Watch Vida

Vida is a critically acclaimed drama series that premiered on Starz! in 2018. Created by Tanya Saracho, the show explores the complex lives of two Mexican-American sisters, Lyn and Emma Hernandez, who are forced to confront their past and their cultural identity after the death of their mother.

Melissa Barrera plays Lyn, the younger of the two sisters, who is impulsive and carefree. She has been living a privileged life in Los Angeles but returns to her old neighborhood in Eastside, Boyle Heights, after her mother's death. Mishel Prada plays Emma, the older sister, who has been living in Chicago and working in a bar. She is practical, responsible, and is hiding a secret from her family.

The sisters are reunited in Boyle Heights where they confront their estranged mother's past and secrets. Their mother's legacy is a bar called Vida, which is the heart of the show. The bar is struggling financially, but Lyn and Emma are determined to make it work. They are also forced to navigate their relationship with their mother's partner, Eddy (played by Ser Anzoategui), who is a gender-nonconforming person and is mourning their own loss.

The show tackles several themes including gentrification, sexuality, race, and identity. The characters are diverse and dynamic, representing different parts of the Mexican-American experience. Chelsea Rendon plays Marisol, a neighborhood activist who is fighting against gentrification. Maria-Elena Laas plays Cruz, a queer artist who captures Emma's attention. Roberta Colindrez plays Nico, a non-binary bartender who becomes involved with Lyn.

Throughout the show, Lyn and Emma's relationship is fractured and complicated. They have different ideas about the future of the bar and the neighborhood, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. However, they also share moments of vulnerability and understanding as they come to terms with their past and their cultural heritage.

The show is a visual delight with vibrant colors, stunning set design, and beautiful cinematography. The Eastside, Boyle Heights neighborhood is an integral part of the show's identity, and the production team captures its essence beautifully.

In addition to its strong storyline and characters, Vida is also notable for its representation of the LGBTQ+ community. The show portrays queer and gender-nonconforming characters authentically, with nuance and sensitivity.

Vida has been praised for its bold storytelling, strong performances, and social commentary. It has been described as a groundbreaking show that challenges stereotypes and provides a vital perspective on the Mexican-American experience. The show has also been recognized for its diversity behind the scenes, with a predominantly Latinx writers' room and a directorial team that includes women and people of color.

In conclusion, Vida is a must-watch show that tackles important themes and features diverse and dynamic characters. The show's visual style, strong performances, and bold storytelling make it a standout series that provides a fresh perspective on the Mexican-American experience.

Vida is a series that ran for 3 seasons (23 episodes) between May 6, 2018 and on Starz!