Saber y Ganar stands as one of the most storied game shows in Spanish television. It may not have earned the same global buzz as Pasapalabra, yet it thrives on a different appeal—fewer distractions and more questions. The show has evolved through subtle testing tweaks while preserving its core essence.
Its longevity is remarkable. For 26 consecutive years since its 1997 debut, the same familiar faces have stayed in place. Jordi Hurtado remains the affable host, guiding viewers with the same cheerful cadence as on day one. At 65, he continues to lead the program with a steady hand. In a public message on the RTVE site on his most recent birthday, Hurtado reaffirmed his resolve to keep presenting Saber y Ganar on La 2, Television Española, saying that retirement is not on his horizon and that he plans to be there every afternoon.
Luis Larrodera steps in as host for Saber y Ganar
Yet time leaves its mark. Sergi Schaaff, the show’s creator and director, passed away not long ago. The program also marked the retirement of the legendary voice of the show, Juanjo Cardenal, with Elisenda Roca taking his place. Pilar Vázquez and Jordi Hurtado continue to be part of the show, though they are not always present. There was a memorable moment when the studio server failed and a replacement host had to be arranged, underscoring the show’s live, unpredictable nature.
The shift occurred in the spring of 2016. Saber y Ganar was temporarily hosted from May 9 to June 8 due to a minor medical intervention. It was not a serious issue, and Hurtado returned to the podium afterward, but the brief leave meant he could not present the program for the first time in his nineteen year history. During that interval, Luis Larrodera stepped in as host.
Premiere remembered in a Rafa Castaño tribute program
Rafa Castaño is a familiar name to Pasapalabra fans, famous for winning a record jackpot of 2.272 million euros. But his television career had earlier highlights. He had competed in Saber y Ganar as well, becoming one of the program’s most frequent participants and reaching the maximum tally of appearances in some seasons. In these special runs, contestants who reach triple digits are treated to a dedicated episode featuring more challenging questions and bigger prizes around the topics they know best. After these solo showcases, their involvement in Saber y Ganar typically concludes.
On May 3, 2016, a tribute to Sevillian producer Jordi Hurtado’s absence marked the day of an especially significant premiere. Hurtado’s leave began six days later, but the show kept rolling with a special edition that did not include the usual trio of competitors. The moment stands out as a memorable chapter in Saber y Ganar’s history and a reminder of the program’s resilience and the affection viewers hold for its long-serving faces, including the spellbinding era during Rafa’s rise to fame.