Television networks and streaming services continue the pursuit of a hit Latino show. This remains the trend with the development of a comedy series from veteran TV co-creators David Winsor and Casey Johnson and written by Rob Sudduth. The show, not yet titled, hits close to home for Sudduth as it is loosely based on his life. Born just outside Houston, he is married to Young and the Restless actor Greg Rikaart. Deadline first dropped the news that the show follows a man who returns to his South Texas hometown with husband and son in tow to navigate living at home with his Mexican-American family. The culture shock alone sounds like a breeding ground for comedy gold.
Similar shows have tried to place Latinos in the entertainment zeitgeist – many have failed. Efforts such as the short-lived Cristela on ABC have been placed on the primetime schedule only to be cancelled after their freshman year. Countless others go into development and never see the light of day. The latter, sadly, is more common. Rarely have Latinos seen the popularity of shows like George Lopez (with its 6-season run).
The process of development to air is an arduous one. Generally speaking a show is first pitched to a studio. From there a song and a dance are performed for a network that will then decide if the show is a ‘go.’ However, even green lighting a show isn’t a guarantee it will make air.
There are several types of ‘yeses’ that a network can give. They range from a single pilot order to a straight to series air. In the meantime, notes from the studio, the network, and producers are given. In all actuality what ends up getting shot may be a far cry from what was originally conceived/pitched.
Of course a well-known name or established producer can help keep the initial concept alive if they are attached to any project. This is the case for this latest show under development. Winsor and Johnson have deals with ABC and have Executive Produced shows Don’t Trust the B in Apt 23 and The Real O’Neals. While Rob Sudduth has served as a writer on O’Neals, The New Normal, and the short run Red Band Society, this will be his first EP credit.