According to Deadline, Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez, is developing two Latino led productions at CBS and The CW, the latter being where her show currently airs. Her production company, I Can & I Will Productions, will be developing both projects and honestly…we couldn’t be prouder!
Rodriguez is using her voice and her stardom to open doors for other Latino actors, writers, and producers. Better yet, she’s telling stories you seldom hear about or see on TV, but that are essential to understanding real life issues like DACA.
The CW project, titled “Illegal,” is going to be an hour long dramedy about a teenager who learns that despite the life he’s lived in the US, his family is undocumented. The show is based on the real life experiences of writer and co-executive producer Rafael Agustin, who grew up in America and didn’t find out until high school that like his parents, he was undocumented.
“Have Mercy,” the CBS project, is based on the German format of “Dr. Illegal.” It tells the story of a Latina doctor who immigrates to Miami but cannot practice in the US. She finds work but feels unsatisfied with what she’s doing. This doctor then risks it all when she opens an illegal clinic to help her community and the people in it.
I Can and I Will Productions are telling stories about underrepresented voices from underrepresented voices. That distinction alone makes these stories worth checking out and supporting when they come out.
Are you excited for these series? Are Latino and immigrant stories something you think we need more of? Let us know in the comments below!
