Starz Orders Original Series ‘Vida’

Starz has greenlit a new series called “Vida” (formerly titled “Pour Vida”), a half-hour drama series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity.

Tanya Saracho (“How to Get Away With Murder,” “Looking,” “Girls”) will serve as showrunner for “Vida,”with Alonso Ruizpalacios (“Gueros”) directing the first episode. Big Beach TV will produce the series with executive producers Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf and Robin Schwartz. Lionsgate will retain all domestic and international multiplatform rights, including broadcast, home entertainment and digital for the series.

“Tanya explores identity, culture, gender and sexuality through the lens of a Latinix family and their community. It’s a deeply personal and relatable series about coming back home and finally growing up,” said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. “‘Vida’ reflects the intersecting worlds of Latin and American descendants of all genders and sexualities and speaks to the heart of Starz’s programming commitment to present compelling stories for traditionally underserved audiences. We are very proud to work with Tanya and help bring her vision to life.”

Veronica Osorio (The Carmichael Show,” “Girlboss”) has been cast in the role of Emma; and Melissa Barrera (“Club de Cuervos,” “La Mujer de Judas”) will play her sister, Lyn.