The third season of 'Lopez vs. Lopez' has been more than just another sitcom. It has been a mirror reflecting the complexities of Latino families, particularly the role of mothers and the impact of mental illness. Debby Wolfe, the show's creator and showrunner, sat down for an exclusive interview with The Latin Times to discuss the risks, evolution, and deeper themes that the series has embraced.
Latino culture has long idealized mothers as selfless, almost saintlike figures. But in 'Lopez vs. Lopez', the portrayal of a flawed, yet deeply human, mother who abandoned their child has resonated with audiences who grew up in households where parental perfection was the expectation.
"I don't think it ever felt like a risk," the showrunner admitted. "Ten years ago, I was told my female characters were too unlikable. But things have changed as more women have become showrunners. Now, there's a greater openness to showing women in all their layers—the good and the bad."
The goal was to present an authentic look at motherhood, one that acknowledges both the pressures placed on mothers and the expectations children have in return. "Mothers are human. They are good, but they also struggle. And children, especially in Latino families, often feel pressured to maintain a relationship even when it's unhealthy."
However, it did pose a special kind of bravery from George López, one of the stars of the show with his daughter Mayan. Both and Wolfe are the trio who birthed 'Lopez vs Lopez' and keep it alive and ever-growing.
"We learn that his mother has borderline personality disorder," she explained. "We were very careful with the way that we portrayed it, because all of us have people in our lives that suffer from mental illness, so we made sure that we consulted a psychologist so that we did it right."
The final episodes of season 3 go beyond the person who has the disorder. "There is also a story of acceptance and healing. To know that its not your fault or anybody's fault," Wolfe added, highlighting how, due to George López's lifestory, this was also important.
"I think it was actually healing for him in real life, too, as it was for the character on screen," she added.
Growth as a Showrunner and a Team Effort
The journey from season one to season three has been a steep learning curve. "I went from being a writer on a staff of ten to suddenly running a show with 300 employees," the creator shared. "On top of that, it's one of the few shows with a majority Latino cast, so there was added pressure. But I survived, and I thrived."
The key to the show's growth, she revealed, was learning to trust her team. "At first, I felt like I had to do everything, just like a mother with a child. But I realized television is a collaborative medium. When I started delegating, the writing got better, and so did the show."
Besides George and Mayan Lopez, the cast also includes Matt Shively, Brice González, Selenis Leyva, and Al Madrigal.
While progress has been made in terms of Latino representation on screen, the fight for diversity behind the scenes continues. "We need more Latinos in positions of power who can do the hiring. On my show, we prioritize Latino writers and crew, but the industry as a whole still lacks Latino executives."
The recent elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs has only made this challenge harder. "A DEI program got me my first writing job. Without those programs, it's up to us to train and hire our own. If we don't, the industry will remain the same."
The Future of Lopez vs Lopez
With only two episodes left in the season, fans can expect surprises and emotional payoffs. "There's a big reveal that moves the family forward," she teased. "And if we get season four, you can bet we'll meet more family members."
The parade of Latino guest stars has been a highlight for fans, and the showrunner hopes to bring in even more familiar faces for season 4. "I'd love to get every Latino in Hollywood on this show at some point. And yes, Pedro Pascal is at the top of the wish list!"
Beyond 'Lopez vs Lopez', she's also working on a new pilot, still under wraps. "I want to keep pushing for Latino representation. I'm in a place where people actually listen to my pitches, and I'm going to use that to create authentic stories that reflect our community."
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
