Not too long ago, I was scrolling through Netflix trying to find something new to watch. Nothing was particularly standing out to me, until I stumbled upon The CW's, "Jane the Virgin." I am so, so glad that I did.
On the surface, "Jane the Virgin" takes a silly, satirical spin on the telenovela genre. There are moments that are truly hilarious with its over-the-top plot twists and larger-than-life characters, but equally as many softer moments. The writing is brilliant. The show often ties together even the smallest of plot points to create an interesting and engaging series that highlights the entire spectrum of human emotion.
"Jane the Virgin" centers around a 23-year-old woman, Jane Villanueva, played by the incredibly talented and versatile, Gina Rodriguez, who has always considered herself to be "on-track." The daughter of a teenage mother, Jane does not want to make the same mistake and decides to keep her virginity until marriage. She is engaged to a successful detective, who supports this decision and is studying to become a teacher. Her plans abruptly change when a routine gynecology appointment ends with her becoming accidentally artificially inseminated with the sperm of a millionaire. What unfolds is a story more complicated than imaginable, but incredibly endearing, that actually teaches the audience a few lessons along the way.
One, if not the most striking, component of the show is the relationship between the three Villanueva women, which includes Jane's mother and grandmother. The three women are incredibly different. Jane's grandmother, Alba, is a devout Catholic and Jane's mother, Xiomara, is a free-spirit who longs to have a singing career. Despite their differences, the three love and support one another through the many obstacles each of them face.
Beyond the talented performances of its actors and genius writing by creators, "Jane the Virgin" also shatters traditional stereotypes seen throughout television. Rather than centering on a white family, the show centers on a Hispanic family. In doing this, the show takes the opportunity to discuss racial inequalities and immigration rights in an entertaining and very real way. In addition, it openly displays and discusses LGTBQ relationships and often flips gender roles. "Jane the Virgin" combines pop culture references with relevant, current issues to smash stereotypes on a broad scale.
Catch up on the first two seasons of "Jane the Virgin" on Netflix before the third season begins on October 17!
