Eva Longoria Developing a Mexican-American Family Comedy Series for ABC
Representation of Latinx families on television remains a rarity with Jane the Virgin and Gentefied being one of the most prominent recent examples and The Brothers Garcia reboot also coming up
Photo: Instagram/@evalongoria
Representation of Latinx families on television remains a rarity with Jane the Virgin and Gentefied being one of the most prominent recent examples and The Brothers Garcia reboot also coming up. Earlier this year there was talk that Eva Longoria would be working on a series reportedly set to be called Brown-ish about a Latinx family which sparked some controversy due to the title. Longoria’s social media team shared with HipLatina that “the other show for ABC is not called Brownish. Don’t know who ever called it that. It’s always been untitled.” Now Deadline confirms that she’s working on a series about a large Mexican-American family in Texas. The multi-generational comedy is about an upper-middle-class family handling grief, identity and a reevaluation of their roles after the death of their patriarch, Deadline reported. Longoria and her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment production company have teamed up with Grace Parra Janney and Josh Bycel to develop a half-hour series for ABC.
“I’ve been a huge fan of Josh’s work since our time together on Telenovela and Grace and I share similar ‘Texican’ backgrounds. At UnbeliEVAble we are always pushing to tell real and authentic stories so I’m particularly proud to share one that is not unlike my own family’s experience,” Longoria said in a statement.
Hulu’s animated comedy Solar Opposites Parra Janney will write and executive produce the show, which is modeled after her own family. Her writing credits also include Star Trek: Lower Decks and Broke, and she has also appeared on Superstore which starred America Ferrera. She recently posted the announcement sharing her excitement about the project.
“An honor, for all the reasons: working with ABC, 20th, Bycel & the legendary @evalongoria. Creating a Mexican-American family for network TV. Paying homage to my own hilarious family and especially my dad, who I miss so much. Thanks to ABC & 20th & my main muse @njanney. Cannot WAIT to bring this one to life!!!”
Longoria is working on several Latinx-centered TV and film projects including making her film directorial debut in Flamin’ Hot about Richard Montañez credited with being the inventor of Hot Cheetos. She’s also directing The Gordita Chronicles loosely based on the life of show writer Claudia Forestieri for HBO Max.
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“The lack of representation and diversity in Hollywood continues to be a major focus, rightfully so, and I’m so honored to be a part of the change,” Longoria wrote in an Instagram post announcing her role as director of The Gordita Chronicles.
The new series will air on ABC and is still in development with no release date announced yet.
