Primos is an animated coming of age comedy created and developed for Disney Channel by Natasha Kline. The series premiered on July 25, 2024.
Premise[]
The story revolves around a Mexican-American family living in Los Angeles. The series follows Tater Ramirez Humphrey, an eccentric girl who has big dreams for her future and just one summer to figure them all out. When her mom throws a wrench in her plans by inviting all 12 of her cousins to visit, Tater braces for the worst – only to find herself having the best summer of her life. Tater and her dreams flourish, surrounded by a family who may not always understand her, but who love and support her for exactly who she is[1]
Overview[]
"Primos" draws inspiration from creator Natasha Kline's nostalgic upbringing in 1990s Los Angeles. The series, helmed by the Emmy Award-nominated creator of "Big City Greens," celebrates Kline's multicultural, Mexican American family and her experiences as a second-generation Latina. Set against the backdrop of the desert suburbs near Hollywood, "Primos" recounts the enchanting summers Kline shared with her numerous cousins..
Produced by Disney Television Animation, the show centers around Tater Ramirez Humphrey, an imaginative girl with ambitious dreams and just one summer to navigate them. When her plans are disrupted by her mom's invitation to all 12 cousins, Tater anticipates chaos – only to discover it's the most unforgettable summer of her life. Surrounded by family who may not always grasp her aspirations but wholeheartedly support her, Tater blossoms alongside her dreams.
Kline shared that "Primos" reflects her own upbringing in a multicultural Mexican American family in 1990s L.A., capturing themes of biculturalism and biracial identity. Notably, the series' authenticity has attracted figures like Melissa Villaseñor. Kline also highlighted Tater's journey, emphasizing her character's imperfect Spanish and the profound role of cousins in her life. The series' art style vividly portrays Los Angeles' environment, echoing Kline's hopes to instill pride in viewers' cultural roots.
Cast[]
Main[]
Recurring[]
- Melissa Villaseñor as Nellie Ramirez Humphrey
- Michelle Ortiz as Bibi Ramirez Humphrey
- Jim Conroy as Bud Humphrey
- Angélica María as Buela
- Liza Koshy as Serena
- Becca Q. Co as LotLot
- Cristina Valenzuela as Tere, Toñita
- Nomi Ruiz as Tabi
- Elizabeth Grullón as Lita
- Jonathan Melo as Scooter
- Sarah Tubert as Lucita[2]
- Natasha Kline as Gordita, ChaCha
- Rick Simon as Big Nacho, Cousin Bud
- Ryan Anderson Lopez as Nachito
Guest[]
- Joel “The Kid Mero” Martinez as Tío Diego Perez
- Mark Consuelos as Tío Ivan Ramirez
- Ricardo Chavira as Tío Ignacio
- Gabriel Iglesias as Tío Gustavo
- Sarah Sherman as Carmela
- Cheech Marin as Pop Ramirez
- Sherry Cola as Ms. Mahoney
- Kyle MacLachlan as Bill
- Jaime Jarrín as Día de la Cultura Announcer
Click here to view the entire show crew.
Production[]
On November 3, 2021, it was announced Natasha Kline, a long-time storyboard artist and character designer, is developing an animated series titled Primos for Disney Television Animation. The series was inspired by Kline's childhood summers spent with her cousins alongside her extended Mexican-American family, and she wanted the primary characters to be of Mexican-American origin as well, due to a dearth of Mexican-American representation on television during her childhood. The series was overseen by DTVA executive Edward Mejia.
On June 15, 2022, at the 2022 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, it was announced that the program's first season would consist of 30 episodes (later shortened to 28 due to costing issues with edits) with Philip Cohen serving as show producer. Kline told Animation Magazine in March 2023 that the series was inspired by an adult short she created for an Upright Citizen's Brigade stand-up comedy show in 2017, was inspired by Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes, and that she enjoyed working with the show's crew, praising their "intense passion, drive, and talent."[3]
Disney Branded Television released the series' opening sequence on June 13, 2023. It was chastised on social media, notably by Mexicans and other Latin Americans. Some viewers claimed that the sequence contained various unfavorable stereotypes, that the names of some characters were inaccurate, and that the Spanish language in the sequence was erroneous. Others condemned Tater's voice actress, Myrna Velasco, for describing the Spanish language as "forced upon Latin American people" by Spanish conquistadors.
Kline stated in an interview on June 16, 2023 that the series is based on her personal experiences growing up with a multicultural Mexican-American family in Los Angeles in the 1990s, being bicultural, biracial, and that the project's relatability drew well-known individuals such as Melissa Villaseor. She also mentioned that Tater does not speak Spanish, which is why her grammar is bad, the significance of cousins in her life, and that the art style reflected the environment in Los Angeles. She also hoped that the series would inspire people to be proud of their heritage.
The series airs half-hour episodes that are divided into 11-minute stories and premiere on Disney Channel.
Kline's inspiration for "Primos" stems from her childhood passion for cartoons in the '90s, where she noticed the absence of Mexican American families like her own on television. Growing up in a multicultural Los Angeles household, she envisioned a show that reflected the bicultural experience she shared with her family. The fictional L.A. neighborhood in "Primos" draws from the Inland Empire towns where Kline and her art director, Ivan Aguirre, grew up, capturing the vivid palette and cultural tapestry of their memories.
The family dynamics of the Ramirez Humphreys mirror Kline's own upbringing. Her mother, like Bibi in the show, supported her artistic dreams, while her father, akin to Bud, initially questioned the practicality of her career until her breakthrough with "South Park." The show's characters, including Tater, reflect her real-life siblings and cousins, adding a personal touch to the storytelling.
Despite initial backlash, particularly regarding cultural details like the show's theme song and scenic design, Kline remains steadfast in her vision to celebrate her heritage and connect with her roots through "Primos." She views feedback, both positive and negative, as essential in refining her artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful engagement with audience responses.
The evolution of "Primos" includes adjustments to better emphasize its Los Angeles setting, renaming Tater's hometown to Hacienda Hills to better resonate with the show's theme and Kline's personal ties. Throughout the creative process, Kline ensured that the series remained a collaborative effort, drawing on her professional team's diverse backgrounds and personal insights to enrich the narrative.
Moreover, Kline actively involved her cousins in shaping the show, drawing from their shared childhood memories to infuse authenticity into the characters and stories. Their enthusiastic support underscores the familial bond that inspired "Primos," reflecting Kline's belief in the importance of early friendships and encouragement in shaping her creative journey.[4]
Trivia[]
- The series was originally planned to receive a TV-G parental rating, but when it premiered, it was changed to TV-Y7.
Gallery
Click here to view the gallery.
Videos[]
External Links[]
- Primos on DisneyNOW
- Primos on Disney.com