Gina Rodriguez to produce and star in new Netflix comedy Someone Great

Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez is going to star and produce a new romantic comedy for Netflix, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

Mark this down as another win for Netflix.

In addition to recently making her directorial debut on Jane the Virgin (you know, that show she stars in and won a Golden Globe for) and starring in Annihilation with Natalie Portman, Gina Rodriguez’s next endeavor is to star in and produce a romantic comedy for Netflix, entitled Someone Great.

Written and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, The Hollywood Reporter describes the premise as follows:

"The story tells of a woman who, after a heart-wrenching break-up, decides to seek adventure in New York City with her two best friends before she moves across the country for her dream job.Someone Great is described as being about loss, growing up and above all the everlasting bond of female friendships."

As a constant champion for Latinx visibility across all forms of media, Rodriguez’s efforts mean more than just the possibility of having something good to watch on a Friday night. In one way, her hard work is being rewarded. But more importantly, she’s giving us representation where we tend to see it the least: romantic comedies.

I mean, since The Seven-Year Itch, this has been a genre built on the same tried-and-true archetype. Furthermore, it’s a genre dominated by the Kate Hudson’s or Jennifer Aniston’s of the entertainment industry. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s just worth mentioning that the few rom-coms with Latina leads that we do have don’t become that popular. Sure, some people know Maid in Manhattan (which Jennifer Lopez’s character really leaned into that housekeeper stereotype), but it’s not on TV as much as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

To get an idea of how bland the genre can look, just imagine the dozens of ensemble films that Garry Marshall (Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve) created and note that you can only find like a handful of Latinx actors in them. (Please don’t get me started on Love, Actually.)

Likewise, Netflix feels like the champion for letting people stretch their wings. From stand-up specials to coaxing David Letterman back to TV or even giving Josh Gad a similar opportunity to create his own content, we ought to give Netflix a pat on the back.

Anyone who happily gives me more Gina Rodriguez content already has my respect.

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