Latinx Household TV Present Gordita Chronicles Will get Canceled

Once I first noticed Latino Filmmakers Network‘s Instagram submit of “Gordita Chronicles”‘s cancellation on HBO Max, I used to be upset however not shocked. In 2022, Latinx exhibits proceed to get canceled at a price that makes it onerous to not take personally. If a critically acclaimed household sitcom with an ideal Rotten Tomatoes ranking could not survive the curse of the Hollywood Latinx household TV present, what can? Many believed this was the one. Because the cancellation was introduced, the general public’s passionate outrage has manifested right into a full-on #SaveGorditaChronicles digital marketing campaign with the hope that one other community picks up the beloved present. As LFN stated, “We wish to see what occurs within the 2nd season. Any person decide it up!”

On Friday, an HBO Max consultant acknowledged the present’s essential acclaim and dependable following. They praised creator Claudia Forestieri and government producers Eva Longoria and Zoe Saldana for making a “heartfelt, groundbreaking show that connected deeply with a very important demographic” and confirmed that live-action youngsters and household programming wouldn’t be part of HBO Max’s speedy focus. This can be a direct results of the Discovery and WarnerMedia merger. The mixed firm, Warner Bros Discovery Inc., not too long ago drew criticism when it unveiled its board of administrators and failed to incorporate a Latinx board member. The premium community has undergone a number of modifications because the merger was finalized earlier this yr, marking a quiet however certain shift in US tv.

“Boy Meets World”‘s longtime author and Emmy-winner Mark Blutman agrees. By a set of tweets, he confirmed assist for “Gordita Chronicles,” recognizing it as a beautiful household present of high quality and expressing his disappointment over the shock cancellation. He additionally shared his ideas on the state of Hollywood, stating that his ’90s hit sitcom and different widespread exhibits like “Full Home” and “Household Issues” wouldn’t be made on this present local weather. You would say that “Gordita Chronicles” is simply one other casualty on this ever-evolving trade, however that is merely not a good evaluation.

As a Latina government producer and creator, Forestieri’s profession and private journey are unparalleled. Regardless of the hardships that Latinx filmmakers face in Hollywood, she made the unattainable occur by teaming up with powerhouses Longoria and Saldana. Collectively, they created a wise, loving story of adolescence and immigration with center schooler and proud Dominican protagonist Cucu “Gordita” Castelli on the helm. Performed brilliantly by Olivia Goncalves, it is Cucu’s daring spirit and perception in herself that encourage each her TV household and audiences at house.

That is why this cancellation cuts so deep for the Latinx group. We lastly had a healthful household present that we might watch with your complete household, from abuelita to the youngest in the home. One the place anybody might discover a sense of belonging, particularly younger chubby Latinx women who hardly see themselves represented in a constructive mild on TV. It is a true celebration of the immigrant expertise, encouraging us to be happy with our tradition. For US millennial Latinxs, it is a breath of recent air, nostalgic of each the ’90s TGIF lineup and novela nights with la familia. “Gordita Chronicles” is undoubtedly a present for everybody, however at its core, it is a love letter to Dominicans and immigrants in all places.

“Gordita Chronicles” is not like any story now we have seen on TV earlier than, and its authenticity didn’t go unnoticed — in response to Whip Media, it at the moment holds the fourth highest binge price of all streaming collection in 2022 and ranks because the seventh most-watched comedy collection amongst all comedy collection launched within the US throughout all networks in 2022, proving {that a} present by us, for us, is the very best recipe for fulfillment.

As “Jane the Virgin” author and Los Angeles Latino Worldwide Movie Pageant CEO Rafael Agustin stated in a latest tweet, “Gordita Chronicles was better reviewed and outperformed many enormous HBO Max properties. . . . Claudia Forestieri & these writers wrote their hearts out.” The numbers communicate for themselves, and even HBO acknowledges the ability of its rising fanbase, but solely 37 days after it premiered, it was the primary to get the ax. We have been right here earlier than.

When Netflix introduced the cancellation of the critically acclaimed present “One Day at a Time,” followers of the Latinx household present could not imagine it. With award-winning Latina Gloria Calderón Kellett co-showrunning, the reimagining of the basic Norman Lear sitcom with a Cuban American household was finally picked up by Pop TV; followers know the way that ended. “Gentefied,” a present that spoke to many, was created by the good duo of Linda Yvette Chávez and Marvin Lemus and government produced by America Ferrera. With a majority-Latinx writing room and a proficient solid, the present was acclaimed by each critics and followers for its genuine Mexican American narratives, however Netflix canceled the comedy-drama after solely two seasons.

“The Baker and the Magnificence,” “Diary of a Future President,” and “Mr. Iglesias” have all been canceled in recent times. Why are Latinx exhibits not being valued? As a result of we’re not in command of our personal tales. The latest Hollywood Diversity Report from the College of California, Los Angeles and printed by Ana-Christina Ramón, PhD, exhibits that Latinxs are underrepresented each in entrance and behind the digital camera. It isn’t low viewership or an absence of rave evaluations which are getting Latinx exhibits canceled; it is the gatekeepers and legacy establishments. We should proceed to carry Hollywood accountable and keep united in that mission.

We maintain the ability to interrupt this man-made Hollywood curse, however we should come collectively. We’ve to prioritize supporting Hollywood establishments made by us and for us, just like the Latino Filmmakers Network, created by Maylen Calienes, and Avenida Productions, created by Fanny Véliz Grande, each Hollywood veterans who’ve supported unbiased Latinx creatives for years. The fostering of group on social media for “Gordita Chronicles” is inspiring — Cucu is unequivocally uniting la cultura within the battle to #SaveGorditaChronicles. That alone is deserving of a second season.