Based on the digital series of the same title, Gentefied centers on three cousins who band together to keep their Grandfather's popular Boyle Heights taco shop in business as the neighborhood becomes more gentrified. Throughout the show's first season the cousins confront their differences in their connections to their community, their heritage, and their commitment to the family business, all while navigating larger themes of gentrification and the marginalization of Latinx's in America.
I watched the whole series in a 24 hour period. I loved it at first but was disappointed at the end. The show explores the important intersection of race sexuality and socioeconomics, but does so in a way the emerges as increasingly shallow in the second half. The show is strongest in the first few episodes and certain episodes where they zoom in on the struggles of individuals like the mariachi singer and his son. White people in the show are portrayed one dimensionally as racist and cruel. Not a single what character has an depth. The Mexican people are basically portrayed as victims of white culture and white economics. Whenever a Mexican tried to raise themselves up economically, they are portrayed as traitors to their community. Certain crucial plot elements make no sense whatsoever, especially episode 9. Mexicans protesting a Mexican restaurant for advertising to more wealthy clientele is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. The Dominican character makes no sense to me. Pointless drama capitalizing on current issues. Has potential. Hope it gets renewed for a second season despite its severe flaws