By Bel Hernandez

Lopez vs. Lopez NBC Series Order; Sabado Gigante Docu Series Coming

Yesterday, May 11, NBC announced that they had picked up the multi-camera comedy Lopez Vs. Lopez to series.

George Lopez and his daughter Mayan Lopez (Mr. Troop Mom) star in the comedy about a dysfunctional working-class family reconnecting embracing all the pain and joy that comes with it.

In addition to the Lopez duo, series regulars include Selenis Leyva (Orange is the New Black), Matt Shively (American Housewife) and six year old TikTok influencer Brice Gonzalez (Flamin’ Hot).  

Leyva plays Mayan’s mother Rosie and George’s ex-wife.  Her character is a self-proclaimed “best” insurance agent in town.  Six year old Gonzalez is Chance, Mayan and Quinten’s (Shively) five-year-old son and George’s favorite “grandchild”. 

On May 11 when the show was ordered to series, it was George who took to social media to post on Instagram. Today was a good…GREAT DAY!!!! @mayanlopez WE GOT A SHOW MIJA!!! Get read for LIGHTS CAMERA.  

Salvadoran-American writer Debby Wolfe came up with the idea for the series.  She took it to Bruce Helford (The Connor) who in turn put her in touch with George and Mayan.

Back in October 2021 when NBC ordered the pilot Mayan took to Instagram to say how thrilled at working with her dad, “I have always dreamed about working side by side with dad @georgelopez and now we get to bring our story, dysfunction, and laughter to the screen.”

Helford through his Mohawk Productions banner and Wolfe through her Mi Vida Loba production company are executive producing along with George Lopez’s Travieso Productions. Mayan is on board as a producer.

Don Francisco Sábado Gigante Docuseries

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado filmmakers Alex Fumero and Kareem Tabsch are partnering up with Mario Kreutzberger AKA Don Francisco to produce a docuseries about his popular Spanish-Language variety show, Sabado Gigante. The Disney’s Onyx Collective has greenlit the four-part limited docuseries entitled Gigante which will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories at a future date.

No, it will not be a remake of the weekend variety show which aired in the U.S. on Univision for 53 years, making it the longest-running variety series in world history, still to date. The producers will focus the docuseries on the political and cultural impact the show hosted by Chilean host Kreutzberger and loved by millions around the world.

The variety show was an amalgamation of celebrity performances, scantily clad women, games, and human interest interviews. Celebrities who appeared throughout the year include Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Prince Royce. A young Enrique Iglesias launched his singing career on Sabado Gigante. When a very young Marc Anthony appeared on the show, Don Francisco surprised him by having his dad, who Marc had not seen in a while, show up and both sang a song written by his dad

During its run, among the awards the show garnered were, on the highest order, an Emmy Award and the Papal Benemerenti Medal from Pope Juan Pablo II were bestowed to Sabado Gigante.

Young Rock Gets a 2nd Season

I saw it for the first time last week and I loved it! Now that Young Rock has been picked up for a 2nd season by NBC, I will tune in for more.

Inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s life the show revolves loosely around his young life and his athletic life.  Family love abounds in this series and Young Rock is ready to live life to the fullest,and takes advantage of all the love and help he can get from his family.  It is a fast roller coaster ride as the story delves into Young Rock’s pro wrestling adventure to his football life at the University of Miami.   

Congratulations to the executive producers Nahnatchka Khan, Dwayne Johnson, Jeff Chiang, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Jennifer Carreras and the cast. Adrian Groulx who plays Dwayne Johnson at 10 years old; Bradley Constant who plays Johnson at age 15; and Uli Latufeku at age 21.

I guess being NBC’s #1 primetime comedy in the 18-49 demo (L+7) is key to getting a series renewed.

Catch up on season 1 of Young Rock episodes on Peacock