SBT keeps Sabado Animado on the schedule with Scooby Doo following the death of Silvio Santos

SBT confirmed this Saturday morning the death of Silvio Santos, aged 93. The presenter’s death took everyone by surprise and caused the interruption of programming by many broadcasters, including Globo.

However, SBT took a different path. After the host’s death was confirmed on social media, the company kept its Saturday morning show on air. Despite the tragic news, the company continued to show Animated Saturday, featuring cartoons like Scooby-Doo.

The decision surprised the public and sparked a storm of commentary on social media, with many expecting the company to halt programming to announce the station owner’s death. Terms like “Scooby-Doo” and “Sábado Animado” were among the top trends on Twitter/X on Saturday morning.

Why did SBT continue to show cartoons?

According to Rick Souza, who follows behind-the-scenes television, SBT usually does not have presenters on-site on Saturday mornings, which may have influenced the decision to keep Sábado Animado on air. “It’s actually better to have a cartoon than to show a bulletin recorded at God knows when, it might even seem disrespectful.”

While some criticized the lack of reporting, others saw the stance of continuing the program as a tribute to the presenter, Silvio Santos, who was known for his defense of children’s programming on Brazilian television.

In 2016, the presenter went so far as to say that SBT would always feature cartoons in its program “as long as it lives,” even if it did not make money for the broadcaster.

“SBT will not stop showing cartoons, no. I don’t care if I lose money [nas manhãs] From where [para mim] Exhibition of drawings is a must for children. SBT is not just here to make money, there are other things too [envolvidas]”, says a UOL column with information from an SBT meeting.

“If you want to remove the drawings after I die, feel free to do so, but as long as I live, they will continue. The audience of ‘SBT Brasil’ today was the audience of ‘Chaves’ 20 years ago. It is the most loyal of the child audiences”, concluded Silvio Santos.

The future of SBT’s programming following Silvio Santos’ departure has yet to be revealed. More details on what to expect from the broadcaster, as well as a tribute to the presenter’s legacy, will emerge over the weekend.

Where can I watch SBT live?

SBT programs are available free of charge on open television. The public can also follow the television programs live via YouTube, where all content can be watched live at the link below.

Another option to consume the publisher’s content is Silvio Santos’ new streaming service, SBT+. The platform is accessible for free online.