Primos: the animated series about a Mexican-American family

August 21 2024

0 Shares

On July 25, 2024, it debuted on Disney Channel Cousins, a new animated series that promises to become a point of reference for families around the world. Created by Natasha Kline, an animation veteran with extensive experience in productions such as Big City Greens e South Park, Cousins is inspired by her personal experiences growing up in a large, diverse Mexican-American family in the heart of Los Angeles.

A Story of Real Life:

Cousins follows the summer adventures of Tater Ramirez Humphrey, an eccentric girl with big dreams and a vibrant personality, played by Myrna Velasco. Her ambitions for a quiet summer are upended when twelve cousins – her “primos” – come to stay with her, turning her home into a whirlwind of chaos, laughter and deep family bonds.

“My life has always been about a big, loud, loving family,” Kline says. “I wanted to bring this experience to the screen, showing not only the beauty but also the challenges of growing up in a multicultural and multi-generational context.”

An Ode to Los Angeles:

The series is not only a tribute to family life, but also to Los Angeles itself. Kline, together with art director Ivan Aguirre, faithfully captured the colors, atmospheres and iconic places of the city, from the lawyers' signs to the different architecture of the neighborhoods. “We wanted to represent the essence of Los Angeles, not only through its landscapes, but also through the way the city lives and breathes,” explains Aguirre.

The accurate representation of the city and its inhabitants is one of the strengths of the series. The creators have included details that only true locals will recognize, making Cousins an authentic celebration of culture and life in Los Angeles.

The importance of Representation:

Cousins It also stands out for its honest and sincere portrayal of Mexican-American culture. Despite some initial criticism for the use of stereotypes, Kline defended his vision, noting that many aspects of the series reflect his reality and that of many other families. “I wanted to create something authentic, something that reflected my life and the lives of many people who share the same experience as me,” says Kline.

A Journey of Growth:

The series is not only a summer adventure, but also a journey of growth for Tater. Each episode explores themes of identity, belonging and the value of family. “Growing up in a big, loud family can be difficult, especially for an introvert like me,” Kline confides. “But it is precisely through these difficulties that I found my place in the world.”

A Critical Success:

Despite some initial controversy, Cousins received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The series has been praised for its ability to capture the nuances of family life with humor and affection. Sarah Rasmussen by Plugged In highlighted how Cousins highlights the joys and challenges of family relationships, while Tony Betti of Laughing Place praised the series for its authenticity and humor.

With its debut on Disney Channel and Disney+, Cousins is poised to win the hearts of families around the world by offering a fresh and authentic look at the life of a Mexican-American family in Los Angeles. If you haven't already, take a moment to immerse yourself in the chaotic and fascinating world of Tater and her primos.

Technical data sheet Cousins

Gender: Comedy, Coming of Age
Created by: Natasha Kline
Voices of:
- Myrna Velasco
- Elizabeth Grullón
- Jonathan Melo
- Rick Simon
- Cristina Vee Valenzuela
- Natasha Kline
- Nomi Ruiz
- Becca Q.Co
- Ryan Anderson Lopez
- Sarah Tubert
Composer of the theme song: Alana Da Fonseca
Opening theme: “Primos Main Title Theme” (written by Alana Da Fonseca, Bobby Studley, and Natasha Kline)
Composer: Jim Lang
Country of origin: United States of America
Original language: English
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 8