“East Los High” started as a web series. Created by Carlos Portugal and Kathleen Bedoya, the critically acclaimed show won the 2016 National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award for outstanding online series and eventually got picked up by Hulu. “East Los High” broke barriers with its diverse cast and storytelling. The series also touched on deep topics, everything from teen pregnancy to domestic violence to murder, and how they affect a community of youth.
The National Hispanic Media Coalition called the cancellation of the teen drama series a loss for diversity in entertainment. “The show was one of the few in the scripted digital realm that was created by Latinos and had an all-Latino cast and majority Latino writing staff,” the NHMC said. “More than fifty percent of ‘East Los High”s episodes were directed by Latinos, and the series became one of the Hulu’s top 10 shows, helping draw one million unique visitors monthly to its Hulu Latino page.”
“East Los High” gave viewers smiles, tears, and entertainment that could not be compared to anything else at the time. In addition to incredible plotlines, it brought on big Latinx guest stars like Prince Royce and Christina Milian. There were so many unforgettable moments, such as when the Bomb Squad rallied at graduation to have Eddie (Carlito Olivero) released from an immigration detention center. Or that time a pair of East Los High sisters became step-siblings with a coach and former student.
It’s been five years since the sun set on “East Los High,” and we’re left wondering, y ahora? Where are the incredible cast of “East Los High” today?