Amazon is sprinkling this holiday season with good cheer by premiering With Love, a new series that follows the Diaz family's trials and tribulations through various celebrations, on December 17. Gloria Calderón Kellett, creator of the beloved One Day At A Time reboot, introduces viewers to the family members on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) as they each embark on a new stage of their respective romantic relationships.
While Lily (Emeraude Toubia, Shadowhunters) has just broken up with her perfect boyfriend and Jorge Jr. (Mark Indelicato, Dead of Summer) is nervous about introducing his new one, their cousin Sol (Isis King, When They See Us) is debating whether or not it's a good idea to date their coworker Dr. Murphy (Todd Grinnell, One Day At A Time). The two of them have a sizzling chemistry, but Sol isn't sure it's right for them to take the next step.
Grinnell and King spoke to Screen Rant about how their characters' story begins, and what it's like to work with a master of the comedy craft like Gloria Calderón Kellett.
Screen Rant: Sol is already one of my favorite characters, and I love their relationship with Dr. Murphy. But you're a little hesitant to open yourself up at first. Can you talk about what's holding you back?
Isis King: I think I relate so much to this character because I'm kind of like that. Maybe for me, so much in the past with past relationships, I've said, "You know what, let me just put me first." You just get whisked away and career and family and friends, and that's enough for you. I feel like I was kind of parallel to Sol.
Sol's an oncologist, and that's such an amazing and focused career. For Sol to do that and have all that love from family and friends, I think for them that was enough. And something happens to kind of shake that up in and get in the question, "Is it enough? There's this amazing person who likes you, and you like them, so give them a chance." And that's kind of where the story takes place in episode 1.
I also love seeing you again after One Day At A Time, Todd. How did another team-up with Gloria happen?
Todd Grinnell: I'm just very fortunate that Gloria had this part and thought of me because we had such a blast doing One Day At A Time. I feel just so grateful that we get to carry on a lot of the spirit of One Day At A Time into With Love: representation, really having conversations that matter and that are important to our culture - and also just stories about love and family are super important and just so fun to play with.
And it's just such a joy to be with this cast and work with Gloria again. She's such a brilliant writer, and also just is at the forefront in our industry of really fostering diversity. We have one of the most diverse writers’ rooms in town, and one of the most diverse sets in general. For me, it's just an honor to be part of that.
I love getting to witness the two of you go through various lessons together on each holiday, which are very important to Latinos. For you personally, what are each of your favorite holidays?
Isis King: Growing up, it was always Christmas. Some traditions changed when the matriarch of my family at the time passed, and we all grew up, so I don't really get to do that with my family. They're also on the east coast. But growing up that was always my favorite holiday, just catching up with the family - especially the extended family once a year that you don't really get to talk to, just giving people hugs, saying, "How are you?" and eating some good food.
Todd Grinnell: As a kid, I would have said all the holidays. Any holiday that got me out of school is my favorite holiday. But as an adult, I would say Christmas, I think. It's time to get cozy, put to fire on, and watch some Christmas movies. I mean, Christmas movies are the best holiday movies. With family and friends and everyone you love, it's the best.
All 5 episodes of With Love premiere December 17 on Amazon Video.