- LOPEZ VS LOPEZ
“Lopez vs Lopez” has been a stand-out show for portraying Latino family dynamics with humor that also navigates finding cultural identity in Latino Americans. The series stars real-life father and daughter George and Mayan Lopez, offering a genuine and relatable deception of intergenerational relationships within a Latino household. The series is returning for a third season, which is a significant milestone for television with a Latino cast such as Selenis Leyva, Al Madrigal, and more, and as it continues to provide visibility on mainstream television. Selenis’s role as Rosie is vital for Afro-Latino representation as it highlights the multifaceted identities within Latino communities. Her portrayal brings authenticity and depth to the narrative that enriches the show’s cultural resonance. Bringing Lopez vs Lopez back for another season reinforces the value of diverse storytelling and the impact of mutual experiences reflected on screen. “Lopez vs Lopez” will debut on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
Pictured: (l-r) Mayan Lopez as Mayan, George Lopez as George — (Photo by: Carlos Eric Lopez/NBC)
- DORA
“DORA” has been around for multiple generations and is a groundbreaking show in children’s television. As one of the first animated series to feature a bilingual Latina protagonist, Paramount+ returned with the beloved character and was renewed for a second season on September 13 starring Diana Zermeño and Asher Colton Spence as Dora and Boots, as well as Katheen Herles, the original voice of Dora as Mami! DORA will return with new challenges, tricky obstacles, and explore new fantastical territories. Allowing kids to continue to join the iconic Latina heroine on her journey to meet new friends and help others with inspiring lessons through catchy songs. The second season of “DORA,” the original animated preschool series, will premiere on Friday, Sept. 13, while the first season will make its linear debut Monday, Sept. 16. All 26 episodes of the first season are also available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.
Photo courtesy of Paramount+
- BAD MONKEY
Apple TV+ latest series “Bad Monkey” follows a former detective who was demoted to a restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys. An unusual new case comes across and that may get him back in the department but has to overcome obstacles and one bad monkey. Although the lead star is Vince Vaughn this show offers a diverse cast including Latino talent such as Natalie Martinez, John Ortiz, and more. The show portrays the actors in diverse and dynamic professional roles while still authentically representing Latino culture. Their performances underscore the importance of diverse representation, portraying Latino as complex, skilled professionals who navigate their careers with a similar depth and nuance as their cultural identities. “Bad Monkey” is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Photo courtesy of Apple TV+
Natalie Martinez in “Bad Monkey” now steaming on Apple TV+
- HAPPY’S PLACE
One of NBC’s newest comedies “Happy’s Place” will star the legendary Reba McEntire as Bobbie, who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less thrilled to learn her new business partner is her half-sister, Isabella, portrayed by Belissa Escobedo. Among the cast is another Latino actor, Pablo Castelblanco (“Alaska Daily”), who plays their eccentric yet brilliant accountant. The roles of Belissa and Pablo on “Happy’s Place” will pave the way for more Latino representation in traditional network sitcoms. “Happy’s Place” will debut on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Trae Patton/NBCUniversal
(L-R) Pablo Castelblanco as Steve, Tokala Black Elk as Takoda, Belissa Escobedo as Isabela, Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Reba McEntire as Bobie, Rex Linn as Emmett
