By Michael Lopez

Get ready America, you're going to see a lot more Spanish accents on your primetime shows. Proving they've got an eye for diversity, networks like Fox and ABC are now locking in Mexican stars for upcoming pilots and guest spots.

On the Fox side of things, Martha Higareda and Adan Canto have landed holding deals for future TV projects. Both actors were scouted at the behest of the network's new Latin-inspired casting department. Fox's Vice President of Casting, Tess Sanchez, happens to be Hispanic, as is department director Yolanda Guillen. Reportedly, they felt the need to add more Español flavor to the primetime schedule.

And seeing how ABC and CBS is working it, it's easy to see why. Way back when Modern Family started, Colombian-born Sofia Vergara was an unknown to American audiences (but not any more!). On the CBS front, ¡Rob! is scoring dynamite ratings and creating a ton of buzz for Latin American transplant, Eugenio Derbez.

So what's so special about Martha and Adan? For one thing, Higareda is considered to be "the Mexican Sandra Bullock" and has been charming novela fans for years. She's already made a mark in the U.S. too, with roles in Smokin’ Aces 2 and Street Kings.

Canto is a little newer to the scene, though he's already made plenty of Latinas swoon with his hunky characters in Spanish soaps. Adan is also an accomplished musician, which means he could be a solid candidate for a Fox Glee appearance.

So far there is no confirmation about exactly which shows Martha and Adan would be attached to. But Deadline is reporting that they are being "strongly considered" for that new drama series created by Ugly Betty’s Silvio Horta.

And though she's technically a "local girl," Gina Rodriguez has caught the eye of TV execs too. The Chicago native has been getting rave reviews for her performance in Sundance indie smash Filly Brown. So much so, that she nabbed herself a holding deal at rival network ABC.

Hopefully these trailblazers will open the door for many more crossovers to come!

Which Latin stars would you like to see cross over? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adan Canto, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Fox, Gina Rodriguez, Hot Stuff, Martha Higareda, Television, Tess Sanchez, Yolanda Guillen

By Michael Lopez

It seems like TV audiences are embracing Latinos in the new year. Last week proved to be a huge success for Eugenio Derbez' CBS sitcom ¡Rob! and this past Monday, Jorge Garcia helped bring Fox 10 million viewers with the debut of Alcatraz.

Produced by J.J. Abrams, Alcatraz opened up a whole new can of mysteries last night. The series has been described as a mix between CSI and Fringe and features Jorge in a prominent role. His Dr. Diego Soto character has plenty of geeky tendencies and is also an expert on the famous prison island.

Critics seem to have taken a shine to Alcatraz too, with Newsday saying it looks "plenty promising." Zap2It praised Garcia's performance on the show, along with creepy leading man Sam Neill. And People Magazine kept its review tongue-and-cheek, saying the show was great "escapist entertainment."

It all sounds very exciting to us and the fact that Alcatraz was able to hold its ratings for two straight hours proves that it's already got a ton of devoted fans. Let’s hope it can help fill the island mystery void left by Jorge’s previous show.

What did you think of Alcatraz? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alcatraz, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Fox, Hot Stuff, J.J. Abrams, Jorge Garcia, Lost, Sam Neill, Television

By Michael Lopez

Curious as to why In Living Color has become such a popular trending topic in the past few days? It's because Fox has just announced plans to bring back the classic variety show for a series of original specials. Not a lot of details have been released just yet, but speculations are running wild about what could be in store.

Many fans are hoping Jennifer Lopez could come back for a cameo. The series launched her career back in 1991, when she appeared alongside Dancing With The Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba as a Fly Girl.

Yes a J. Lo appearance is a long shot, but keep in mind that she still works for the Fox network, so anything is possible. It's also interesting to point out that Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx got their start on the show too, so you never know who could pop up in the reboot.

Right now, only original creator Keenan Ivory Wayans is confirmed in the lineup. But we're keeping our fingers crossed for a retro 90's reunion when the specials hit the air next spring.

Were you a fan of In Living Color? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Carrie Ann Inaba, Fox, Hot Stuff, In Living Color, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Television

By Michael Lopez

Ever feel like you don't see enough Latin names in the credits of your favorite TV shows? Well Fox is hoping to change all that with their new Writer's Intensive diversity program.

Looking to reach Latinos, African-Americans, and even the gay and lesbian population, the Writer's Intensive will accept 10 applicants and enroll them in a grueling four-month training program. Studio producers, screenwriters, and directors will oversee the participants and teach them a variety of insider skills.

As the network puts it,

"[The Writer’s Intensive] is designed to nurture experienced writers with diverse voices, backgrounds and life experiences and create a strong pipeline of well-rounded talent for potential staffing as writers, story editors or showrunners on Fox productions."

Part of the curriculum will include generating sample scripts and learning about development deals. After the four months are over, one participant will be selected as the Writer’s Intensive Fellow and their original ideas will be submitted as a possible TV pilot.

The program kicks off next February, but submissions are being taken between now and November 9. To make the cut, you'll need to be "nominated" through one of Fox's partner organizations. Check out their official site for more details on how to apply!

Have you ever wanted to be a screenwriter? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Fox, Hot Stuff, Television, Writers Intensive

By Michael Lopez

They've weathered four presidents, countless timeslot changes, and a ton of protests from angry viewers, but could a salary dispute be what ultimately does The Simpsons in? Apparently the 20-year-old FOX cartoon is on the brink of cancellation because of the voice actors' paychecks.

As of right now, each member of the Simpsons’ cast makes about $8 million a year (not too shabby if you ask us). But because of budget cuts at the network, FOX is requesting that the actors lower their annual fee to $4 mil. And that isn't sitting too pretty with the squawkers behind Springfield's famous family.

The actors are refusing to budge and claim that FOX may be pulling some shady tactics to keep the costs down. They have reportedly asked to share in the franchise's back-end profits as compensation, but the network's saying no.

So as of right now, things may be at a standstill. The current season will continue to go on as planned, but if things don't get worked out soon, viewers may have to kiss Homer and company goodbye!

Do you think the Simpsons actors should take the pay cut? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Animation, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Fox, popnews, Television, The Simpsons

By Larry Yepez Jr.

It's been a while since we've heard anything about the new adaptation of 24 for the big screen. Thankfully, Kiefer Sutherland spilled the beans while promoting the film Melancholia (directed by Lars von Trier), and said that the 24 film is still on the way and the script is almost completed.

The 24 film project has been in development since the end of the eighth and final season of the FOX series last year. Sutherland told The Daily Telegraph,

"We are coming very close to having a finished script. That's been the most difficult thing. You have to remember that we have 24 hours to explain the stories in 24 and so trying to condense that into a two-hour film version has been a real shift in gear for us. We were originally trying to make it too big and put too much into it -but once we relaxed, we found out how to tell that story. So yes we definitely do plan on making the film."

About the success of the TV show, Sutherland added:

"It is seen all over the globe and to be able to be a part of a project that transcended languages and cultures over a long sustained period of time has been great. It was the largest audience I have ever had and it was an absolute thrill to work on that show. But it also changed things for me. It did so much for my confidence. For those reasons alone I will be forever in debt to the experience I've had with 24."

Producer Howard Gordon confirmed in August that talks about the 24 movie are ongoing.

Sutherland had previously suggested that filming could begin in December and added that the film may eventually be released in 2012

What do you think of 24 the movie? Are you excited to see it?

Tags 24, Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Fox, Howard Gordon, Keifer Sutherland, Lars von Trier

By Michael Lopez

Jennifer Lopez sure seems to be enjoying the TV world these days. She's scored a major payday on American Idol, is producing two reality shows, and now is planning to collaborate with Silvio Hora on a Latino dramedy for FOX.

Silvio, as you may recall, shot to fame for adapting Ugly Betty and serving as its head writer for four seasons. Since its cancellation last year, we've been anxiously awaiting his return to the TV and now it looks like he's found his project.

The new untitled series will focus on three Latina sisters and should be blending the same mix of laughs and tears that Betty was famous for. Jennifer became attached to the project after some meetings with FOX head Kevin Reilly.

It all sounds very exciting to us and should hopefully hit the small screen soon. Of course, our biggest curiosity revolves around which actresses will play the three hermanas. Perhaps a famous face from the past?

Are you looking forward to J. Lo and Silvio's new series? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Fox, Hot Stuff, Jennifer Lopez, Silvio Hora, Television, Ugly Betty

By Michael Lopez

For the past few months, we've been buzzing about potential TV pilots that may or may not hit the small screen this fall. And while things are not looking good for series reboots like Wonder Woman and The Munsters, shows like Charlie’s Angels and Good Christian Belles are a confirmed go.

Good Christian Belles you say? Yes, Marisol Nichols' new series used to have a much more controversial word in its title. But with a little retooling, and some major backing from ABC, it looks like her southern-fried nighttime soap will definitely be hitting the air.

Speaking of ABC, their new Charlie'Angels reboot seemed to get a very positive response when it was shown to advertisers in New York. Now featuring Minka Kelly, Annie Ilonzeh, and Rachael Taylor (sorry Dania Ramirez), the show promises plenty of action and some Latin flava courtesy of new Bosley, Ramon Rodriguez.

Other interesting additions to ABC include Pan Am, a Christina Ricci drama about stewardesses in the 1960's and Work It, a comedy featuring Amaury Nolasco in female drag (we've got to see this one to believe it). On a sadder note, Tr3s fave Valerie Cruz is " off the sched." Her Off The Map series will not be renewed for a second season.

NBC definitely had some interesting prospects for its fall lineup. Capitalizing on the success of Glee, the network announced it was picking up a new musical series called Smash. Produced by Steven Spielberg, it will focus on all of the drama that happens behind-the-scenes of a Broadway play. And with Idol alum Katherine McPhee in the cast, you know it should have some great vocal numbers.

The peacock network will also be airing a drama from Hef and company called The Playboy Club and bawdy new comedy called Free Agents featuring Latin comedian Al Madrigal. But fans of Alana de la Garza are in for some bad news. Her Connie Rubirosa character could not save Law & Order: Los Angeles from getting the axe.

CBS got out its chopping block as well, cancelling cult favorites like Sh*t My Dad Says, Mad Love, and The Defenders. But it does have one very intriguing show that's getting added to its fall sched. Person of Interest comes from the mind of J.J. Abrams and Dark Knight writer Jonathan Nolan and promises plenty of mystery and espionage.

Speaking of J.J. Abrams, his hot commodity Alcatraz has been given the green light by Fox (which is an even bigger treat for Jorge Garcia fans). The network also promised fans more Pedro with a pickup of the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon series for midseason 2012.

And just for the record (as if there was any doubt), Tr3s favorites Modern Family, Grey’sAnatomy and American Idol have all been renewed for another season. We recommend setting up those DVR playlists early, because it sounds like it's going to be one very interesting fall.

Which new shows are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags ABC, Alcatraz, CBS, Charlie's Angels, fall season, Fox, Free Agents, Hot Stuff, Napoleon Dynamite, NBC, Person of Interest, Smash, Television, The Playboy Club, TV Pilots

By Sugey Palomares

"Glee" fans rejoice! Lea Michele's character Rachel may be the most popular voice on Fox’s hit television series, but Santana Lopez — played by Naya Rivera — isn’t falling behind.

According to EW.com, the on-screen cheerleader and her bff Brittany (played by Heather Morris) have been confirmed as permanent characters for next season’s script. The Puerto Rican actress definitely worked her magic during the sinful “Like a Virgin” scene for Glee’s Madonna special.

That reminds us, can they please add a Brittany Spears special episode already? Santana would own a modern-day rendition of “Hit Me Baby One More Time”!

Better yet Gleekers, let’s picture the Cheerio character getting a spin-off with rumored novio and football hunk co-star Mark Salling? Genius if you ask us.

[Source: Latina]

Tags Fox, glee, Naya Rivera

Pero, don't get the wrong idea!  Wilmer Valderrama is set to star in an upcoming new FOX sitcom based on our favorite dog-loving Latino, Cesar Millan of 'The Dog Whisperer.'  In the new half-hour show, Wilmer will play a character who's made su fortuna entrenando perros, much like Millan has done en la vida reál.

The show will be written and produced by Emily Kapnek, who is currently known for HBO sitcom 'Hung,' but who had previously worked on a pilot with Wilmer for a show called 'The Emancipation of Ernesto.'  We can't wait to see how the Venezuelan/Colombian heartthrob will fare with his little four-legged friends!  Algo tenemos por seguro, it'll be a really entertaining show!  [Variety]

You know what else was entertaining?  Watching Wilmer Valderrama try to present an award with Audrina Patridge en español.  Wilmer did his best to teach the 'Hills' bombshell how to say algunas palabras en español, pero... well, let's just say Audrina's Spanish is for the dogs (zing!).  If you haven't seen their hilarious presentation that had Wilmer struggling to keep a straight face yet, you'll just have to tune in to MTV Tr3s tonight a las 7pm EST to watch an encore of Los Premios MTV 2009!!

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Audrina Patridge, Cesar Millan, Emily Kapnek, Fox, los premios mtv 2009, perros, Sitcom, The Dog Whisperer, The Hills, Wilmer Valderrama