The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentThe LatestTVVideo

Exclusive: Creator Tanya Saracho Talks ‘Vida’ Season 2 [Video]

by Alexandria Garcia May 21, 2019
by Alexandria Garcia May 21, 2019 0 comments
2.6K

The much anticipated show, “Vida,” is back and ready to delight fans once more with its unique and contemporary portrayal of two sisters returning back to their hometown roots of East Los Angeles.

Season one of Vida showcased the Hernandez sisters Emma (Mishel Prada) and Lyn (Melissa Barrera) from two very different worlds coming together because of their mother’s passing. However, instead of things going smoothly, the sisters learn that their mother was a lesbian and was married to a woman without their knowledge. Aside from family trouble within the Hernandez home, they also have to deal with the business their mother left behind- a bar called La Chinita. But if you love some relationship drama, then you’ll love the complicated relationship between Lyn and Johnny (Carlos Miranda). Latino heartthrob Johnny, the neighborhood’s local mechanic, leaves his pregnant fiancé to be with Lyn- only to be left by Lyn at the end of season one. The creator of the show, Tanya Saracho, also uses conflicts associated with gentrification in East L.A. as well as explores the narratives of gender, cultural identities, and sexual orientation.

Fast-forward to season two- premiering May 23rd on Starz- and the Hernandez sisters have to deal with the mismanagement of the family business, relationship issues, grief, loss, and so much more as they settle back into their Mexican-American childhood neighborhood while leaving behind their previous lives. I was able to speak to the cast of Vida about everything from the tasty Mexican food on set, the love and hate they’ve received for their characters, gentrification in East L.A. and so much more! Check out my chat below with Tanya Saracho!

The Knockturnal: Everyone loves the show! 

Tanya Saracho: They do?! Good.

The Knockturnal: Yes! I feel everyone is excited for season two. I’ve noticed that this show tackles a lot of topics: gentrification, cultural identity, racism…the list could go on. What could be new topics that the show can touch on that the Latino community hasn’t highlighted yet? 

Tanya Saracho: We don’t think of the show in topics when we build it. We just want to continue and deepen. So, that’s what’s happening in season two. Because three hours of T.V. is only una probadita, a taste. So now we really get into it in every way! Such as deepening the sister’s relationship- all of it! It’s more about deepening the storylines and themes, except we don’t think in themes so much. We just follow the characters.

The Knockturnal: I know you’ve brought on two new characters, Raúl Castillo and Roberta Colindrez. Really great! And Raúl, I believe, is from the show Looking. 

Tanya Saracho: Yes!

The Knockturnal: So what made you want to bring on these two new characters for season two? 

Tanya Saracho: Well, Raúl I’ve known since we were 14 years old and Roberta, we’ve worked in theatre together too. So I knew those actors and the quality of their work. And we were just crafting these characters organically in the writers room, so they just appeared. I can’t tell you too much about their characters because you just have to discover them but you’ll see how perfect those actors are for those roles! We haven’t had a hyper-masculine male on the show and now we have Raúl! He’s like a former cholo.

The Knockturnal: Really? Tough guy?! 

Tanya Saracho: Yeah, tough guy! He clashes with Emma and she’s not use to that.

The Knockturnal: I feel like that’s coming on from the first episode already. I was like: Hmm, I feel like something’s going to be…

Tanya Saracho: No, they’re not friends. But he also represents the neighborhood. He has a certain view of her presenting whiteness and he tells her. As soon they meet, he tells her. I love it.

The Knockturnal: I know you’ve written for previous shows like Devious Maids (which I was a fan of!), Looking, and even Girls. What makes writing for Vida different from those shows? 

Tanya Saracho: Well, I’m the boss here! The story starts here [points to heart]- so that’s the difference. When you’re a writer for hire, you’re rendering a story for a showrunner. So you’re guessing as to where they want to take it when you’re pitching and stuff like that. It’s a different muscle. Here, it’s purely an engendering muscle.

The Knockturnal: And you have more power!

Tanya Saracho: Yes! I have more power! Which is better.

The Knockturnal: That’s fun! So I know I asked fans what would be the number one question they would want me to ask you. And a lot of fans wanted me to ask you this question and, so, let’s see if you know!? 

Tanya Saracho: Ok!

The Knockturnal: They realized in one of the bar scenes in the background they’re playing Costa Rican singer, Chavela Vargas, who was lesbian. Was that a special nod to her as an LGBTQ Latina since she had came out in a time when it was taboo? 

Tanya Saracho: I love that they noticed! She’s Costa Rican but she claimed Mexican-ness a lot because she lived in Mexico most of her life. So, yeah! Chavela Vargas is our gay icon! That was very much on purpose.

The Knockturnal: I’m glad they noticed. Because I said to myself when I got the question, “let me just throw it out there. I’m not sure she’s going to know about it.”

Tanya Saracho: We paid a lot of money for that song because it was so important to have! Juan Gabriel- one of his songs was in the first episode- and we also mentioned another artist. It’s very specific. It’s code-switching to this queer way. I’m so glad they noticed!

Alexandria GarciaAll-Latino CastAlly GarciaEast Los AngelesLatinx WritersLGBTQ+ rightsMexicanMexicoQueer StoriesSexual OrientationStarz ChannelTanya SarachoVIDA
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Alexandria Garcia

previous post
Film Review: ‘Perfect’
next post
Exclusive: Stars Carlos Miranda & Chelsea Rendon Talk ‘Vida’ Season 2 [Video]

Related Posts

Lady London Opens Up About Growth, Grief, and...

October 11, 2025

Stand Your Ground: Netflix’s Harrowing Look at American...

October 11, 2025

‘This City Has So Much Magic,’ Bradley Cooper...

October 10, 2025

CIX Get Real About “GO Chapter 1: GO...

October 10, 2025

Libra Season at Limusina

October 10, 2025

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Presents a Festive Supper...

October 10, 2025

Lil Jon Brings His Signature Crunk Energy to...

October 10, 2025

Amazónico Makes Its U.S. Debut in Miami With...

October 10, 2025

The Knockturnal: Inside “The Soucouyant” How Antigua and...

October 10, 2025

Shakira, Cardi B, and Others Sing for Social...

October 9, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch