'Lopez vs. Lopez' Is Debunking The Idea That All Latinos Are The Same

Mayan Lopez had to twerk the truth.

In August 2020, the up-and-coming comedy star posted a video reaction on TikTok with the truth about her parents’ divorce. While upside down and popping her booty to the music, she revealed that her parents — comedy icon George Lopez and producer Ann Serrano — ended their marriage because George cheated.

When Mayan posted the lighthearted video, she never expected it to catch the attention of director Debby Wolfe. Two years later, Mayan’s TikTok became the basis of hit NBC sitcom “Lopez vs. Lopez,” in which an estranged father and daughter reunite under one roof.

“Lopez vs. Lopez” is equal parts comedy and poignant commentary on the complexities of family, as the Lopezes learn how to forgive each other for the past. The series tackles not only stigmatized topics in the Latinx community like mental health and therapy, but also navigates discussions regarding racism and cultural appropriation in ways that are approachable for a broader audience.

“I really want ‘Lopez vs Lopez’ to not only be accessible and relatable to everybody, but I see it as a love letter to the Latinx community and these issues that don’t always get the spotlight in television and media,” Mayan tells HuffPost. “I always want people to watch this show and to be able to look at their family next to each other and start a conversation.”

“Lopez vs. Lopez” is also the only Latino-led show on prime-time TV. Wolfe is the first Latina to be the co-creator and showrunner of a network sitcom, her reps confirm. And she is one of only two Latinas to ever have a sitcom on network television.

“It’s kind of crazy because it’s 2024,” Wolfe says. “It’s really disheartening to see so many great Latine shows not getting the chance