More Disney surprises with the announcement that Disney-ABC and Univision will be partnering on the U.S. Hispanic version of Desperate Housewives. Yes…it will be coming to Univision affiliates near you next season. Production is said to begin in July in Argentina by Pol-ka Produtions in Buenos Aires and will be titled “Amas de Casa Desesperadas” and are expected to cast the remake with high-profile Latin American and U.S. Hispanic actors. Wisteria Lane will never be the same…that I know.
This move, I believe, is promoted by the increasing pressure on Univision to free itself from the Televisa content-addiction. Much like the U.S.’s dependency on foreign oil, tensions between the two broadcasting giants came to a head last summer when Televisa lost its bid to purchase Univision.
In a trial set for October 30th, Univision could lose access to its primary provider of telenovelas that have helped keep the broadcasting giant on top. Licensing agreement expires in 2017, but Univision’s only other attempt at producing original programming was the ill-fated telenovela “Te amare en silencio,” which former Univision chairman and CEO Jerrold Perenchio produced through his own production company. Can you say Halliburton?
No, not on a raft under the Biscayne Bay Bridge. These Cubans are rich and coming to CBS’s Prime Time in a new show called Cane. A drama about a well-to-do Cuban-American family torn by “male tension” as its sugar and rum businesses are passed down to the next generation, is part of the new fall schedule presented at the upfront in NYC last week.
With Miami as its backdrop, the show has a star-studded Latino cast — including Jimmy Smits, Rita Moreno, Hector Elizondo, Nestor Carbonell and Miami local Paola Turbay — and executive producer Jonathan Prince says that the script will be as exceptional.
“Buenas Tardes” Every Monday, five families begin a 5-day competition to win a cash prize to fulfill their own special dream! (Monday – Friday, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.)
“Clásicos de Control” A cutting-edge magazine show that reports on the topics that interest today’s young Hispanics – from fashion and fitness to romance and celebrities. Vivacious host Karla Martinez often takes the show to the streets to interact with fans and bring unexpected fun and games to the already lively show. (Monday – Friday, 3:02 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET/PT)
“Noticiero con Lolita Ayala” The day’s top headlines, broadcast live with an emphasis on news from Mexico make this 30-minute show a mid-afternoon must-see tradition. (Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Once again, Disney had a surprise for the Hispanic market this week when they announced (just in time for the upfront) that GLo. would not be returning for an 8th season. And the high profile Hispanic sitcom star is not sitting around and laughing about it.
Tuesday, ABC President Steve McPherson announced that the network’s fall schedule would no longer be home to “The George Lopez Show,” a G-rated family show starring the stand-up comedian as “a guy who has made lemonade from lemons at every turn.” Four new sitcoms are on the horizon at ABC, including “Cavemen,” inspired by the Geico insurance spokes-Neanderthal.
“We’re heading into the new season with a strong lineup of returning shows that we’ve developed and nurtured over the past few years,” McPherson said in a release. “… We’re dedicated to working hard week after week to deliver the best stories and most memorable characters on TV.” Ratings and cost have been cited in the decision to axe “The George Lopez Show,” which is produced by Warner Bros. Television.
Oh, the Sweet Scent of Success - After a disappointing start, Telemundo’s 7PM telenovela - “Dame Chocolate” - has gained strength in the time slot and last week saw its strongest ratings since its debut the week of March 5th and averaged a 6.2/11 for the week of April 30. The telenovela starring Carlos Ponce and Genesis Rodríguez features a level of product integration not seen in the Hispanic market. In fact, it almost prostitutes itself as much as American Idol. But I say good for you Telemundo!
This blog was developed to discuss issues affecting Hispanic marketing today. It is also intended to offer a fresh perspective different from the scripted media coverage currently being offered in the industry.
