Life in the time of Corona for me has meant trying to find little ways to entertain myself whether through books, television shows, and movies.

Recently, I have been very impressed by the quality of programming that features Latino stars.

One Day at a Time.

This show came onto the scene in 2017. Since then, it has proven itself a modern recreation of the 1980s and 1990s family that I loved growing up. This show is a family sitcom spearheaded by a forty year old woman who lives with her two teenage children and elderly mother. It tackles racism, sexism, anti gay sentiment, colorism (racism based on skin tone), etc.

Gentefied.

This show is A-MA-ZING!!!

Most of the time, I find that shows tend to only show one type of Latino character. But, this show is the exact opposite. It shows Latinos in all of their potential: community leader, community raider, dreamer, developer, oppressor, and oppressed. This story gives a well-rounded view of a community trying to understand itself.

A family owns a taco shop in a Los Angeles neighborhood on the verge of gentrification. The family members that work in the taco shop have other experiences that cause them to see their changing community in a variety of ways. It is brilliant. And, it has hella heart!

Diablero Season Two

I absolutely fell in love with this show during its inaugural season. The show’s premise is that a group of friends living in Mexico City, Mexico are bound together by their true calling, demon fighting. The gritty scenery and fast-moving storyline make this show especially appealing to me. I was a big fan of the Buffy the Vampire Series so this show really appealed to me.

Party of Five (2020 Reboot)

If you have not had the opportunity to do so, watch the first episode of the 2020 reboot of Party of Five.

Like the 1994, the show features a sibling group of five young people left to fend for themselves after their parents are no longer around. Unlike the 1994 show, the 2020 version features a Latino family. The parents are not killed. Rather, they are deported back to Mexico. The children, all US citizens, are left to live in the family home and manage the parents’ restaurant.

I particularly loved this reboot because as an immigration attorney, I have seen versions of this deportation story play out. I strongly encourage you to vies this show.

The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia.

This 2020 Netflix show is the perfect sitcom. It is reminiscent of the 80s and 90s teenage based comedy that I forged my young life.

Ashley Garcia is a teenage genius. She moves to the west coast for a job opportunity after graduating from MIT. She goes to live with an uncle who is a high school teacher and football coach. She engages in high-jinx friendships and potential romance with some of the students at her uncle’s school. It is super cute.

Mr. Iglesias

This show reminds me of Welcome Back, Kotter.

I features stand up comic, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias as a history teacher at a Long Beach high school. He serves as mentor to both students and teachers alike. The show delivers fun one liners and positive lessons.

Of all of the shows I have featured two, only two- Gentefied and Diablero- I would caution you to watch when the children are not around. The other three- Party of Five, Ashley Garcia, and Mr. Iglesias- would be excellent shows for a pizza and tv night with the family.

What shows do you recommend for me to add to my list?