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2/24/2010 - 12:18 PM
Ugly Betty: Did the Network Miss the Point?
She’s not in Queens. She’s not at MODE. She’s not on the air.
When ABC decided to cancel Ugly Betty, a comedy known for its fashion midseason, the network probably didn’t consider how much of an impact the show had made on the fashion and journalism industries. Exposing its weekly audience to appearances from designers such as Isaac Mizrahi and Vera Wang brought the fashion industry into the homes of viewers. Using this tactic, high-fashion started to become easier to relate to and more accessible to the everyday person. Ugly Betty regular co-star, Mark Indelicato, said the show “…made its mark on the fashion industry by coming out with the idea of ‘seeing the beauty in ugly’.”
The costume designer for Ugly Betty, Patricia Field, no stranger to television wardrobe design, was also a big part of why couture pieces made it onto a television sitcom. Ugly Betty had only begun to bridge the gap between specialized fashion shows and general interest comedy.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to mention that one of these cast members, Ana Ortiz, who plays Betty’s sister Hilda, is my cousin. Although ABC cancelled the show in January, eight more episodes will still air on Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
- Adriana Rivera
Further Reading
An early review that explored the potential of the show and pitfalls it should avoid
The metacritic collection of reviews
For those who appreciated the music that went with the episodes
Categories: Current Events, Media, Popular Culture
5 comments
4/23/2010 - 11:34 AM by Quin
I had an amazing opportunity to meet some of the cast of Ugly Betty at the LIM FEF Scholarship cocktail party last year. Judith Light (Claire Meade) was probably the nicest and most encouraging person I had ever met! The actors themselves as well as the characters they portray will be greatly missed on network television.
4/22/2010 - 3:21 PM by Lola Mendez
Hey Adriana! I was SO sad when I found out Ugly Betty was being canceled. I didn't get it. All my friends watched. We loved it. It felt like we were part of the MODE tribe. I stuck by Betty's side week by week no matter how odd the plot twists may seem. This show has so much success around the world, I wonder why it didn't click in America? Maybe people are still too racists? Even Pat Field didn't seem too bummed that the show was ending. Pat MADE the show what it was with Betty's quirky looks and Amanda's risque over the top fashions. Who doesn't want a bff like Marc after all? RIP Ugly Betty. You'll be missed and always have a place in this fashionista's heart!
3/15/2010 - 12:51 PM by Heidi Diamond
Always love how the show portrays such strong and empowered women! The real "behind the scenes" of the show also showcases the talents of strong, talented, empowered television executives--both from the network, the production company and those bevy of women associated with the program's great success.
3/3/2010 - 2:23 PM by Michelle
The show will be missed.
3/4/2010 - 9:44 AM by Mike Janes
Great article Adriana! I never really thought about how Ugly Betty did all of these things but it's so true! I'm sad that it got cancelled, it's always been one of my favorites :(