Welcome “Ugly Betty” to Thursday night primetime! The show’s pilot aired last Thursday at 8 p.m. and will continue to fill that time slot. Though it competes with the likes of “Survivor: Cook Islands” on CBS, the “OC” on Fox and “My Name is Earl” on NBC, the new ABC comedy has a strange twist: it aims to send a positive message to widow.
“Ugly Betty,” produced by Selma Hayek and directed by Sarah Pia Anderson, is based on a 1999 Columbian show called, “Yo soy Betty, la fea.” The American version, like its Columbian predecessor, is about a “plain” or “ugly” woman. Betty is trying to fit in as an assistant in the snooty world of high fashion. Though tall, statuesque models and well-dressed business executives look down their noses at her glasses, unruly hair, braces and less-than-perfect fashion sense, her good heart and intelligence shine through.
The character of Betty Suarez is played by America Ferrera, known for her roles in Real Women Have Curves and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Ferrera is more than psyched about her new role. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times she said, “Betty is a beautiful opportunity to represent a whole generation of young women who maybe don’t recognize themselves in anything they’re watching.”
She also comments on her experience in the acting world. “I didn’t know how fat and ugly I was until I started going to auditions,” she adds, “I don’t feel that way inside. But I’m Latina, not a typically pretty girl. And being in this business, there’s a lot of opportunity for rejection. . . . They don’t tell you to your face that you’re too fat or too Hispanic. They just don’t call you back.”
However, most rational viewers would agree that the actress is by no means ugly or fat, and neither is the character she portrays. Despite the thick-rimmed glasses, braces and messy hair, Betty, in real world standards is cute, if not downright pretty. Hayek commented on the purpose behind labeling Betty “ugly” in the title of show. “The title has a lot to do with the tone of the show,” Hayek said. “It’s sarcastic. I don’t think Betty is ugly. We’re making fun of the people who would think she’s ugly.”
Though maybe too cutesy for some viewers, so far “Ugly Betty” has stayed true to it’s tagline, proving that “ugly is the new beautiful.” The show will air on ABC at 8 p.m. on Thursdays from now on, so be sure to tune in!