Over the years, Colombian broadcasters have produced several iconic TV shows that have left an indelible mark on the country’s collective memory and culture. These include telenovelas, which have told compelling and emotional stories, as well as entertainment shows that have brought joy and fun to families across the country on weekends.
Eight iconic Colombian TV shows
Club 10
Club 10 was a beloved children’s program in Colombia, broadcast by Caracol Television. It premiered on March 6, 1999, and concluded on April 25, 2015.
The show centered on a fictional family living in a transitional home, initially composed of El Pap, his children Jimmy and Zeta, the sisters Abril and Florecita, and their pet, Mary Moon, a white cat. The group later welcomed Rap, a boy seeking refuge. Memorable characters like Aurelio Cheveroni, a red wolf, and Dinodoro, a baby green dinosaur, added unique dynamics to the storyline, creating a diverse and teaching-rich environment.
The show featured movies, contests, cartoons, and a serialized story narrating the main characters’ adventures. It conveyed essential family and friendship values through a mix of joy, suspense, and heartfelt moments, making it a cherished weekend staple.
El Lavadero
El Lavadero was a popular entertainment and gossip show in Colombia, broadcast by RCN Televisión.
It focused on rumors and news about the Colombian entertainment industry, offering audiences an engaging and up-to-date view of local celebrity life. The program included exclusive interviews with prominent actors, musicians, and other personalities. One of its most beloved segments, La Chicharria, featured a presenter visiting neighborhoods across Colombia, distributing household appliances and items, fostering a unique connection with the community.
Notable hosts included Ivan Charria, Mabel Cartagena, and Graciela Torres, known as La Negra Candela, who brought their distinctive styles to the program. Despite its popularity, the show ended in 2014 due to disagreements among the hosts, closing a significant chapter in Colombian entertainment television.
Tu Planeta Bichos
Planeta Bichos, also known as Tu Planeta Bichos, was a Colombian children’s and youth show broadcast by RCN Television.
The show offered a wide array of animated series and anime, many from renowned international channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Fox Kids. Iconic titles included El Chavo del 8, Bananas en Pijamas, Blue’s Clues, Dora the Explorer, All Grown Up! SpongeBob SquarePants, and Zona Tiza. Combining entertainment and education, the program became a favorite among young audiences.
The show ended in 2018, when it was replaced by a new children’s programming block, marking the end of an era in Colombian children’s television.
Sabados Felices
Sabados Felices is an emblematic Colombian comedy program produced by Caracol Television that has shaped the history of national and international television. It premiered on February 5, 1972, under the name Campeones de la Risa, which was changed to its current title in 1976.
Airing for three hours on Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., the show is currently directed by Francisco Javier Bohórquez, who assumed the role in 2020. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest-running comedy show, Sabados Felices has launched the careers of comedians such as Jaime “El Flaco” Agudelo and Hugo Patiño “El Principe de Marulanda.”
The program includes sketches, parodies, and live performances that reflect Colombian culture and society, making it a training ground for generations of comedians. In 2022, the show celebrated its 50th anniversary, reaffirming its cultural significance.
Padres e Hijos
Padres e Hijos is one of Colombia’s most memorable television series, evolving from a soap opera to a drama series. It portrays the everyday life of the Franco family, a middle-class Bogota household, focusing on their challenges and issues.
The series addresses themes such as unemployment, insecurity, illness, romantic and social conflicts, and drug addiction, reflecting the realities of many Colombian families.
Premiering on March 15, 1993, and running until August 21, 2009, the show spanned 3,600 episodes across 17 seasons. It became one of Colombia’s longest-running TV productions, gaining international recognition in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, and the United States.
El Show de las Estrellas
El Show de las Estrellas is an iconic Colombian musical program produced, hosted, and directed by Jorge Baron. It debuted on May 24, 1969, under the name El Show de Jorge Baron y su Estrella Invitada, adopting its current title in 1973.
Airing for approximately two and a half hours on Saturdays at 10:00 p.m., the show has featured national and international artists such as Jose Jose, Julio Iglesias, Rocio Durcal, and Juan Gabriel. It has been instrumental in promoting Colombian talent and launching artists’ careers globally.
In 2019, the program celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking a milestone in Latin American television history.
Tambien Caeras
Tambien Caeras was a Colombian comedy program aired on Caracol Television. It followed a hidden-camera format, featuring pranks played on people in various cities across the country without their knowledge.
The show also included international hidden-camera segments and creative sections like Haga Reir a Dracula, where participants tried to make “Dracula” laugh to win money, and ¿Que Buena Onda?, which rewarded acts of kindness with prizes.
Yo Jose Gabriel
Yo, Jose Gabriel is a renowned Colombian talk show hosted by Jose Gabriel Ortiz. Since its debut in 1998, it has become one of Colombia’s most iconic late-night programs.
Inspired by classic talk shows like those of David Letterman and Jay Leno, the show features in-depth interviews with celebrities, artists, athletes, politicians, and entertainment figures, providing a blend of biographical storytelling and engaging anecdotes.