Cierra Ramirez
Jake T. Austin
We’ve been making some noise recently about the large number of pilots all over the place–at broadcast networks and cable alike–that feature Latinos in starring roles and even, with happy frequency, engage Latino culture and themes. But so far it’s been all about the pilots, not about new shows.
Joanna Johnson
Now ABC Family has made the first move, greenlighting The Fosters for a slot on its summer schedule. Jennifer Lopez exec-produces this hour-long drama about “a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids raised by two mothers.” Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place) and Cierra Ramirez (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) join Teri Polo (Meet the Parents), Hayden Bryerly (Parenthood) and others. Lopez and her partners are clearly serious about the ‘mixed’ thing: they’ve recently hired actress (Bold and the Beautiful)/writer/producer (Hope and Faith, Make It Or Break It) Joanna Johnson as show-runner, even before the official pick-up. Johnson made some headlines of her own last year when she publicly came out as a lesbian with a wife and two children,
ABC Family’s high on the show, and fast-tracking the premiere. Production begins in the spring, with a summer 2013 release already in the works.
