Telemundo’s latest telenovela Betty in New York, is the remake of the series, Ugly Betty which tells the unconventional story of a young girl who stands up for who she is.
A girl who’s seen as an “ugly duckling” who proves she’s beautiful, despite what others believe about her physical appearance.
The series achieved international fame with the American series starring America Ferrera.
Betty in New York premieres on Monday, July 15 at 17h00 taking the time slot of My Perfect Family.
It all started in South America, seven years before Ugly Betty, with the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, translated as: “I am Betty, the Ugly one.”
It aired between 1999 and 2001 and is credited as being the first telenovela to be remade internationally.
Countries that have made their own versions include Germany, Greece, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Belgium, with many of them changing Betty’s name e.g. she’s called Maria in the Greek version, Sara in the Flemish one and Pet in the Thai version.
Telemundo’s new version Betty en NY was filmed in late 2018 and stars TV newcomer Elyfer Torres as Beatriz “Betty” Aurora Rincón. The action is set at the V&M Fashion Company where Betty lands a job after months of being rejected because of her physical appearance.
Betty is a bright spark with university degrees but these don’t count for her in a world where the image is most important so she’s forced into taking a job that’s beneath her capabilities.
She becomes secretary to V&M’s president and her adventures, misadventure’s and battle against her judgemental colleagues and the system begins from there.