John Leguizamo, the prominent actor, is set to continue his exploration of America’s Latin history with a second season of his travel series, Leguizamo Does America. MSNBC has renewed the show, which debuted on April 16 and aired its first-season finale recently. Produced by NBC News Studios, the travelogue show has been a success and will continue to air on MSNBC for its sophomore run, with the new cities to be visited in season two to be announced at a later date.
Leguizamo expressed his excitement about delving deeper into America and continuing to showcase Latin excellence. He mentioned that viewers can expect more Latin legends dinners, eating, and laughter in the upcoming season. In the first season, Leguizamo traveled to five cities, including his hometown, Miami, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico. Each episode featured celebrity guests like George Lopez and Robert Rodriguez, as well as local heroes, young actors, and community leaders. The series, directed by Ben De Jesus, explored the past and present of each location’s Latino communities.
Liz Cole, president of NBC News Studios, expressed her pride in creating and producing the series alongside Leguizamo. She highlighted the significance of putting a spotlight on the rich culture and contributions of the Latino community, especially with a predominantly Latino editorial and production staff. The collaboration between NBC News Studios and MSNBC Films proved successful in the first season, and they are excited to continue the partnership for season two.
According to MSNBC, Leguizamo Does America had a broad multicultural audience, including a significant number of Hispanic viewers who made up 13 percent of the series’ broadcast audience. The show, which aired on Sundays at 10 p.m., was also the most-viewed MSNBC original in over two years. Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC, praised the series for its clever storytelling and its representation of the Latino community. She emphasized the importance of diverse stories and expressed excitement about MSNBC being the home for another season of the show.
In addition to the renewal news, John Leguizamo is scheduled to speak at the Aspen Ideas Festival, a partnership between the Aspen Institute and NBCUniversal News Group. As a featured speaker in 2023, he will contribute to the week-long program with his unique insights and perspectives.
Leguizamo Does America has proven to be a compelling and popular travel series, shedding light on the Latin history and culture within the United States. The show’s success is a testament to the audience’s appetite for diverse stories and the importance of representation. With the upcoming second season, viewers can anticipate even more intriguing destinations, engaging conversations, and a deeper exploration of the contributions of the Latino community throughout America’s history.