5 Reasons We LOVE Telenovelas

Telenovela is a  fun word that rolls off the tongue. It is so more than just a soap opera.

Telenovelas have moved from the small productions of the 1950’s to vast collaborations between Grupo Televisa and China with a spin off of  Yo soy Betty, La Fea, known as Ugly Betty in the U.S.

Let’s find out why we can’t get enough of telenovelas…

• Telenovelas are short and sweet. A telenovela can run from a few months to about a year. This gives viewers an out, as opposed to standard soap operas which run for  decades.

• Telenovelas cast attractive actors. Women and men wear lavish fashion, decadent jewelry and artfully applied makeup. Let’s not forget the “are you kidding me” perfect hair!  We feel more beautiful just by watching. Viewers are transported far off to a place where calories and flawed makeup do not exist.

• Locations are exotic and vibrant. Look behind the actors next time one of them remembers their name, or a blind person suddenly has the gift of sight while at the wedding of her long-lost twin You will see decor that asks, “Why not?” Eggplant wall color, green vases and sunset colored furniture. A true delight  for the viewer surrounded by neutral colors.

• Story lines are never, ever boring. Telenovela writers have a blast adding crazy twists and epic blind sides, knowing that viewers will scream with delight and pain. Lovers never have it easy in a telenovela. The easier their beginning is, the more complicated and devastating their future will be. And this makes watching entertaining. You can be sure that after clicking off your television, swiping your smart phone’s screen closed, or shutting your laptop, you most likely have an easier life than the main characters.

• Love always wins! The two lovers will find each other, despite the villain we love to hate. It may be years later, but love always  overcomes any amnesia, kidnapping, baby switching, blackmailing or self doubt. And that is why telenovelas are here to stay.

I cherish the many telenovelas I have watched with my mother and sisters over the years. These sweet moments were the inspiration behind my character, Juliette.  In my book,  The Witch of Belle Fleur , Juliette is an Afro-Latina who is a telenovela actress and becomes a witch.

In the book, she watches telenovelas with her aunt. At one point, she realizes her life is more insane than a telenovela. I think we’ve all been there at some point in our lives.

What is your favorite telenovela?