Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' Pickup Stirs Old Problems
Controversies that died when ABC passed on the show have been rekindled
Those who breathed a sigh of relief when ABC passed on the soap "Devious Maids" back in May, have once again been riled up. Lifetime announced it will pick up the sudser, which will be is executive produced by "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry and his former star, Eva Longoria.
Bing: More on 'Devious Maids' | Lifetime's deal with ABC for 'Devious Maids'
But just as it did when ABC first considered the drama, "Devious Maids" is drawing ire and criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Latinas.
In case you haven't been following the story, Ana Ortiz ("Ugly Betty"), Judy Reyes ("Scrubs"), Dania Ramirez ("Heroes" and "Entourage") and Roselyn Sanchez ("Without a Trace") will star as four Latina maids who aspire for greater lives and do whatever it takes to get there. "Devious Maids" is based on the popular Mexican telenovela "The Disorderly Maids of the Neighborhood."
Plus: Prime-time soaps: Then and now | Also: Summer reality TV | Here comes the pride
While Longoria has defended the show and its ability to diversify TV and employ four amazing Latino actresses, others have knocked the show and the actress.
"Latinas are reflected in the medical and legal professions, run major corporations and huge nonprofit organizations, and excel in a variety of fields ranging from education to academia to media to law enforcement," wrote Ruben Navarrette, of The San Diego Union Tribune. "Longoria said it herself. In her view, anyone who casts Latinas as maids is just being 'realistic.' We can do better.
"Latinos represent 16 percent of the U.S. population, on their way to an estimated 25 percent by 2040. Yet, according to data obtained by the Screen Actors Guild, Latinos only get about 4 percent of television roles. And this includes guest appearances where a character has only one line. It's pathetic."
Attempts to get a quote from Lifetime regarding the controversy have so far gone unanswered. If they do release a statement, we'll let you know.
In the meantime, who's right? Is it better to have Latina actresses play maids and get work or is it only good when these same actresses play cops and judges?
"Devious Maids" premieres in 2013 on Lifetime.
Love is not how much you say “I love u”, but how can you prove that is true! I am a sexy dancer rich but still single ... now I am seeking a good man who can give me true love and friendships here, not just love my money, so i upload my photo on ~~wе α l t h ŷchαt~~under the name KristinElyse. It is a prefect Millionαire club for seeking CEOs, pro athletes, doctors, lawyers, investors, entrepreneurs, beauty queens, fitness models, and Hollywood celebrities.if you are my soul mate, check it out find me or your love.
atinos represent 16 percent of the U.S. population, on their way to an estimated 25 percent by 2040. Yet, according to data obtained by the Screen Actors Guild, Latinos only get about 4 percent of television roles. And this includes guest appearances where a character has only one line. It's pathetic.
primetime tonight
tv news
- A&E cancels 'Intervention'
- Vin Diesel talks pot, steroids and Facebook in bizarre 'Tonight Show' interview
- 'S.W.A.T.' star Steve Forrest dies at 87
- Lea Michele has book scheduled for 2014 release
- McCain: It's common sense that consumers should choose their cable channels
- Billy Crystal pilot 'The Comedians' gets order from FX
- Emma Roberts to join 'American Horror Story' for Season 3
- 'Bad Teacher' series gets late pickup from CBS
- 'Fashion Police' strike: Both sides dig in on eve of rally
- 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star Tamra Barney lands spin-off
meet the bloggers
Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.
Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
