Telemundo: We have found the perfect combination of serials and reality shows

For Sandra Smester, executive VP of Programming and Content Development at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, the network “found magic, the perfect combination between reality and serials.”

In recent years, Telemundo has considered itself the home of reality shows. For Smester, this genre is important because they connect with the audience. “It is an evolution of contents. I think the way we are doing it here at Telemundo is a formula—I wouldn’t say perfect—but it is a good formula, in which we entertain the audience with reality TV, connect with them, present their stars in a different and real way, and is a way to compete with the streamers and their series, to make Telemundo different from what we see out there,” she expressed.

A YEAR AND A HALF ON TELEMUNDO
Smester has been working at Telemundo for a year and a half. “I think I am fulfilling the reason that brought me here regarding the type of programming. We knew it was hard work. After many years in Mexico, I love returning to the Hispanic market. I think we are doing incredible things, taking risks, not doing more of the same and doing things that we like, listening to the audience, giving ourselves to the audience as we know how to do. I am happy at Telemundo with the results we are having. We want more, like how winning tastes like, that is important and listening to the audience,” she said.

MORE REALITIES AND SERIES WITH TELEMUNDO’S DNA
Regarding new productions for 2024 and 2025, Smester indicated that in terms of reality shows, they are already preparing Top Chef VIP season 3, a new one for the US summer, the second season of Los 50 and Exatlón EE UU to close the year.

“We have just completed production on El Señor de los Cielos 9, which is the number one series in the US and we are ready to begin the production of a series at Telemundo Center Miami that will air at the end of the year and takes place in the US,” he added.

She mentioned that big surprises are coming for the network’s Upfront in May. “We are preparing a great series of our Telemundo DNA and we bring two great DNAs for 2025 that will be presented at the Upfront, and when I say DNA, I mean what Telemundo does that we know is a success, as we are experiencing it with El Señor de los Cielos, “ she explained.

She added that Telemundo Streaming Studios will bring big news soon. “We are working very closely on everything related to content. I can tell you that our dear Juan (Ponce) is coming with something big for a very big screen. Very soon he will be breaking the news,” she concluded.