Univision & Carnival Pact for New Series La Gran Sorpresa

Univision Communications is partnering with leisure travel company Carnival Corporation to develop La Gran Sorpresa, a new original prime-time series that is due to debut on Univision Network early next year.

La Gran Sorpresa (The Great Surprise) uses the power of travel to reunite families as they overcome hardships. The hour-long show is presented by TV personality Poncho de Anda, who will also be joined by a number of other famous individuals. The first season will surprise families sailing aboard ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line to such destinations as Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas.

La Gran Sorpresa is the seventh Ocean Original series created by Carnival Corporation. It is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, January 7, at 8 p.m.

“Based on the exceptionally positive viewing results that exceed all other travel-related shows and the increased interest in cruise vacations our shows continue to generate, we are very excited to partner with Univision on La Gran Sorpresa and build on their strong connection with the Hispanic community,” said John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation. “Showcasing the extraordinary experiences our guests enjoy while on a cruise vacation for a full hour in prime time will position us to significantly expand the awareness of and demand for cruising within a burgeoning demographic that inherently values everything cruise vacations represent—family, friends, culture and fun.”

“We are thrilled to deliver the power of Univision Studios and our beloved personalities to bring La Gran Sorpresa to the leading Spanish-language network in the country,” added Steve Mandala, the president of advertising sales and marketing at Univision Communications. “Our partnership with Carnival Corporation and its award-winning cruise line brands will further deepen their efforts by engaging Hispanic America with stories that resonate and unite families.”