Community Hub0 Subscribers
Community hub
On My Block
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| On My Block | |
|---|---|
.png) | |
| Genre | |
| Created by |
|
| Starring | |
| Composer | KOVAS |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original languages |
|
| No. of seasons | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 38 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography |
|
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 23–38 minutes |
| Production company | Crazy Cat Lady Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | March 16, 2018 – October 4, 2021 |
| Related | |
| Freeridge | |
On My Block is an American teen comedy-drama television series, created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft.[1][2] Set in the fictional Los Angeles neighborhood Freeridge, it revolves around four teenagers who find their friendship tested upon entering high school. It stars Sierra Capri, Jason Genao, Brett Gray, Diego Tinoco, Jessica Marie Garcia, Julio Macias, and Peggy Blow.
The first season, consisting of ten episodes, was released on Netflix on March 16, 2018.[3][4] On April 13, 2018, the series was renewed for a second season and it premiered on March 29, 2019.[5][6] On April 29, 2019, the series was renewed for a third season which premiered on March 11, 2020.[7][8] On January 29, 2021, the series was renewed for a fourth and final season which premiered on October 4, 2021.[9][10]
On My Block received positive reviews from critics, who praised the diverse cast, performances, and storylines. The series won Choice Breakout TV Show at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards, and earned nominations from the Black Reel Awards and the Imagen Awards.
Premise
[edit]In the fictional rough inner-city Los Angeles neighborhood of Freeridge, four teens find their lifelong friendship tested as they begin high school.[2]
Cast and characters
[edit]Main
[edit]- Sierra Capri as Monsé Finnie,[2][4][11] a headstrong Afro-Latina[12] tomboy, who serves as the leader of her friend group.[13] Raised by her single father, she is in love with one of her best friends, Cesar.
- Jason Genao as Ruben "Ruby" Martinez Jr.,[2][4][11] a smart-aleck math whiz of Mexican descent often serving as the group's conscience[13]
- Brett Gray as Jamal Turner,[2][4][11] the nerd of the group,[14] who is African-American. In season 1, he is drawn into finding a hidden treasure scheme surrounding RollerWorld.
- Diego Tinoco as Cesar Diaz,[2][11] an intelligent Latino teen forced into gang life once his brother is released from prison, putting a strain on a blossoming relationship with Monsé.
- Jessica Marie Garcia as Jasmine Flores (seasons 2–4; recurring season 1),[2][4] a classmate of the group, who has a romantic obsession with Ruby. She and Ruby start a relationship during Season 3.
- Julio Macias as Oscar "Spooky" Diaz (seasons 3–4; recurring seasons 1–2),[15] Cesar's older brother and a high-level member of the Santos gang.
- Peggy Blow as Marisol Martinez 'Abuelita' (season 4;[16] recurring season 1–3), Ruby's grandmother.
Recurring
[edit]- Ronni Hawk as Olivia (season 1), a friend of Ruby's family who moves in with them after her parents are deported, and Ruby's love interest. She is shot by Latrelle and dies in the season 1 finale.
- Jahking Guillory as Latrelle (season 1–2; guest season 4), a former classmate of the group and a member of the Prophet$, a longtime rival gang to the Santos
- Emilio Rivera as Chivo (season 1–2, 4), (season 3, voice only), a gardener and former Santos gang member caught up in Jamal's hidden treasure scheme
- Paula Garcés as Geny Martinez, Ruby's mother
- Eric Neil Gutierrez as Ruben Martinez, Ruby's father
- Danny Ramirez as Mario Martinez (season 1–2), Ruby's older brother
- Kylie Samaniego as Luisa Martinez (season 1–2), Ruby's little sister
- Julian Lerma as Luis Martinez (season 1–2), Ruby's little brother
- Reggie Austin as Monty Finnie, Monsé's father. A truck driver, mostly on the road away from Monsé to work
- Lisa Marcos as Selena "Julia" Whitman (season 1–2), Monsé's biological mother who left at a young age, and reconnected with in season 2
- Eme Ikwuakor as Dwayne Turner, Jamal's father. Former Freeridge High School football player and owner of Dwayne's Joint, a local restaurant
- Raushanah Simmons as Mrs. Turner, Jamal's mother
- Rob Murat as Coach Ron (season 1–2, 4), the Freeridge High School football coach and Sex Ed teacher
- Angela E. Gibbs as Rosé Westbrook (season 1, 3), a former Soul Train dancer caught up in Jamal's hidden treasure scheme. Former best friend of Stacy, aka Cuchillos, leader of the Santos.
- Shoshana Bush as Amber (season 2; guest season 4), Mario's girlfriend.
- Ada Luz Pla as Cuchillos (season 3), the leader of the Santos before her death
- Mallory James Mahoney as Ainsley Riches (season 3)
- Gilberto Ortiz as Cuete (season 3–4), a 19th Street gang member
- Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson as Kendra (season 3; guest season 4), Jamal's love interest
- Ian Casselberry as Ray (season 3–4), Cesar and Spooky's father. Former Santos gang member before going to prison when Cesar and Spooky were kids. Worked at Dwayne's Joint after his release.
- Nikki Rodriguez as Vero (season 4), Cesar's girlfriend
- Andrea Cortés as Isabel (season 4), Oscar's wife
Episodes
[edit]Series overview
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | March 16, 2018 | ||
| 2 | 10 | March 29, 2019 | ||
| 3 | 8 | March 11, 2020 | ||
| 4 | 10 | October 4, 2021 | ||
Season 1 (2018)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Chapter One" | Lauren Iungerich | Jeremy Haft & Eddie Gonzalez & Lauren Iungerich | March 16, 2018 | |
|
In the neighborhood of Freeridge, four best friends, Ruby, Cesar, Monsé and Jamal are almost at the start of their high school life when Cesar is on the outs by Ruby and Jamal. Monsé, having been at a writing camp for three months, looks for the reason of the fight which is revealed to be Cesar's confession of Monsé and Cesar's secret love affair. Monsé confronts Cesar, who did this only to protect her from his brother, Oscar, who has been bailed out of prison and is forcing him to join his gang. Jamal lies to his parents about his interest in the football team as he is only interested in finding a large sum of stolen money that was hidden in the neighborhood. With Cesar and Monsé's affair being real, both agree to keep it a secret from other two. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Chapter Two" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 16, 2018 | |
|
To save Cesar from falling into Oscar's hands, Monsé encourages Ruby and Jamal to co-operate. Ruby is left out to talk Oscar into letting Cesar go because of his extraordinary skills of manipulating people by talking. Instead of budging, Oscar decides to harden on Cesar. Meanwhile, Ruby's parents welcome Olivia, a friend of the family, in their home. Ruby eventually falls for her and she becomes a part of the group. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Chapter Three" | Steven Tsuchida | Robert Sudduth | March 16, 2018 | |
|
As Monsé and Cesar continue their relationship, they are faced with the challenge of the homecoming dance in their school to which Monse is reluctant. Cesar starts doing Oscar's crimes at his order. Ruby tries his best to get him partnered with Olivia to dance. Jamal takes the help of Ruby's grandmother, Marisol, to get a clue of the stolen money. With Marisol's tip, Jamal finds the address of Frankie's girlfriend in Brentwood, Frankie being one of those who carried out the heist. The homecoming dance is cancelled because of an incident in front of the school. Cesar makes everyone crash at Monsé's place. Monsé declares Cesar to be unsafe in front of Olivia, which upsets him. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Chapter Four" | Steven Tsuchida | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 16, 2018 | |
|
On Halloween, Jamal encourages the group to trick-or-treat in Brentwood. As Ruby, Cesar and Olivia go trick-or-treating, Jamal and Monsé follow Marisol's lead. They meet Rosé, Frankie's girlfriend and a former Soul Train dancer. She tells them about Li'l Rickey, Frankie's best friend who Jamal deduces might be the one who hid the money. Monsé encounters a lady who she suspects to be her mother who left when she was young. After getting back to Freeridge, Olivia kisses Cesar. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Chapter Five" | Ryan Shiraki | Jamie Uyeshiro | March 16, 2018 | |
|
Ruby realizes that Olivia is not into him. Cesar tells Jamal about his kiss with Olivia. Jamal, being self-confessing, gives him a time limit for how long he can hold this secret. As Ruby calls Jamal at his place, Olivia also invites Monsé over. While the neighborhood goes on a lock-down, Cesar runs for his life being followed by their gang rival, the Prophets. As Oscar appears at Ruby's place, it is clear that the lock-down is in lieu for his search so he hides there. As Jamal's time limit is about to end, Cesar makes it to Ruby's house but he is too late before Olivia told the group about their kiss, to everyone's astonishment. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Chapter Six" | Ryan Shiraki | Adam Starks & Francesca Gailes | March 16, 2018 | |
|
After the reveal, Ruby and Monsé are not on speaking terms with Cesar. Jamal takes Ruby's help in convincing the coach to let him sit on the bench during the football game. While Olivia patches things up between Ruby, Monsé, and Cesar, Jamal is forced on the ground when half of his team is sent off. To everyone's surprise, Jamal wins the match. He confesses to his parents that he does not like football to which they unexpectedly consent. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Chapter Seven" | Steven Tsuchida | Lauren Iungerich | March 16, 2018 | |
|
Cesar is forced by Monsé to continue having an affair with Olivia for the sake of the group's unity. Olivia tells the group about her upcoming quinceañera at which Ruby gets obsessed in conducting it. Jamal's search for the stolen money, commonly known as RollerWorld money, leads to a gardener, Chivo, who also turns out to be Li'l Ricky's cousin. He finds a key in one of his garden gnomes. While Cesar asks Monsé to continue their relationship, Latrelle, a member of the Prophets, pulls a gun on him. Monsé asks Jamal for the RollerWorld money to get Cesar out of town. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Chapter Eight" | Steven Tsuchida | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft & Lauren Iungerich | March 16, 2018 | |
|
Monsé babysits for her suspected mother, Julia's children as she works on a book based on her personal experiences. When Julia sees the photo of Monsé's father on her phone, she sobs, confirming she is Monsé's mother. Oscar spends quality time with Cesar on a beach which turns out to be a motivation for him to kill Latrelle but they miss the chance. Jamal finds out that the key he found is actually to an outhouse outside Chivo's nursery. On unlocking, he finds many locked boxes. | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Chapter Nine" | Lauren Iungerich | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 16, 2018 | |
|
Jamal seeks help from Monse and Ruby with the boxes. They find a clue in of them which leads them to the park. Ruby suggests sending Cesar to a distant farm through a bus but Jamal insists on finding the money. After a series of frantic checkpoints, the group, along with Marisol, end up in a church where they find a box full of gold coins which actually turn out to be chocolates. Ruby and Monse fight with Jamal on the failure. Cesar, losing hope, pulls a gun on Latrelle. | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Chapter Ten" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 16, 2018 | |
|
At Olivia's quinceañera, Cesar unexpectedly shows up, revealing he let Latrelle go. Jamal still looks for more clues and ends up in the football field. Olivia, discovering about Cesar and Monse's affair, and realizing her love for Ruby, willingly breaks up with Cesar. After shoveling the ground and nearly losing hope, Jamal decides to dig it. Meanwhile, Latrelle appears at the quinceañera with a gun. Ruby foresees him while dancing with Olivia and moves in front of Cesar to save him. Latrelle shoots and the bullet passes through both him and Olivia. Latrelle then evades the scene. Ambulances carry them to hospital as Jamal is revealed to have found the money. | ||||||
Season 2 (2019)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | "Chapter Eleven" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 29, 2019 | |
|
A month after the previous events, it is revealed that Olivia died due to the gunshot. Ruby wakes up from coma and is still traumatized by Olivia's death. His brother, Mario, returns home from his internship with his white girlfriend, Amber. Amber turns out to be pregnant with his baby, to his family's disappointment. Oscar's gang, the Santos, call a truce with the Prophets following previous events. Cesar is kicked out of the gang by Oscar for not killing Latrelle. Monse's father, Monty, bans Cesar from his property, as does Geny, Ruby's mother. Monty asks Monse to promise him that she won't have Cesar at their house and, as a result, Cesar becomes homeless. | ||||||
| 12 | 2 | "Chapter Twelve" | Lauren Iungerich | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 29, 2019 | |
|
Jamal panics when he finds out his mother has given away his football bag, which actually had the money in it, to Goodwill. He seeks help from Monse and Cesar and successfully finds the money in one of the Goodwill bins. Because of a fight on the money's possession, they fall in trouble with Officer Hammel. With their annoying classmate Jasmine's help, who is a member of The Explorer program at the police station, they distract him and save the money. Ruby, now in the second stage of grief, anger, bonds unexpectedly with Oscar. Jamal takes the money to his house but finds Coach Ron there who sues him for the dug up football field. Monse, keeping the promise with her father, lets Cesar sleep in his car. | ||||||
| 13 | 3 | "Chapter Thirteen" | Ryan Shiraki | Jamie Uyeshiro | March 29, 2019 | |
| 14 | 4 | "Chapter Fourteen" | Ryan Shiraki | Christopher Encell | March 29, 2019 | |
| 15 | 5 | "Chapter Fifteen" | Jeremy Haft | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 29, 2019 | |
| 16 | 6 | "Chapter Sixteen" | Erica Watson | Lauren Iungerich | March 29, 2019 | |
| 17 | 7 | "Chapter Seventeen" | Ryan Shiraki | Sonia Kharkar | March 29, 2019 | |
| 18 | 8 | "Chapter Eighteen" | Ryan Shiraki | Adam Starks | March 29, 2019 | |
| 19 | 9 | "Chapter Nineteen" | Lauren Iungerich | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 29, 2019 | |
| 20 | 10 | "Chapter Twenty" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 29, 2019 | |
Season 3 (2020)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "Chapter Twenty-One" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 11, 2020 |
| 22 | 2 | "Chapter Twenty-Two" | Lauren Iungerich | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 11, 2020 |
| 23 | 3 | "Chapter Twenty-Three" | Valerie Finkel | Jamie Uyeshiro | March 11, 2020 |
| 24 | 4 | "Chapter Twenty-Four" | Jeremy Haft | Christopher Encell | March 11, 2020 |
| 25 | 5 | "Chapter Twenty-Five" | Ryan Shiraki | Lauren Iungerich | March 11, 2020 |
| 26 | 6 | "Chapter Twenty-Six" | Ryan Shiraki | Sonia Kharkar & Adam Starks | March 11, 2020 |
| 27 | 7 | "Chapter Twenty-Seven" | Lauren Iungerich | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 11, 2020 |
| 28 | 8 | "Chapter Twenty-Eight" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich & Auriel Rudnick | March 11, 2020 |
Season 4 (2021)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 1 | "Chapter Twenty-Nine" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | October 4, 2021 | |
| 30 | 2 | "Chapter Thirty" | Paula Garcés | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | October 4, 2021 | |
|
Monse returns to Freeridge, seeing so much had changed over the two years she left. Her father is married and has a kid, but also that her friends have split up over that time. Jamal is now part of the football team, and is soaking up the popularity that comes with it. While Ruby and Jasmine are official[clarification needed], but are in a rough patch as he tries to be Senior class president. Cesar is now the leader of the gang full time after taking Oscar's place. Before long, another mystery arises that forces the former friends to confront each other for the first time in years. | ||||||
| 31 | 3 | "Chapter Thirty-One" | Alexi Gonzalez | Sonia Kharkar | October 4, 2021 | |
| 32 | 4 | "Chapter Thirty-Two" | Arlyn Richardson | Jamie Uyeshiro | October 4, 2021 | |
| 33 | 5 | "Chapter Thirty-Three" | Jeremy Haft | Adam Starks | October 4, 2021 | |
| 34 | 6 | "Chapter Thirty-Four" | Jeremy Haft | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | October 4, 2021 | |
| 35 | 7 | "Chapter Thirty-Five" | Valerie Finkel | Vivian Huang | October 4, 2021 | |
| 36 | 8 | "Chapter Thirty-Six" | Valerie Finkel | Jamie Uyeshiro, Sonia Kharkar & Adam Starks | October 4, 2021 | |
| 37 | 9 | "Chapter Thirty-Seven" | Eli Gonda | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | October 4, 2021 | |
| 38 | 10 | "The Final Chapter" | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | October 4, 2021 | |
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the first season an approval rating of 95% based on 22 reviews, and a weighted average rating of 7.83/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Charming, realistic, and focused on underrepresented communities, On My Block is the respite from stylized teen dramas you didn't know you needed.".[17] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 69 out of 100 based on 5 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[18] Trey Mangum of Shadow and Act wrote, "On My Block is different than anything we've seen on television in relation to the experience of growing up. The stars are young people of color, dealing with real issues that happen in communities that they have to wrangle with during this pivotal time in their lives. For a lovely story about friendship and timely societal issues, along with superb youth acting, here is your next binge."[19] Alexis Gunderson of Paste said, "When the final credits hit, it's clear that not one second of the season's 10 short episodes was wasted: Every line was measured out, every background track meticulously calibrated, every initially jarring tonal shift set up precisely for a singular cumulative effect that lands in the season's final moments like a punch to the chest you realize too late you should have seen coming from a mile away."[20] Matt Seitz of New York Magazine wrote, "One of the many remarkable things about this series is how it folds crime and the awareness of potential violence into everyday life, which is something white sitcoms never do unless it's a Very Special Episode."[21]
The second season has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 9 reviews, with an average rating of 7.9/10.[22] The third season holds an approval rating of 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The website's critics consensus states, "On My Block still rings true in a buoyant third season that interweaves joy and peril with the series' signature authenticity."[23]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award | Year[a] | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Reel Awards | 2019 | Outstanding Comedy Series | On My Block | Nominated | [24] |
| Imagen Awards | 2019 | Best Primetime Television Program | On My Block | Nominated | [25] |
| Best Actor – Television | Diego Tinoco | Nominated | |||
| Best Actor – Television | Jason Genao | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor – Television | Julio Macias | Nominated | |||
| 2020 | Best Supporting Actor – Television | Julio Macias | Nominated | [26] | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2018 | Choice Breakout TV Show | On My Block | Won | [27] |
| 2019 | Choice Summer TV Actor | Diego Tinoco | Nominated | [28] | |
| Choice Summer TV Actress | Jessica Marie Garcia | Nominated |
Spinoff
[edit]On September 27, 2021, a spinoff of On My Block, titled as Freeridge was ordered to series by Netflix. It is created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft, Jamie Uyeshiro, and Jamie Dooner.[29] It was announced in October 2021 that the series would star Bryana Salaz, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Ciara Riley Wilson and Shiv Pai.[30] The series premiered on February 2, 2023.[31]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
References
[edit]- ^ "'Awkward' Creator to Launch Inner City High School Comedy on Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. December 14, 2017. Archived from the original on December 15, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Netflix Prepping Comedy Series From 'Awkward' Creator Lauren Iungerich". Deadline Hollywood. December 14, 2017. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
- ^ "Netflix Orders Inner City High School Comedy 'On My Block'". Variety. December 14, 2017. Archived from the original on December 16, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "'On My Block' Trailer: First Look At Netflix Comedy From 'Awkward' Creator Lauren Iungerich & Premiere Date". Deadline Hollywood. January 30, 2018. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 13, 2018). "'On My Block' Renewed For Season 2 By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ Evans, Greg (March 7, 2019). "'On My Block' Teaser: Season 2 Cold Open Offers Eye-Opening Revelations". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 8, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (April 29, 2019). "'On My Block' Renewed For Season 3 By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (February 18, 2020). "'On My Block' Season 3 Premiere Date Set On Netflix; Watch The Announcement Video". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ Turchiano, Danielle (January 29, 2021). "'On My Block' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season at Netflix". Variety. Archived from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ^ Peters, Fletcher (September 7, 2021). "'On My Block' to Premiere Season 4 on Netflix This October: Get a First Look". Decider. Archived from the original on September 7, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "ABOUT THIS SHOW – ON MY BLOCK (NETFLIX)". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- ^ Mangum, Trey (March 10, 2018). "Sierra Capri And Brett Gray Of Netflix's 'On My Block' Explain The Importance Of The Show Subverting The Norm". Shadow and Act. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
- ^ a b Liebman, Lisa (March 16, 2018). "The Inner-City Kids Are All Right in Netflix's Binge-Worthy On My Block". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ^ "Brett Gray Gives Us the Scoop on His Role in the Upcoming Netflix Series, "On My Block"". Sheen Magazine. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ^ Petski, Denise (August 7, 2019). "'On My Block': Julio Macias Upped To Series Regular For Season 3". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (April 9, 2021). "'On My Block': Peggy Blow Upped To Series Regular For Fourth & Final Season Of Netflix Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
- ^ "On My Block: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
- ^ "On My Block: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "'On My Block': Netflix's Timely Coming-Of-Age Dramedy Has A Lot Of Heart (Review)". shadowandact.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ^ "Netflix's On My Block Could Be the Year's First Breakout Hit". Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ^ Matt Seitz (March 19, 2018). "On My Block Is a Remarkable Coming-of-Age Story". Vulture.com. New York Magazine. Archived from the original on March 22, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
- ^ "On My Block: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "On My Block: Season 3". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "Black Reel Awards for TV -Past Winners & Nominees by Category". Black Reel Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Nickolai, Nate (July 15, 2019). "2019 Imagen Awards Nominations: Jennifer Lopez, Antonio Banderas and More". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Janet W. (August 8, 2020). "2020 Imagen Awards Nominations: 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold,' 'I Carry You With Me' and More". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Douglas, Esme. "Teen Choice Awards 2018: See the full list of winners". EW. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ Swift, Andy (July 8, 2019). "Teen Choice Awards: 'Stranger Things' Leads Final Wave of 2019 Nominations". TVLine. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (September 27, 2021). "'On My Block' Spinoff 'Freeridge' Ordered to Series at Netflix Ahead of Final Season Premiere". Variety. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ Petski, Denise (October 8, 2021). "'On My Block' Spinoff 'Freeridge' Sets Its New Core Four". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (December 16, 2022). "'Freeridge': Netflix Sets Premiere Date For 'On My Block' Spinoff". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
External links
[edit]
On My Block
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The series follows four lifelong friends—Monse, César, Ruby, and Jamal—as they transition to high school in the fictional, gang-ridden Freeridge neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, confronting issues such as violence, poverty, family pressures, and identity while attempting to maintain their bond.[3][2]
Spanning four seasons, it blends humor with gritty realism, earning acclaim for its authentic depiction of Latino and Black youth experiences, though it drew criticism for early plot twists involving character deaths and a casting controversy that resulted in the recasting of a lead role after the actress's past social media posts supporting Donald Trump surfaced.[1][4][5]
On My Block won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout TV Show in 2018 and received nominations from the Black Reel Awards and Imagen Awards for its performances and storytelling.[6]
The show's conclusion after its fourth season was planned as a finale, influenced by factors including the departure of co-creator Iungerich and rising cast salaries, rather than declining viewership.[7][8][9]
Production
Development and creation
On My Block was co-created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft.[10] The collaboration originated during the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike, when Gonzalez and Haft first met Iungerich; years later, over lunch, Iungerich expressed interest in developing a series centered on children of color, prompting Haft to involve Gonzalez, who drew from his upbringing in the Lynwood and Compton areas of Los Angeles amid a family of 117 first cousins.[11] [12] The trio convened for six weeks at a Panera Bread in Sherman Oaks, where Gonzalez recounted personal anecdotes from his youth in a neighborhood marked by gang violence yet infused with community resilience, aspiration, and humor, which informed the show's blend of comedic and dramatic elements depicting inner-city life without bleak stereotypes.[11] [13] Iungerich, known for creating the MTV series Awkward, brought experience in teen dramedy, while Gonzalez and Haft, long-time writing partners, aimed to counter prevailing "hood" narratives by emphasizing authentic teen experiences in South Central Los Angeles.[10] [12] After pitching to four outlets, the project sold to Netflix, which at the time prioritized completed scripts; the network greenlit a 10-episode first season of 30-minute episodes on December 14, 2017.[14] [15] The series was conceived as a coming-of-age comedy following four street-smart friends entering high school in a gritty urban setting, capturing triumphs, pains, and everyday challenges.[10] It premiered on Netflix on March 16, 2018.[14]Casting
The casting for On My Block was overseen by Danielle Aufiero, a casting director known for selecting talent for youth-oriented series emphasizing authenticity and ensemble dynamics.[16] [17] Aufiero collaborated with co-creator and showrunner Lauren Iungerich to assemble a predominantly Latino cast reflective of the fictional Freeridge neighborhood, focusing on actors capable of portraying multifaceted teenagers navigating poverty, gangs, and friendship without reductive stereotypes.[17] [18] For the central role of Monse Finnie, an Afro-Latina tomboy and group leader, producers conducted broad searches for performers matching the character's ethnic background and resilient personality. Sierra Capri, a then-20-year-old Baltimore native of Mexican and African-American descent, was ultimately cast after auditioning among numerous candidates. Iungerich noted that while the team sought an ideal ethnic fit, "we did the best we could to find an Afro-Latina who could play Monse, but ultimately we cast the best actor for the role," prioritizing Capri's ability to embody Monse's headstrong, self-advocating traits.[18] [19] The core four friends—Monse (Capri), Cesar Diaz (Diego Tinoco), Ruby Martinez (Jason Genao), and Jamal Turner (Brett Gray)—were selected from relative unknowns to foster genuine on-screen chemistry, with chemistry reads confirming their natural rapport as a unit. Tinoco, Genao, and Gray had limited prior credits, allowing the production to highlight emerging talent from diverse backgrounds, including Dominican-American (Genao) and Mexican-American (Tinoco) actors who brought personal insights to gang-influenced storylines.[20] [18] Supporting roles, such as Cesar's brother Oscar Diaz (Julio Macias), followed similar criteria, emphasizing performers with ties to Latino communities for credible depictions of family loyalty and Santos gang dynamics.[21] Subsequent seasons expanded the ensemble through targeted calls, including open auditions for Hispanic actors aged 18-25 to portray high school-aged characters, ensuring continuity in the show's demographic realism while accommodating narrative growth.[22] This approach contributed to the series' praise for its fresh, non-tokenized representation of South Central Los Angeles youth.[20]Filming and production details
On My Block was filmed primarily in Burbank and Los Angeles, California, to depict its fictional South Central Los Angeles neighborhood of Freeridge.[23] [24] Neighborhood exteriors, including key residential scenes, were captured in Burbank's suburban areas, leveraging the city's proximity to production facilities while providing urban-residential visuals suitable for the series' setting.[25] The series was produced by Crazy Cat Lady Productions in association with Netflix, with principal creative control held by co-creators Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft, who also executive produced all four seasons.[2] Filming schedules varied by season, but production for the final season began in March 2020 amid early COVID-19 restrictions, incorporating safety protocols that influenced on-set operations without specified delays in release.[26] Directors such as Iungerich and others handled episodes across the run, emphasizing authentic representation of Latino and Black teen experiences through location-based shooting rather than extensive studio work.[16]Premise and setting
Core premise
On My Block centers on four lifelong friends—Monse Finnie, Cesar Diaz, Jamal Turner, and Ruby Martinez—who navigate the challenges of starting high school in the fictional, high-crime neighborhood of Freeridge in South Central Los Angeles.[3] The series depicts their experiences with street violence, gang affiliations, family pressures, and personal aspirations, testing the bonds of their friendship amid a backdrop of poverty and danger.[2] Created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft, it portrays the protagonists' attempts to balance everyday adolescent concerns like romance and academic performance with the pervasive threats of local gangs such as the Prophets, particularly affecting Cesar due to his brother's involvement.[27] The core narrative revolves around themes of resilience and loyalty, as the group confronts escalating risks, including a season-one quest involving stolen money from a roller rink heist that draws unwanted gang attention.[28] Subsequent seasons expand on individual character arcs, such as Monse's identity struggles after her mother's abandonment, Jamal's obsession with a neighborhood legend, and Ruby's romantic pursuits, all while the ensemble evades violence and seeks paths out of their circumstances.[3] The show underscores the causal links between environmental factors like gang recruitment and limited opportunities, presenting these without romanticization, as evidenced by real-world parallels to South Central's documented crime rates exceeding national averages in the late 2010s.[27] Produced for Netflix, the premise draws from the creators' intent to authentically represent Latinx and Black youth in underserved urban areas, emphasizing humor amid hardship rather than didactic social messaging.[2] This approach highlights empirical realities of inner-city life, including how proximity to gang activity influences daily decisions, supported by the series' basis in observed community dynamics rather than idealized portrayals.[27]Fictional setting of Freeridge
Freeridge is a fictional neighborhood situated in South Central Los Angeles, California, depicted as a predominantly Latino, working-class urban enclave marked by socioeconomic challenges, gang presence, and resilient community dynamics.[29][30] The setting draws from real-life inspirations, including Lynwood—a majority-Latino city in Los Angeles County approximately 15 minutes south of downtown LA—hometown of co-creator Eddie González, to evoke authentic cultural and environmental tensions without replicating any specific locale.[31] In On My Block, Freeridge features rundown residential streets, local bodegas, and public spaces like parks and schools where youth navigate daily perils such as territorial gang conflicts involving groups like the Prophets and Santos, drive-by shootings, and economic precarity, with poverty rates implied through characters' circumstances like single-parent households and limited opportunities.[30][32] These elements underscore causal factors of urban decay, including historical underinvestment and immigration patterns in South LA, while portraying interpersonal bonds and humor as coping mechanisms amid verifiable risks: Los Angeles County gang-related homicides averaged over 200 annually in the 2010s, mirroring the show's backdrop of encroaching violence.[30] The neighborhood's geography integrates fictional landmarks, such as the protagonists' shared block and proximity to rival territories about 10 miles from affluent areas like Brentwood, emphasizing spatial isolation and aspiration gaps.[33] Filming occurred in real LA-adjacent sites like Burbank to capture urban grit, but Freeridge remains a composite unbound to any single verifiable address, prioritizing narrative realism over literal mapping.[34][35]Cast and characters
Main characters
Monse Finnie (Sierra Capri) is depicted as a confident, resilient Afro-Latina teenager who acts as the group's anchor, driven by ambitions to pursue writing and break free from Freeridge's constraints, often navigating tensions between loyalty to friends and personal aspirations like attending college.[36][37] Raised by her single father amid absent maternal influences, her story arc explores identity struggles, including code-switching in diverse social environments.[37] Cesar Diaz (Diego Tinoco) portrays an intelligent, soft-hearted Latino youth entangled in familial gang obligations through his brother Oscar, the leader of the Santos, despite his own dreams of legitimate work like mechanics and escaping violence. His arc includes assuming Santos leadership in the season 3 finale time jump, where he is referred to as "Lil Spooky" in season 4, mirroring his brother's former role while grappling with the cycle of gang life versus personal aspirations for escape and stability. His character highlights conflicts between inherited loyalties and personal agency, with relationships strained by threats from rival Prophets and internal Santos dynamics across the series' 2018–2021 run.[38][39][38] Ruby Martinez (Jason Genao) is shown as a charismatic, type-A Mexican-American teen from a large family, characterized by his romantic entanglements, culinary passions, and drive for social milestones like quinceañeras, balancing humor with vulnerability in a high-stakes environment.[40][41] Jamal Turner (Brett Gray) embodies the eccentric, neurotic outlier in the quartet, a paranoid yet inventive Black teen fixated on conspiracies—from RollerWorld mysteries to hidden treasures—while grappling with parental pressure to excel in football despite his aversion to it.[42][43] His pursuits often inject comic relief, underscoring themes of individuality amid peer conformity.[42] These core four, friends since childhood, form the narrative backbone, their bond tested by Freeridge's gang rivalries, socioeconomic hardships, and adolescent milestones over four seasons totaling 28 episodes from March 16, 2018, to June 4, 2021.[3][2]Recurring characters
Geny Martinez, portrayed by Paula Garcés, serves as Ruby Martinez's mother, offering glimpses into the familial pressures and support systems within Freeridge households across 16 episodes from 2018 to 2021.[44] Her character embodies the challenges of parenting in a gang-influenced neighborhood, frequently interacting with Ruby's friend group amid their adolescent crises.[45] Marisol Martinez, known as Abuelita and played by Peggy Blow, is Ruby's grandmother whose nurturing yet eccentric personality provides comic relief and emotional anchor for the protagonists, particularly bonding with Jamal Turner over shared vulnerabilities; she appears prominently through season 4, passing away in the series finale on October 4, 2021.[46] Abuelita's role highlights intergenerational ties in Latino families, including her involvement in minor criminal schemes that aid the teens' predicaments.[47] Latrelle, enacted by Jahking Guillory, functions as a key antagonist affiliated with the rival Prophets gang, harboring a personal grudge against Cesar Diaz stemming from schoolyard rivalries and escalating into violent confrontations across seasons 1, 2, and 4.[48] His actions, including drive-by shootings and betrayals, drive much of the plot's tension around gang warfare, portraying the cycle of retaliation in urban youth conflicts.[49] Olivia, played by Ronni Hawk in season 1, enters as a family friend of the Martinezes who relocates to their home following her parents' deportation, developing a romantic connection with Ruby that culminates tragically in her death during a quinceañera shooting on March 16, 2019.[50] This storyline underscores themes of immigration fallout and fleeting teen romance amid pervasive violence. Oscar "Spooky" Diaz (Julio Macias) is Cesar Diaz's older brother and the former leader of the Santos gang. Portrayed as a tough, intelligent ex-convict who fell into gang life due to family ties despite interests in cooking and a culinary career, he serves as an antagonist in season 1, evolves into an anti-hero in seasons 2-3, and becomes a major character in season 4. He is protective of Cesar, attempting to shield him from gang obligations, and appears in 2018–2021 episodes (recurring seasons 1–2; main seasons 3–4). Julio Macias received Imagen Awards nominations for Best Supporting Actor – Television for this role in 2019 and 2020.Episodes
Series overview
On My Block comprises four seasons totaling 38 episodes, all released exclusively on Netflix.[3][2]| Season | Episodes | Originally released |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | March 16, 2018[27][51] |
| 2 | 10 | March 29, 2019[52][53] |
| 3 | 8 | March 11, 2020[54][55] |
| 4 | 10 | October 4, 2021[56][57] |
Season 1 (2018)
The first season of On My Block consists of 10 episodes, all released simultaneously on Netflix on March 16, 2018.[3] It centers on four childhood friends—Monse Finnie, Cesar Diaz, Ruby Martinez, and Jamal Turner—entering high school in the fictional Freeridge neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, where they confront academic pressures, budding romances, personal insecurities, and escalating dangers from local gang affiliations, particularly involving Cesar's ties to the Prophets gang led by his brother Oscar.[2] The narrative blends humor with gritty realism, highlighting the characters' resilience amid poverty, violence, and community tensions.[27]| No. | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chapter One | As the first day of high school approaches, Monse returns from writing camp to discover tensions between Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar.[59] |
| 2 | Chapter Two | An attempt to intervene in Cesar's situation backfires, while Ruby experiences instant attraction to a family acquaintance.[59] |
| 3 | Chapter Three | Cesar becomes more entangled in Oscar's operations; the friends encounter emotional hurdles at their initial high school dance.[59] |
| 4 | Chapter Four | During Halloween, Jamal directs the group to affluent Brentwood for trick-or-treating, aiming to pursue leads on a neighborhood enigma.[59] |
| 5 | Chapter Five | Jamal issues Cesar an ultimatum regarding a confession to Ruby about Olivia; a law enforcement lockdown disrupts their plans.[59] |
| 6 | Chapter Six | Revelations strain the group's bonds; Jamal's deceptions about football participation come to light.[59] |
| 7 | Chapter Seven | Ruby fixates on orchestrating an impeccable quinceañera for Olivia; Jamal recruits an unconventional partner for the RollerWorld puzzle.[59] |
| 8 | Chapter Eight | Cesar strengthens his connection with Oscar; Monse accepts a babysitting role; Jamal approaches a breakthrough on his investigation; Olivia deals with a wardrobe malfunction.[59] |
| 9 | Chapter Nine | With Cesar's prospects in jeopardy, the friends conduct an urgent search across town for an item that could alter his fate.[59] |
| 10 | Chapter Ten | At Olivia's quinceañera, alliances evolve; a compassionate decision endangers the core values and safety of the friend group.[59] |
Season 2 (2019)
The second season of On My Block, consisting of 10 episodes, premiered on Netflix on March 29, 2019.[60][61] It continues the story of the four friends—Monse, Cesar, Jamal, and Ruby—in the Freeridge neighborhood, set one month after the Season 1 finale, emphasizing their emotional recovery from Olivia's shooting death at her quinceañera and the persistent threats from gang affiliations.[62][63] The season delves into grief's psychological toll, fractured relationships, and high-stakes decisions amid Santos-Prophets rivalries, with Ruby returning from hospitalization and lashing out in anger, while the group searches for a missing cash stash tied to their prior escapades.[64][65] Production for the season wrapped writing by late 2018, maintaining the core creative team of Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft, with no major cast departures from Season 1; Sierra Capri, Jason Genao, Brett Gray, and Diego Tinoco reprised their lead roles as Monse, Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar, respectively.[61][2] A new director of photography was introduced, praised by cast members for enhanced visual lighting that better captured the ensemble.[66] Episodes, collectively titled "Chapter Eleven" through "Chapter Twenty," explore individual arcs such as Monse's temporary departure for a writing program, Cesar's internal conflict over gang loyalty and family pressures, Jamal's fixation on safeguarding hidden funds, and Ruby's volatile grief leading to risky confrontations.[64]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | Chapter Eleven | Jeremy Haft | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 29, 2019 |
| 12 | 2 | Chapter Twelve | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 29, 2019 |
| 13 | 3 | Chapter Thirteen | Robert Rico | Jamie Dooner | March 29, 2019 |
| 14 | 4 | Chapter Fourteen | Jeremy Haft | Eddie Gonzalez | March 29, 2019 |
| 15 | 5 | Chapter Fifteen | Lauren Iungerich | Jeremy Haft | March 29, 2019 |
| 16 | 6 | Chapter Sixteen | Kat Candler | Jamie Dooner | March 29, 2019 |
| 17 | 7 | Chapter Seventeen | Colette Burson | Colette Burson | March 29, 2019 |
| 18 | 8 | Chapter Eighteen | Jeremy Haft | Eddie Gonzalez & Jeremy Haft | March 29, 2019 |
| 19 | 9 | Chapter Nineteen | Lauren Iungerich | Lauren Iungerich | March 29, 2019 |
| 20 | 10 | Chapter Twenty | Robert Rico | Eddie Gonzalez | March 29, 2019 |
Season 3 (2020)
Season 3 of On My Block premiered on Netflix on March 11, 2020, and consists of eight episodes titled "Chapter Twenty-One" through "Chapter Twenty-Eight."[69][70] The season escalates the dangers faced by protagonists Monse, Cesar, Ruby, and Jamal amid ongoing gang conflicts in Freeridge, as rival leader Cuchillos kidnaps the group and compels them to locate Cesar's brother Oscar (Spooky), who has disappeared while attempting to shield Cesar from Santos obligations.[71][72] Cesar's arc centers on his faltering efforts to exit gang life, torn between loyalty to Oscar—who faces betrayal accusations within the Santos—and the need to safeguard his friends, culminating in Cesar assuming a leadership role in the gang by the season's time-jump finale.[71][73] Parallel storylines highlight personal growth amid peril: Jamal's investigative pursuits into local enigmas exacerbate group tensions and reveal his controlling tendencies during the collective search for Oscar; Ruby experiments with entrepreneurial schemes, including food ventures that skirt regulations, while developing a romantic connection with Jasmine, exploring mutual feelings in comedic yet honest scenarios.[70][74] Monse contends with family estrangement, including her father's return from prison, and indulges in escapism with Jasmine, straining her bonds with the group as Freeridge's violence encroaches further on their adolescence.[70][75] The season concludes with a multi-year time jump depicting fractured friendships: Jamal distances himself from the trio, Ruby survives a near-fatal incident tied to Cesar's entanglements, and Cesar fully embraces Santos leadership, marked by new tattoos and a hardened demeanor, underscoring the causal toll of gang immersion on their trajectories.[76][77] This resolution emphasizes realism in how repeated exposure to violence and divided loyalties erode youthful solidarity, without romanticized resolutions.[75]Season 4 (2021)
The fourth and final season of On My Block consists of 10 episodes and premiered on Netflix on October 4, 2021.[78][79] Set two years after the third season, it depicts Monse Finnie's return to Freeridge following her time at a boarding school, where she encounters a transformed friend group: Cesar Diaz entrenched in Santos gang leadership as "Lil Spooky" alongside his brother Oscar ("Spooky"), Jamal Turner thriving as a high school football standout, and Ruby Martinez navigating a relationship with Jasmine.[79][80] The narrative centers on the core four's strained reunion, resurfacing secrets from their past, and efforts to reconcile amid escalating gang pressures, romantic entanglements, and individual ambitions.[3] Key developments include Cesar's internal conflict over loyalty to the Santos versus aspirations for stability, Jamal's pursuit of athletic success clashing with old friendships, Ruby's evolving dynamics with Jasmine and family expectations, and Monse's adjustment to Freeridge's unchanged hardships after her time away.[79] The season explores themes of growth and separation, culminating in resolutions tied to loss and accountability, as the protagonists confront the consequences of their Freeridge upbringing.[81]| Episode | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | Chapter Twenty-Nine | A long-buried secret implicates the friends; Jamal connects unexpectedly after confronting Monse.[82] |
| 30 | Chapter Thirty | Jamal reconnects with a former acquaintance amid election fallout; Ruby grapples with Jasmine's intensity; Cesar signals Oscar.[82] |
| 31 | Chapter Thirty-One | The group faces fallout from Chapter Twenty-Nine; tensions rise over hidden truths and shifting alliances.[82] |
| 32 | Chapter Thirty-Two | Personal ambitions collide with Freeridge realities; Cesar navigates gang duties while eyeing escape.[82] |
| 33 | Chapter Thirty-Three | Romantic and familial pressures test Ruby and Monse; Jamal's football path intersects with past crew dynamics.[82] |
| 34 | Chapter Thirty-Four | Escalating Santos conflicts force choices; the core four attempt to bridge two years of drift.[82] |
| 35 | Chapter Thirty-Five | Betrayals surface; Jamal and Ruby confront evolving identities beyond Freeridge.[82] |
| 36 | Chapter Thirty-Six | Gang retaliation looms; Monse pushes for unity amid revelations.[82] |
| 37 | Chapter Thirty-Seven | High-stakes decisions peak during prom; loyalties fracture under pressure.[82] |
| 38 | Chapter Thirty-Eight (The Final Chapter) | The crew reckons with irreversible changes, explaining their ordeals to families in closure.[82][83] |