Prime Video’s original series With Love, returns for a second season with more fun, deeper relationships and more of the wonderfully diverse characters that made the first season so great.
Senior Writer Elijah Johnson recently spoke with the incredible cast of the groundbreaking series, who talked about how their respective characters and relationships evolve in the second season. They also shared their favorite episodes in season 2, with many agreeing that episode 4, “Bachelor Party” was the standout.
Constance Marie and Benito Martinez, who play the parental figures Beatriz Diaz and Jorge Diaz, Sr. respectively, talked about how they were able to have more fun and enjoy the process with this second season. Martinez mentioned that once of his favorite moments of the season is one where he and Marie are just in the kitchen talking, describing it as “one of the most loving scenes” he’s ever seen or been a part of.
Vincent Rodriguez III and Mark Indelicato talked about how the series is special because it shows refreshing representation without devolving into stereotypes. “To see a traditional rom-com told in such a way that actually reflects the world that the viewer lives in…experiencing situations that go against the stereotypes that we’re used to seeing on television and in typical TV storylines,” Rodriguez III, who plays Henry, said. “We have such a refreshing new take on television that’s actually current to what the world is now. And we have a very special show that has a positive impact built into it with its message, which is centralized around love, acceptance and inclusivity and high levels of representation.”
Desmond Chiam, who plays Nick Zhao, echoed Rodriguez’s sentiment, saying that the show avoids tokenism. “With Love has done a really good job of creating this world with all these very, very diverse characters in it, that don’t necessarily partake in the trauma that we historically associate with each one of these groups, because that’s not all we are,” Chiam said.
Emeraude Toubia, who plays the main character Lily Diaz, talked about the various relationships in the second season and the men who are pursuing her. “She’s starting to focus on herself, starting to focus on her career, on what she wants from life and starting to put these men to the side, or does she?” Toubia teased.
Todd Grinnell and Isis King discussed the importance of diversity in relationships and how love is portrayed. “I’m happy that we get to portray this relationship, and if someone who looks like me gets to watch it and gets an understanding that we all need to just focus on loving each other, and seeing a relationship that’s based in love and not anything else is necessary,” Grinnell said.
With Love season 2 is streaming now on Prime Video!
With Love is a romantic dramedy centered on siblings Lily and Jorge Diaz as they navigate big life changes and rely on their equally big family to get them through. Following her whirlwind romance with Santiago, Lily decides to focus all her energy on a personal journey of self-love by growing her makeup styling business and looking into homeownership. But when both Santiago and Nick profess their feelings for her, Lily wrestles with what is best for her future. Meanwhile Jorge begins to question whether he and Henry are truly compatible. When he meets Henry’s proud Texan parents, he can’t decide whether the relationship is a fairy tale or a nightmare.
With Love stars Emeraude Toubia as Lily Diaz, Mark Indelicato as Jorge Diaz Jr., Rome Flynn as Santiago Zayas, Desmond Chiam as Nick Zhao, Vincent Rodriguez III as Henry Cruz, Isis King as Sol Perez, Todd Grinnell as Dr. Miles Murphy, Constance Marie as Beatriz Diaz, and Benito Martinez as Jorge Diaz Sr. With Love is created and executive produced by Gloria Calderón Kellett and produced by Kellett’s production company, GloNation and Amazon Studios.
With Love is created and executive produced by Gloria Calderón Kellett and produced by Kellett’s production company, GloNation and Amazon Studios.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.