Jaime Camil Returns to The Sitcom Circuit
Premieres Thursday, April 2 (9:30-10:00 PM, ET/PT)
By Justina Bonilla
The newest CBS multi-camera sitcom Broke, features Jaime Camil as its leading man. Adding to its diverse primetime lineup, the majority of the main cast is Latino.
Single mother Jackie (Pauley Perrette), works two jobs to raise her son Sammy (Antonio Raul Corbo), while living on a tight budget. Out of the blue, her estranged and very wealthy sister Elizabeth (Natasha Leggero), Elizabeth’s husband Javier (Jaime Camil), and Javier’s assistant Luis (Izzy Diaz) visit. When Elizabeth confesses to Jackie, they are flat broke, Jackie reluctantly lets them stay with her until they can get back on their feet. Forcing the sisters to set aside their differences and reconnect as a family. Reminding them just how much they all need one another.
Camil, before becoming popular among American audiences in Jane the Virgin as Rogelio De La Vega, his entertainment career began in Mexican radio, in the early 1990’s. Later, between 1999 and 2002, he released two albums as a singer. At this time, Camil also started his career in acting in Mexican telenovelas, most notably Mi Destino Eres Tú (You are my Destiny), La Fea Más Bella (The Prettiest Ugly Girl) and Qué Pobres tan Ricos (How Poor the Rich). As well as performing in live musicals on Broadway and in Mexico. Since Jane the Virgin, Camil continues to act and has become very active as a voice character for a variety of animated shows and films, including the Disney properties Coco, Elena of Avalor, The Lion Guard, and DuckTales.
Jaime Camil and Natasha Leggero as Javier and Elizabeth Photo: Greg Gayne/CBS
The character of Javier is portrayed as a well-educated, positive and a loving family man. Challenging the traditional Latino male media stereotypes (criminal, violent, domineering, lazy, womanizing, etc.). Javier’s biggest challenge is attempting to make a life outside of his wealthy and sheltered upbringing. To prove to his wealthy family, he can be financially responsible.
A unique aspect of Broke is the use of Spanish. While English is the primary language of the show, Spanish is sprinkled throughout the show, especially in conversations between Javier and Luis. Further defining their cultural bond and close friendship. Also, the use of subtitles helps the Spanish become more accessible to the audience, especially those of us with limited Spanish skills.
Broke is based on the Colombian telenovela Pobres Rico (Poor Rich People). Coincidentally, in the Mexican version of Pobres Rico, Qué Pobres tan Ricos, Camil starred as the main character, the rich man who turned poor.
Alex Herschlag, the creator of Broke, is a seasoned comedy television producer and writer, most notably for Will & Grace and Modern Family. Victor Gonzales, the show’s director, has an impressive resume working as a director on multiple contemporary sitcoms, including multiple Latino oriented sitcoms, such as George Lopez, Wizards of Waverly Place, Cristela, One Day at a Time, and Mr. Iglesias.
Overall, Broke is a warm-hearted family-based comedy. A breath fresh air in a time of tremendous stress and isolation, reminding us all how important family unity is, especially in a time of crisis. Broke premieres on CBS, Thursday, April 2 at 9:30/8:30c.
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