What started as just a week for the Latin and Hispanic communities in America transformed into a month-long celebration in 1989. Besides learning about Hispanic and Latin culture and traditions, a great way to show appreciation for the Latinx and hispanic communities is to recognize the many talented professionals in the film and television world.
With Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, it's a perfect time to turn the spotlight on the incredibly talented Latinx and Hispanic actors doing amazing work in the world of television.
Updated On October 4th, 2022 by Danielle Bruncati: While the Latinx and Hispanic communities make up a large portion of the United States population, these communities are still severely underrepresented in television. And when they are represented, their shows often don't get enough media coverage and wind up being canceled. With October marking the beginning of Latinx and Hispanic heritage month, now is the perfect time to watch some of the greatest Latinx and Hispanic shows and prove to Hollywood that audiences do want to see these types of stories on TV.
One Day At A Time (2017-2020)
Rita Moreno, Justina Machado, Isabella Gomez, and Marcel Ruiz
- Available On Netflix
A remake of the beloved Norman Leer show, the 2017 version of One Day At A Time centers on the Cuban-American Alvarez family. Co-created by Gloria Calderón Kellett, a first generation Cuban-American, the series is infused with Cuban culture from dialogue and storylines to set pieces and wardrobe choices. It also tackled important issues like racism, discussions of sexuality and gender identity, and even colorism within the Latinx community.
The entire Alvarez family is composed of Latinx actors who hail from different backgrounds, Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, and Marcel Ruiz are all Puerto Rican while Isabella Gomez's heritage has roots in Colombia.
Gordita Chronicles (2022)
Olivia Goncalves, Juan Javier Cardenas, Diana Maria Riva, Savannah Nicole Ruiz, & Noah Rico
- Available On HBO Max
Gordita Chronicles has unfortunately ed the ranks of shows canceled after one season, but it is still beloved by many fans who fell in love with the family sitcom set in the 80s. The series centers on the Dominican Castelli family who are moving to Miami, Florida after their father got a promotion at work.
Based on creator Claudia Forestieri's real-life, Gordita Chronicles offers an authentic look at what it was like being Latinx in Miami in the 80s when people were a little less welcoming. The show also boasts an majority Latinx cast, including proud Cuban and Puerto Rican actor Juan Javier Cardenas as Victor, the family's patriarch, and newcomer Olivia Goncalves who is of Dominican Republic descent.
Diary Of A Future President (2020-2021)
Tess Romero, Selenis Leyva, Jessica Marie Garcia
- Available On Disney+
Diary Of A Future President was one of Disney+ first original shows to hit the streaming service and features a primarily Latinx cast from various backgrounds. It centers on Elena, a Cuban American teenager, who is trying to find her place in middle school and ends up growing up to be the President of the United States.
The series explores what it's like for Elena and her brother Bobby growing up as Cuban-Americans in the modern world. This manifests in different ways but one of the most hard hitting episodes involves Bobby being annoyed that the tilde over the n in his last name is constantly left off.
Gentefied (2020-2022)
Joaquín Cosío, J.J. Soria, Karrie Martin Lachney, Carlos Santos, & Many More
- Available On Netflix
canceled too soon in 2022. The dramedy followed three Mexican-American cousins who are trying to chase their own dreams while also helping their beloved grandfather keep their family's taco shop afloat in their changing community.
Brilliant Mexican actor, Joaquín Cosío, anchors the cast playing Pops but the rest of the young cast is also comprised of talented Latinx actors. In addition to its excellent authentic casting, the series really explores the negative affects of gentrification, tackles what happens when Latinx individuals are raised outside of their communities, and even takes on deportation.
Vida (2018-2020)
Mishel Prada, Melissa Barrera, Ser Anzoategui, & Many More
- Available On Hulu
Inspired by the short story, "Pour Vida," Vida centers on two estranged Mexican-American sisters who reconnect after a death in their family causes them to uncover some big family secrets.
Vida stars Dominican/Puerto Rican actor Mishel Prada and Mexican actor Melissa Barrera as the two sisters. The show has been hailed for being "unapologetically Latinx," never shying away from using specific Spanish words without translating them for English-speaking audiences and exploring uncommon Mexican folklore.
You're The Worst (2014-2019)
Desmin Borges as Edgar Quintero
- Available On Hulu
Borges plays Edgar Quintero on the show. He's the over-accommodating best friend of writer Jimmy Shive-Overly, a talented home cook and an aspiring comedy writer and actor. Additionally, Edgar's character is a war veteran and goes through intense paranoia and anxiety attacks caused by his PTSD. Borges does an impeccable job of portraying the real-life problems that veterans face today, as well as navigating the tricky waters of toxic friendships and what they mean for people.
Superstore (2015-2021)
America Ferrara as Amy Sosa
- Available On Hulu
The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants actor America Ferrara's most recent TV role has been on NBC's funny break room conversations at the Superstore. Ferrara's been nominated for four awards for her role on the show and won the Gracie Award for Leading Actress.
Amy is a woman who worked hard and was very successful in her field and in motherhood. She rose through the ranks at the store and even became store manager and Director of Customer Experience. From the beginning she advocates against Latinx stereotyping by refusing to work a salsa stand, highlighting the micro aggressions that people of different ethnicities can face in the workplace.
Brooklyn 99 (2013-2021)
Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz
- Available On Peacock
Rosa Diaz is the tough-as-nails, emotionally distant cop full of sarcastic jokes and clever insults. While she has a spiky exterior, Rosa is also an incredibly loyal best friend who cares deeply for the people in her life. She routinely puts herself in danger to help others and is even caught in the middle of a police hostage shootout.
As the show transitioned into its final season during the summer of 2021, the writers were aware of the social issues surrounding police brutality. Rosa's character, consequently, decided to quit the police force as a statement in response to violence against POC and Latinx communities. She, instead, works as a private investigator and tries to get justice for families and individuals affected by police violence.
Magnum, P.I. (2018-2021)
Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum
- Available To Rent On Apple TV
In the 2018 remake of the 1980 original, Hernandez plays the titular character. In the original series, with Tom Selleck playing the lead, Magnum lives a lavish life as a private investigator living in the guest house of Robin Masters, an unseen wealthy author.
In the reboot, Magnum is a former Navy Seal who then becomes a private investigator in Hawaii. The show makes several diversity changes to the original casting, including Hernandez as the lead, a woman in the role of Higgins, and showcasing the experiences of veterans.
