Summary
- Netflix's new show Neon explores the reggaeton genre and its impact on the music industry, featuring a comedic storyline and commentary on the industry's inner workings.
- The show follows rising reggaeton artist Santi and his friends as they navigate the industry with the help of an A&R rep, while also highlighting the challenges faced by those trying to succeed.
- Neon stands out for its perfect balance of comedy and music industry commentary, as well as its focus on the spread of reggaeton, a genre that has had significant success but lacks mainstream media attention.
Netflix brings reggaeton to the small screen in the new show Neon, which premieres on October 19. Set in Florida and following three friends on a musical journey to Miami, the comedy was co-created by executive producers Shea Serrano and Max Searle, with Searle also serving as showrunner. But though humor may be at the forefront, it will also deal with the inner workings of the industry and the harsh reality faced by those who attempt to succeed within its framework.
Neon stars Tyler Dean Flores as Santi, a rising reggaeton artist looking to make his fortune with his friends Ness (Emma Ferreira) and Felix (Jordan Mendoza), and the help of A&R rep Mia (Courtney Taylor). Its music cred is evident in the fact that reggaeton master Daddy Yankee serves as a co-executive producer, and will even have a cameo. The show's music, which is naturally a powerful part of the story, was overseen by Tainy, Lex Borrero, and Ivan Rodriguez (from Ntertain and Neon16, and collectively known as Tainy & One Six). Check out an exclusive clip from the show below:
More About Neon
Screen Rant's exclusive clip from Neon features Genesis Rodriguez, a fan-favorite actor from Netflix's Umbrella Academy, and highlights the inherent comedy present in the series. Rodriguez plays Isa, who is easily one of the biggest pop stars in the show's universe. A child star and a household name, she knows that she must do what it takes to maintain her cultural relevancy as she ages, and she is always ready to reinvent her image for that purpose.
But while her larger arc in the show may be exploring her Latinx roots through reggaeton, in the clip above it is all about chastising her team for letting salmon onto the plane and nearly gagging at the smell. This perfect balance of comedic bits with music industry commentary is part of what sets Neon apart. Another important factor is the focus on the spread of such a specific genre, which has not received as much media spotlight despite its dominance on the charts.
All 8 episodes of Neon season 1 will drop on October 19 on Netflix.