Cristela is an Upbeat Sitcom for the Whole Family

Cristela Alonzo’s self-titled sitcom brings positive family comedy back to TV. After six years in law school, Cristela finally lands an upaid internship at a prestigious law firm. But the sunny Latina must cope with clueless and often biased co-workers at the firm, as well as deal with her family at home: sister Daniela (who wants her to get a “real job”), grouchy brother-in-law Felix (who is tired of Cristela’s freeloading), and mother Natalia (who wants her to get married and have children). At a Paley Center panel, the show’s creator and star, Cristela Alonzo, stated that she was inspired by such past programs as Mary Tyler Moore, The Cosby Show, and Roseanne, to create a family sitcom with a positive outlook. In this, she has definitely succeeded. In this tremendously upbeat program, Cristela faces down her co-workers’ ignorance of Latino life with humanity and humor, while at home she handles her family’s attitudes with the same sunny yet sarcastic comedy. Devoid of sexual themes or profanity, Cristela is another solid home run in ABC’s lineup of family comedies. Cristela premieres Friday, October 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Take a look yourself and tell us what you think in our comments below!