The Best TV Shows of 2012
Despite being part of the fastest growing demographic in the nation, bi-cultural, bilingual Latinos are still barely present in mainstream television (at least, in a way that doesn’t offend with crude stereotypes…), and there is also very little programming that reaches out to and authentically reflects their experiences. As our friends Latino Rebels lamented in October, “where is the Latin American ‘Mad Men?'” Where is our ‘Cosby Show’?
Nonetheless, in 2012 it seems like television networks finally started to realize the revenue potential of reaching the U.S. Latino audience: Latino-centric cable channel NuvoTV raised $40 million from investors to produce a new lineup of English-language programming; Jennifer Lopez, Emilio Estefan, and Ricky Martin reportedly are developing their own Latino-oriented programming; and MundoFox, a joint venture between News Corp’s Fox International Channels and Colombian broadcaster RCN Television, formally launched in August. I am cautiously hopeful that these new ventures will result in exciting, culturally relevant programming in the coming year. In the meantime, here were some of my favorite Latino shows (or shows that feature Latinos) of 2012:
Modern Family
Now in its third season, the critical consensus remains that Modern Family’s quick-witted comedy is hilarious as ever. There is less consensus, however, on Sofia Vergara’s boisterous, sexy depiction of character ‘Gloria Delgado.’ Some have criticized the character for perpetuating stereotypes about Latinas – namely that we are all sassy, ditzy, loud, and overtly sexual. I think this would be more of an issue if the rest of the characters on the show were well-rounded and subtly drawn – but the truth is Modern Family pokes fun at a wide range of stereotypes (the Cam character, for example, seems like a send-up of the stereotypical flamboyant gay man; the Jay character often mocks the conservative outlook of old white men.) While I do want to see more well-rounded Latino characters on TV, ultimately I can’t deny Vergara’s comedic talent.
Pequeños Gigantes
Okay, I am obsessed with this show and I’m not ashamed to say it. What is more delightful than sassy, precocious children in a talent competition? Nothing. The answer is nothing. Is it potentially creating the child star casualties of the future? Mayhap. But it’s so entertaining that I just don’t care. I mean, JUST LOOK AT THIS CHILD:
Latino 101
This original Nuvo TV comedy series is a step in the right direction. The format is reminiscent of Vh1’s hilarious “Best Week Ever” – a group of comedians and celebrities, including the legendary Charo, are give you their take on all things Latino – from “Non-Latino Things Latinos Love” to “How to Sell Out.” Sure, they on occasion exploit stereotypes for comedic purposes, but they do it in a self-aware way that feels more like an inside joke than anything else. As their intro disclaimer says (read by a heavily accented man, by the way):
“The views and commentaries expressed on the following program may not reflect your opinions, views, ideas, perspectives, beliefs, attitudes, philosophies, or impressions regarding the stereotypical representation of Latinos. As a matter of fact, we find some of this content offensive ourselves.”
La Que No Podía Amar
It wouldn’t be a year in television without a cheesy telenovela to get addicted to. The plot is pretty much what you’d expect: beautiful heroine Ana Paula fights to set herself free from her powerful and short-tempered husband Rogelio, whom she met while working at the Hacienda del Fuerte. She finally decides to quit and meets Gustavo, a young handsome engineer who rescues her from an accident. They fall in love but a cruel twist of fate soon tears them apart. Trials, tribulations, beautiful people, drama – all the ingredients necessary for great guilty pleasure TV. Plus endless fodder for things to talk about with your grandma on the phone. Or maybe that’s just me….
Louie (FX)
Back in 2011, Louie C.K. surprised many, including us by informing the public that he is, in fact, Mexican. Louis C.K. was born in Washington D.C. to an Irish mother and Mexican father. The family moved to Mexico City, where he lived until the age of seven. His first language is Spanish, and he retains his Mexican citizenship! Anyway, this season of his dark comedy Louie was great. More so than the previous seasons, it was marked by amazing guest stars – including Parker Posey and Melissa Leo, who killed it as Louie’s bookish, possibly bananas date and a forceful, potty-mouthed blind dater respectively. The strange, dreamlike finale confirmed the show’s reputation as TV’s most forward-thinking sitcom.