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‘Yo soy Betty, la fea’ is Getting a Sequel After 20 Years

The Latin telenovela that broke television records and became a global sensation, is making a comeback

Archivado en: Movies & TV Series  •   TV Shows  •  

More than twenty years ago, people all around the globe was captivated by a peculiar Colombian telenovela: «Yo soy Betty, la fea« («I am Betty, the ugly»). Weaved with the threads of comedy, drama, and romance, the tale of an intelligent, yet unattractive woman named Beatriz Pinzón Solano, better known as Betty, broke television records and became a global sensation. 

«Yo soy Betty, la fea» 

The telenovela first aired in 1999 on RCN Television in Colombia. The story centered on Betty, an economist who, despite her academic credentials, struggled to find employment due to her perceived lack of physical beauty. Landing a job at a fashion house, Ecomoda, Betty’s appearance –hidden behind large glasses, a fringe, and braces–, was often the target of jokes. Yet, Betty won hearts with her kindness, tenacity, and smarts. 

Betty la fea
Actress Ana Maria Orozco poses for a portrait as her character Betty Pinzon in the Telemundo network comedy series «Betty La Fea,» 2000. Getty.

The telenovela was a hit not just in Colombia but worldwide. Translated into dozens of languages, it aired in more than 180 countries and was remade more than 20 times, including the American adaptation, «Ugly Betty». The original series ran for 169 episodes, from 1999 to 2001, enchanting viewers with its unusual storyline, comic relief, and a powerful message about the value of inner beauty. 

What was the secret of its success? Firstly, it was the captivating and relatable character of Betty, portrayed brilliantly by actress Ana María Orozco. The audiences empathized with Betty’s struggles and cheered for her triumphs, teaching a significant lesson that attractiveness is more than physical. The series also portrayed the harsh reality of the fashion industry, making it the first of its kind to address such themes in a telenovela. 

 The cast was filled with memorable characters, each with their distinct peculiarities also played a crucial role. Their interactions added a layer of realism and humor, making the series a perfect blend of comedy and drama. 

A Surprising & Awaited Return 

The new series promises to bring back beloved characters, including our favorite, Betty, with the original cast. The sequel intends to capture the spirit of the original while adapting to a contemporary story. 

With a potential premiere set for 2024, Prime Video announced the news through a video posted on its social media. In the video, Ana María Orozco and Jorge Enrique Arbello revisit the forums of the original series, and gradually some details of the story from 1999 are seen.

While the plot is yet unknown, the excitement is palpable. Will we see Betty as a successful businesswoman, or will she be facing new challenges? Will her love life take a new turn? The questions are many, but what’s guaranteed is that the sequel will carry forward the legacy of its predecessor, and it will remind us once again that beauty truly does lie in the eyes of the beholder.  

 As fans around the world eagerly await the return of this much-loved series, one thing is certain: “Yo soy Betty, la fea” sequel is set to captivate hearts all over again.