Titled The Cartel Among Us, the new series is produced by July Moon Productions and Blackfin, to premiere on Univision’s upcoming streaming service in 2022.
Univision Communications announced a partnership with powerhouse actress, singer-songwriter, and executive producer Selena Gomez to produce her first-ever Spanish-language series Mi Vecino, El Cartel (The Cartel Among Us) through her company July Moon Productions and alongside Blackfin (an eOne company).
The true-crime documentary series tells the complex and intriguing story of a murder that rocked a quiet suburban town in Texas and launched a multi-year international investigation and will be available exclusively on Univision’s new global streaming platform to be launched in 2022.
Following the recent announcement of a first-look deal with international superstar Eugenio Derbez, Univision continues doubling down on its commitment to bring audiences the best originally produced Spanish-language content from the most notable established and up-and-coming creators today.
“As we build the largest Spanish-language streaming platform in the world and an indispensable service to this audience, one of our top priorities is bringing diverse voices and stories and investing in Latina storytellers,” said Rodrigo Mazon, Executive Vice President, General Manager of SVOD at Univision. “We are proud to welcome Selena Gomez to our roster of globally-acclaimed creators that will help create the best in-language, in-culture original content.”
Selena Gomez has used her influence and reach to shed light on issues relevant to U.S. Hispanics, and as executive producer of the series, helps shape this unique story highlighting its moral complexity and the importance of culture and family on both sides of the border.
“As a true crime fan, I was immediately captivated when I heard the story surrounding the homicide of Juan Guerrero Chapa. Not only did it take place close to my hometown in Texas, but it was also a story unlike anything I’ve ever heard,” said Selena Gomez. “I am excited to partner with Univision and really pull back the layers of his double life.”
The Cartel Among Us follows the cold-blooded homicide of a former cartel lawyer and high-level cooperator for the U.S. government, Juan Guerrero Chapa, and the subsequent investigation and trial. The three-part docuseries explores how the murder uncovered the tentacles of the Mexican cartels in the U.S., as well as the clash between the affluent world of Southlake, Texas, and the seedy lifestyle of drug cartels that turned the city upside down. Through unique access to the lead prosecutor of the case and extensive archival resources and interviews, the series unveils a family drama involving murdered fathers, blood feuds, and a quest for vengeance, in addition to the many twists and turns that continue to unfold today as the search for justice continues.
In 2022, Univision will launch its unified global streaming service, including a new premium subscription (SVOD) and an expanded free advertising-supported (AVOD) tier, to become the home to the most extensive offering of originally produced Spanish-language content in the world. More details for the service will be announced following the combination of Televisa and Univision.
The Cartel Among Us is produced by Blackfin, an eOne company, with Geno McDermott and Jordan Rosenblum serving as Executive Producers. Selena Gomez and July Moon are represented by Lighthouse Management + Media and WME.
