Released only last February 21, 2020 the first season of Gentefied has received great reviews. To recap, the pilot episode introduces us to all of the main characters, all with their unique personalities united in solving the issue of gentrification in their neighborhood.

So, what is gentrification? This has been a controversial topic in urban planning wherein the community is introduced to wealthier residents causing rent and property values to increase and because of this, the culture and identity of the community can slowly fade away with most of the original residents moving out.

 

A new season will soon be out!

The first season ended with several questions and the biggest one of all is: What will happen to Pop? For those who still haven't watched the first season of Gentrified, you can binge watch all 10 episodes on Netflix. Something to cheer you up during these difficult times.

For those who can relate to the said cliffhanger, we are finally going to get some answers. The Spanglish dramedy is confirmed for another season on Netflix. This new season will only have eight episodes, two episodes short compared to the first season.

The show is set in bright and sunny Los Angeles which has a Latin population of 4.9 million. 

Due to the current COVID-19 epidemic, the new release date of the second season is yet to be announced. Cast members and the show's creators conducted a virtual table read last May 20. 

George Lopez live streamed the table read on the "Netflix is a Joke" channel on Youtube. This online event is done for the nonprofit organization Proyecto Pastoral which aims to address the impact of the coronavirus to low income families in the neighborhood of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. 

Check these out!

Origins of Gentefied and gentrification in Boyle Heights

The show was created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Chavez which was adapted from a digital series with the same name. They also executive produced the show together with America Ferrera, Kim Roth, Aaliyah Williams, and Charles D. King. 

According to the creators, the show is their love letter to a neighborhood considered to be an epicenter of Mexican and American culture. Boyle Heights was once known for its quinceañera and taquería shops but now, the streets are filled with record stores, boutique coffee shops and bars. This low-income neighborhood which was filled with the spirit of Latino culture is now transforming into a hub for young rich Americans.

Normally in gentrification, white affluent white folk move into a low-income neighborhood. But in the case of Boyle Heights, an increase of college educated, well off Mexican American millennials are the ones causing this massive change.

There has been an influx in Latinos opening wine bars and coffeehouses which is typically what a millennial Latino wants. These young Latinos have insisted that the cause for change is for the better and that the aim of gentrification is for the Latin communities to evolve without forgetting what their roots are. 

Community advocates on the other hand claim that all side effects of gentrification should be studied even if the members of the community itself are behind it. Rise in rent and property values have caused widespread displacement in gentrified communities.