blue shirt (matching Lili Estefan’s), and a yellow tie on the first day. He had no gray hair, had a beard, and was much lighter in weight.

El Gordo y la Flaca began filming in Studio C at Univision.

The first on-air episode of El Gordo y la Flaca

The cast also celebrated the 25th anniversary at Disneyland/PHOTO: Televisa Univision

After the first show, Lili Estefan and Raúl de Molina led a toast to celebrate, and there were even mariachis.

The program lasts approximately 43 minutes, with an hour including commercials, according to Univision, but its production takes up to 6 hours of work.

In the morning, there is a remote meeting with collaborators from Miami, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York to discuss the day’s topics.

Next is the production of audiovisual material about what will be presented on that day’s show.

Getting ready before the show

PHOTO: Mezcalent

Raúl and Lili arrive around 1:00 PM (local time in Miami) for makeup and hairstyling while studying and discussing the show and conducting research as needed.

Clarissa Molina is one of the program’s star presenters, and she edits her content daily.

The permanent cast also includes Cuban host Roberto Rodríguez, with occasional appearances by Venezuelan fashion commentator Daniela di Giacomo.

Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres serves as a ‘wildcard’ host, covering for Estefan and De Molina’s absences.

25 years uninterrupted

Lili and Raúl celebrated the 25th anniversary at Disneyland. PHOTO: Televisa Univision

In 25 years, Raúl and Lili have become ‘siblings’: «We’ve accompanied each other through births of children, deaths, cancer, divorces, and much more,» Lili told Efe.

When El Gordo y la Flaca started, there were 35 million Hispanics in the US, and now there are nearly 70 million.

Univision’s entertainment news program celebrates 25 uninterrupted years on the air with the original hosts and continuous success.

Throughout its time on the air, the show from Monday to Friday has kept viewers informed about everything happening in the world of entertainment.

Always at the forefront

25 years of El Gordo y la Flaca/PHOTO: Mezcalent

The program has witnessed numerous changes in the world of television and technology and has adapted to these transformations.

Over the years, El Gordo y la Flaca has evolved to include live segments, social media interactions, and online coverage.

This has expanded its reach and kept its audience engaged.

Furthermore, its website and social media profiles provide viewers with a complete immersive experience, where they can find updated news, exclusive photos, and behind-the-scenes videos.