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Jun 17, 2026 Major2
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SBT Appoints Child Actors Theo Radicchi and Wallentina Bomfim as New Hosts of Sábado Animado
SBT has named child actors Theo Radicchi and Wallentina Bomfim as the new hosts of Sábado Animado, replacing Silvia Abravanel who is departing after 11 years to pursue a political candidacy. The transition takes effect July 4, 2026.
Quick Facts
Who
Theo Radicchi
What
Two child actors appointed as new hosts of Sábado Animado
When
June 17, 2026 (announcement)
Where
Brazil
- Two child actors appointed as new hosts of Sábado Animado
- Previous host departing to pursue federal deputy candidacy
- Announcement made at SBT press event
- Electoral law compliance requiring television appearance cessation
- Prior hosting experience on Domingo Animado
Brazil's SBT network has announced that child actors Theo Radicchi and Wallentina Bomfim will take over as hosts of Sábado Animado, the country's longest-running children's program still in broadcast. The transition occurs following the departure of Silvia Abravanel, who has hosted the show for 11 years and is stepping down to comply with electoral law while pursuing a candidacy for federal deputy from São Paulo. Abravanel, who joined the PSD (Social Democratic Party) in April, is legally prohibited from appearing on television during her campaign.
Both Radicchi and Bomfim are known to Brazilian audiences through their roles in the 2024 novella A Caverna Encantada, and have prior experience with SBT's children's programming, having previously co-hosted episodes of Domingo Animado in 2025 and 2026. Radicchi, 11 years old, made his dramatic debut in A Caverna Encantada and has also appeared in the live-action series TurmaTube - A Primeira Aventura. Bomfim, aged 12, is both an actress and musician-composer who has released songs on digital platforms and provided voice work for children's projects.
The new hosting duo will assume their roles beginning July 4, 2026, as Abravanel concludes her tenure at the end of June. The appointment comes at a time when the program faces audience challenges, with the most recent episode in early June achieving only 1.2 rating points in the Greater São Paulo market. The SBT has tasked the young presenters with revitalizing the program's viewership during their tenure.
Why This Matters
This leadership transition at one of Brazil's longest-running children's programs signals both generational change in broadcast media and the real impact of electoral law on entertainment schedules. The appointment of young hosts with established credentials reflects industry confidence in emerging talent, while the program's declining ratings (1.2 points) underscore the challenge broadcasters face retaining younger audiences in a streaming-dominated media landscape. For viewers and families, the change marks a significant shift in how a familiar weekend ritual will be presented.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2024
WireA Caverna Encantada novella airs; Theo Radicchi and Wallentina Bomfim act in production
Jun 13, 2026
WireLatest Sábado Animado episode achieves 1.2 rating points in Greater São Paulo
Jun 17, 2026
WireSBT announces Theo Radicchi and Wallentina Bomfim as new Sábado Animado hosts at press event
Jun 30, 2026
WireSilvia Abravanel departs from Sábado Animado to comply with electoral law
Jul 4, 2026
WireTheo Radicchi and Wallentina Bomfim assume hosting duties of Sábado Animado