First TelevisaUnivision Upfront Touts Streaming, Sofia Vergara Project And Selena Special For 2022-23

At TelevisaUnivision’s first post merger Upfront, the combined Spanish-language media and content company showcased its 2022-23 programming slate, continuing growth and investments in streaming, reinforcing “the unique value proposition” of its ViX two-tiered global Spanish-language digital platform. The company recently launched the ad-supported tier and has yet to make its premium tier available to the public.

Pierluigi Gazzolo, President and Chief Transformation Officer at TelevisaUnivision emphasized that “ViX is not a repurposing of our TV offering. We are investing a significant amount of incremental dollars in content and sports rights above and beyond our networks. It’s more original content en español than anyone else – no matter what.”

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As part of its strategy to generate more buzz, TelevisaUnivision has signed deals with a lot of celebrities to produce original content. Today, they added a new one to its talent roster: actress, producer and entrepreneur Sofia Vergara, who will create and star in the new original animated Koati, The Series, based on the family film that premiered last year. The kid-friendly series will land on ViX.

Vergara joins the ranks of celebrity creators and writers Eugenio Derbez, Salma Hayek, Mario Vargas Llosa and Selena Gomez. who are among those who signed deals to develop exclusive content for ViX and ViX+.

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But it’s not all about streaming for the new season. Luis Silberwasser, President of Univision Television Networks, shared that their TV networks have seen a 7% ratings growth during the past season to date.

“We believe in the power of linear TV and that is why today we are announcing new scripted and entertainment formats, new music tentpoles, and new soccer rights to fuel even more growth,” stated Silberwasser, who highlighted Por Siempre Selena, a two-hour live music special honoring the music of Selena Quintanilla, one of the most iconic Latina recording artists, in addition to renewing multi-year media rights partnership with Concacaf, which grants the network the exclusive Spanish language broadcast rights for future editions of Gold Cup in the U.S.

Also among the new announcements, Enamorándonos, La Isla spinoff of reality show Enamorándonos, hosted by actor, singer and TV host Carlos Ponce and journalist Karina Banda. It will follow 16 participants brought to an island on the South Coast of Turkey to find their mate. The show will be available in the U.S. and Latin America.

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Here’s the Univision Television Networks 2022-23 Content Lineup:

SERIES

Corona de Lágrimas 2 (Crown of Tears 2) – Sequel to Corona de Lágrimas. The stars from the original version returning for the second part include Victoria Ruffo, Jose Maria Torre, Alejandro Nones, Maribel Guardia, and Ernesto Laguardia. “Corona de Lágrimas 2” was produced by Jose Alberto “El Guero” Castro. (Primetime – Univision).

Perdona Nuestros Pecados (Forgive Our Sins) – The story follows the life of Elsa, daughter of the wealthiest and most violent man in the town of San Juan, who will never allow her to marry the man she loves, whom he deems unworthy. The lovers run away, but circumstances will force them apart. (Primetime – Univision).

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La Herencia (The Heritage) – The passing of a successful avocado farm patriarch will drastically change his children’s lives when a beautiful young woman claims to be their unknown sister. The star-studded cast includes Michelle Renaud, Matías Novoa, and Daniel Elbittar. Produced by multi-award-winning producer Juan Osorio. (Primetime – Univision).

Vencer la Ausencia (Overcome the Absence) – Following the success of Vencer el Miedo (Overcoming Fear), Vencer el Desamor (Overcoming Heartbreak), and Vencer el Pasado (Overcoming the Past), Vencer la Ausencia brings another story about women who face a significant loss in their lives. Starring Mayrin Villanueva, Ariadne Diaz, Alejandra Barros and Maria Perroni, the story is produced by Rosy Ocampo. (Primetime – Univision).

Primero Tu (You First) – Love story between a famous artist fallen from grace and a talented young woman who aspires to fame.

Mujer de Nadie (No Man’s Wife) – A hard-working woman is determined to overcome the betrayal she has suffered by the men closest to her. Underestimated by her beauty and gender, Nora will face those who belittled her and fight to take back what is hers, including the man she loved. Livia Brito and Marcus Ornellas headline the A-list cast. (Primetime – Univision).

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La Madrastra (The Stepmother) – The story features the return of telenovela superstar Aracely Arámbula in this remake. After serving a 20-year sentence for a murder she did not commit, María wants to see her children again, but they think she is dead. She will then embark on a mission to prove her innocence. The star-studded cast includes acclaimed actor Andrés Palacios. (Primetime – Univision).

La Desalmada 2 (The Fiend 2) – Sequel that centers on the life of Fernanda Linares, who, after avenging her husband’s murder, focuses on regaining her husband’s trust. (Primetime – Univision).

Gloria Trevi – This is the story of singer and actress Gloria Trevi. From her childhood and rise to stardom and the scandals that came with it, fans will get a closer look at the superstar’s life. (Primetime – Univision).

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Muero por Lola (I’d Die for Lola) – Lola, an extroverted secretary from Spain who lives in Mexico City, becomes the co-owner of a funeral home, who becomes foster mother to Iker, an orphaned, troubled teenager who is apparently unbeatable when dealing with everyone except Lola. (Primetime – Univision).

LIVE PROGRAMMING¿Quién es La Máscara? Season 3 (The Masked Singer) – This singing reality franchise returns to Univision for a third consecutive season. Well-known celebrities take the stage disguised in elaborate costumes and perform before a panel that judges the performance without knowing who the artist is, and try to decipher who is behind the disguise.

El Retador (The Challenger) – The new reality competition seeks winners in three disciplines – singing, dancing, and impersonating – and will feature contestants of all ages. Fans will have the power to decide who the ultimate winner is.

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Mira Quién Baila (Look Who’s Dancing) – Reality dance competition that pairs a group of celebrities with professional dancers. The winner receives a grand prize donated to the charity of their choice.

Tu Cara Me Suena (Your Face Sounds Familiar) – The hit international competition featuring celebrities impersonating musical icons returns.

De Noche Pero Sin Sueño (Sleepless at Night) – Late-night show featuring top talent in music, movies, and TV, as well as the most important digital content creators in culture.

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Por Siempre: Selena (Selena Forever) – The special celebrates the legacy and popularity of the iconic Tejano star Selena. Filled with musical moments and stories of her life, Por Siempre Selena looks at her trajectory through the lens of those she inspired and those who were by her side. Today Selena’s music is streamed more than 235M times in 177 countries, proving that 30 years after her death, her legacy lives on.

UNIMÁS

UNIMÁS’ Weekday Entertainment includes a new season of love dating reality Enamorándonos, entertainment show Sientese Quien Pueda, game show Cuál Es El Bueno? (Are You for Real?), reality competitions Desafío Super Humanos (Superhuman Challenge) and Reto 4 Elementos Naturaleza Extrema (4 Elements Challenger, Extreme Nature) and Turkish series Amor Prohibido (Forbidden Love).