Film

‘Taina’ Star Christina Vidal to Lead ABC’s Latino Family Sitcom ‘United We Fall’

Lead Photo: 'United We Fall' photo by Christopher Willard. Courtesy of ABC
'United We Fall' photo by Christopher Willard. Courtesy of ABC
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For the last year, ABC has been attempting to add more Latino content to their roster, from the series inspired by the music of Selena that was announced as in development last year, to the Mark Consuelos/Kelly Ripa-produced comedy Mr. Sanchez, and the upcoming US-set interpretation of Gran Hotel. At their recent upfront presentation, ABC announced a new addition to their lineup, United We Fall.

The series stars Nuyorican actress Christina Vidal as Jo and Will Sasso as Bill, a couple hoping to make a “functioning family” in the wake of everyday struggles and their own families. Jo comes from a large Latino Catholic family, while Bill’s mother (set to be played by Jane Curtain) doesn’t fail to make her opinions known. All of these different entities will seek to “help” Jo and Bill with their two children.

As of right now United We Fall sounds like a fairly standard sitcom, with the addition of a Latina leading lady. It’s unclear if this will be like One Day at a Time blending humor with social commentary, and the lack of any Latinx writers or directors leaves one to question the nature of authenticity here. However it is great to see Vidal, best known to millennials as Nickelodeon’s Taina, anchor another series. (Want to feel old? It’s been 17 years since Taina was canceled.) Maybe once a trailer is dropped more of the show’s personality will be understood. Right now all that’s been announced is the show’s existence. There’s not even a release date or a place for it on the upcoming ABC schedule, so look for this to be plopped somewhere midseason.

United We Fall has no current release date but looks to be a midseason premiere.