Love, Victor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the actor, see Victor Love.

Love, Victor
Love, Victor Title Logo.jpg
Genre
Created byIsaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger
Inspired by
Starring
Narrated by
  • Michael Cimino
  • Nick Robinson
Music bySiddhartha Khosla & Lauren Culjak
Opening theme"Somebody to Tell Me"
by Tyler Glenn
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producers
  • Isaac Aptaker
  • Elizabeth Berger
  • Adam Londy
  • Brian Tanen
  • Jason Ensler
  • Marty Bowen
  • Adam Fishbach
  • Wyck Godfrey
  • Isaac Klausner
  • Pouya Shahbazian
Producers
  • Nick Robinson
  • Shawn Wilt
Cinematography
  • Mark Schwartzbard
  • JP Wakayama
Editors
  • Rebekah Fridman
  • Shoshanah Tanzer
  • Jacquelyn Le
  • Tuan Quoc Le
  • Jamie Kennedy
  • Diandra Kendall Luzon
Running time24–33 minutes
Production companies
DistributorDisney Platform Distribution
Release
Original networkHulu
Original releaseJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17) –
present
Chronology
Preceded byLove, Simon (2018)
External links
Website

Love, Victor is an American teen comedy-drama streaming television series created by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, inspired by and set in the same world as the 2018 film Love, Simon. The series premiered on June 17, 2020, on Hulu. It is produced by 20th Television, with Aptaker and Berger serving as showrunners.

Michael Cimino stars as Victor, a teen from a half Puerto Rican, half Colombian-American family living in Atlanta, alongside George Sear, Rachel Hilson, Bebe Wood, Anthony Turpel, Isabella Ferreira, Ana Ortiz, James Martinez, Mason Gooding, and Mateo Fernandez. Nick Robinson, who starred as the titular Simon in the original film, produces and narrates the series. The second season premiered on June 11, 2021.[1] In July 2021, the series was renewed for a third season.[2]

Premise[]

The first season focuses on a new student at Creekwood High School, Victor. The series follows his journey of self-discovery: facing challenges at home and struggling with his sexual orientation. He reaches out to Simon when it seems too difficult for him to navigate through high school.

The second season deals with the aftermath of his coming out and follows Victor as he navigates through this new world with his friends, while also dealing with his relationship with Benji, which is tested multiple times, due in part to Victor's family and a new possible love interest.

Cast and characters[]

Main[]

  • Michael Cimino as Victor Salazar:[3] A new student at Creekwood High School, struggling with his identity surrounding his sexual orientation and adjusting to a new city[4]
  • Rachel Hilson as Mia Brooks:[3] Victor's smart friend and ex-girlfriend who has a quick wit and an easy laugh. They dated before Victor came out.[5]
  • Anthony Turpel as Felix Westen:[3] Victor's awkward new neighbor who seeks to befriend him[4]
  • Bebe Wood as Lake Meriwether:[3] Mia's social media–obsessed best friend[4]
  • Mason Gooding as Andrew:[3] Creekwood's cocky and popular basketball-loving jock[4]
  • George Sear as Benji Campbell:[3] Victor's openly gay, confident and charming classmate who later becomes his boyfriend[4]
  • Isabella Ferreira as Pilar Salazar:[3] Victor's anxious younger sister troubled with her new life[4]
  • Mateo Fernandez as Adrian Salazar: Victor's little brother[4]
  • James Martinez as Armando Salazar: Victor's father, a blue-collar man who works hard for his family[4]
  • Ana Ortiz as Isabel Salazar: Victor's mother who is under a lot of pressure after a move to a new city[6]

Nick Robinson, reprising his role as Simon Spier from Love, Simon,[4] mostly appears via voice-over, narrating Simon's messages to Victor. Robinson appears as Simon in person in the eighth episode of the first season and the tenth episode of the second season.

Recurring[]

  • Mekhi Phifer as Harold Brooks, Mia's father
  • Sophia Bush as Veronica: Mia's father's new girlfriend, who runs a non-profit organization for women[7]
  • Charlie Hall as Kieran, one of Andrew's close friends and a member of the basketball team
  • AJ Carr as Teddy, another one of Andrew's close friends and also a member of the basketball team
  • Lukas Gage as Derek, Benji's ex-boyfriend (season 1; guest season 2)
  • Betsy Brandt as Dawn Westen, Felix's mother who suffers from mental health issues (season 2)
  • Ava Capri as Lucy, Benji's friend and Andrew's ex-girlfriend (season 2)
  • as Rahim, Pilar's friend who comes from a religious Iranian Muslim family and Victor's new love interest (season 2)[8]
  • Julie Benz as Shelby, Armando's new friend and later love interest he met at a PFLAG meeting (season 2)

Guest[]

  • Beth Littleford as Sarah, the manager of the coffee house where Victor and Benji work (seasons 1–2)
  • Leslie Grossman as Georgina Meriwether, a local news host and Lake's mother (seasons 1–2)
  • Abigail Killmeier as Wendy, a theater student who Felix takes as his date to the Spring Fling (seasons 1–2)
  • Andy Richter as Coach Ford, the physical education teacher and varsity basketball coach (seasons 1–2)
  • Will Ropp as Wyatt, one of Andrew's close friends (seasons 1–2)
  • Ali Wong as Ms. Thomas, Creekwood's sex education teacher (season 1)
  • Steven Heisler as Roger, Armando's former boss with whom Isabel had an affair (season 1)
  • Keiynan Lonsdale as Bram Greenfeld, Simon Spier's boyfriend, reprising his role from Love, Simon[9] (season 1)
  • Katya Zamolodchikova as herself, performing at the gay club Messy Boots in NYC[9] (season 1)
  • Tommy Dorfman as Justin, Bram and Simon's roommate[9] (season 1)
  • Natasha Rothwell as Ms. Albright, vice principal at Creekwood, previously the school's drama teacher, reprising her role from Love, Simon (season 1)
  • Terri Hoyos as Natalia Salazar, Victor's grandmother (season 1)
  • Juan Carlos Cantu as Tito Salazar, Victor's grandfather (season 1)
  • Jason Collins as himself, playing basketball with a group of gay men (season 1)
  • Josh Duhamel as Jack Spier, Simon Spier's father, reprising his role from Love, Simon (season 2)
  • Daniel Croix as Tyler, Mia's friend she met at a college function (season 2)
  • Kevin Rahm as Mr. Campbell, Benji's father (season 2)
  • Embeth Davidtz as Ms. Campbell, Benji's mother (season 2)
  • Nicholas Hamilton as Charlie, an online crush of Rahim's (season 2)
  • Carlie Hanson as a bandmate of Benji's

Episodes[]

Series overview[]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
110June 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)
210June 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)

Season 1 (2020)[]

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code
11"Welcome to Creekwood"Amy York RubinTeleplay by : Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth BergerJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG01
Victor and his family move from Texas to Atlanta. Victor's younger sister, Pilar, resents having to leave her old life and boyfriend behind. Victor reluctantly becomes friends with unpopular classmate Felix, who lives in the same building. At school, Victor meets Mia and her best friend Lake and develops a crush on openly gay student Benji. Victor is invited to join the basketball team but clashes with another member of the team, Andrew, who ridicules Victor for not being as affluent as several other members of the basketball team. Victor learns about Simon Spier's coming out story at Creekwood and messages him via social media; Simon replies that he is there for Victor if he ever needs to talk. At the Winter Carnival, Victor sees both Mia and Benji but, wanting to fit in, decides to ask Mia to ride the Ferris Wheel with him.
22"Stoplight Party"Jason EnslerBrian TanenJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG02
Victor has been catapulted into popularity after going on the Ferris Wheel with Mia, who is starting to have feelings for him. Mia and Lake plan a "stoplight" party, where students wear colors according to their relationship status. Victor begins working at a local coffee shop where Benji also works, Brasstown, in order to make money to join the basketball team. At the party, Victor struggles to fit in. Felix pines for Lake, who instead likes Andrew. At home, Pilar breaks up with her boyfriend back in Texas, while Isabel and Armando face marital problems. Victor shares a tender moment with Mia and messages Simon that he might like her.
33"Battle of the Bands"Pilar BoehmJen BraedenJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG03
Victor asks Mia out and plans to take her to a Battle of the Bands being hosted at Brasstown. Lake asks Andrew to go with her to the competition, who agrees in order to spend time with Mia. Benji and Victor bond while working together, and Victor learns that Benji will be performing at the Battle of the Bands. Worried that being around Benji will distract him from his date with Mia, Victor instead chooses to take her to an art exhibition, where they share their first kiss. Victor and Mia eventually end up catching the end of the Battle of the Bands, and Victor's crush on Benji grows after watching him perform. However, it is revealed that Benji has a boyfriend, Derek. Lake discovers that Andrew is in love with Mia. Meanwhile, Pilar helps her mother Isabel by setting up a Facebook account for her, and is shocked when a man named Roger R. sends a friend request to the new profile and starts flirting with her.
44"The Truth Hurts"Michael LennoxMarcos LuevanosJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG04
Pilar, suspicious that Isabel is having an affair, is heartbroken. She shares the news with Victor, who does not believe that their mother would cheat but is persuaded into setting up a meeting up with Roger from Facebook by pretending to be Isabel. Victor sees Roger in person and is shocked to discover that he is the former boss of their father, Armando. Victor and Mia bond over Mia's sadness that her father is dating a new woman and moving on from her mother. At a basketball game, Victor confronts his parents about Isabel's affair and learns that Armando is already aware of it. Pilar and Victor are shocked to learn their family moved to Atlanta to help their parents recover from the aftermath of the affair.
55"Sweet Sixteen"Anne FletcherSheila LawrenceJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG05
The Salazars have not been close since the confrontation the previous week, upsetting Victor. Simon warns Victor to make time for himself, while Victor shares he hopes to figure out his identity. Victor's sixteenth birthday is coming up and a party is being thrown. All of Victor's extended family and friends are coming, including Mia and Benji. Felix and Lake get closer while running an errand for the party. At the party, Victor's conservative grandparents accidentally see Benji and Derek kissing, which angers them; Victor and Isabel stand up for Benji. Mia and Pilar bond over their respective family struggles. Victor and Mia kiss and decide to begin a relationship. Armando warns Victor that Adrian might be gay and that he is not happy about it.
66"Creekwood Nights"Anu ValiaDavid SmithymanJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG06
Mia and Lake discuss Mia's relationship with Victor. She wants the relationship to be more than it is and is interested in sex after the class takes sex-ed. Benji is coming up on his first anniversary with Derek, where the two bond about how they are romantics. Victor confides in Benji that he is a virgin and is hesitant to have sex with Mia. Benji shares that if he can do it, anyone can. Nervous, Victor brings Felix with him, much to Mia's chagrin. Benji plans a nice evening for Derek, but he is not happy with it. Felix and Lake kiss for the first time. Lake suggests that Victor is gay, so he tries to force himself to have sex with Mia. Ultimately he cannot, and says he is old fashioned. She accepts this. Simon tells Victor he is not attracted to Mia and to end things before they get hurt.
77"What Happens In Willacoochee"Jay KarasDanny FernandezJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG07
Victor is viewing dating Mia as a chance to be normal. Mia asks him to attend a fundraiser with him and he accepts. Andrew pines over Mia at the fundraiser. Lake tells Felix that their hookup never happened, but Felix later realizes he wants to seriously date Lake. Benji and Victor are forced to take a road trip to repair the coffee machine of their work when it breaks. Felix bonds with Pilar, who gives him advice on Lake that later impresses her. When Victor learns that he could stay that night with Benji and sees this as a chance for him to figure out his sexuality, he tells Benji that they must stay in a motel overnight for the coffee machine to be fixed. At the motel, Benji reveals he came out because he almost died one-night drunk driving while trying to deny his sexuality. Benji tells Victor he is easy to talk to and is happy they are friends. Later that night, Victor kisses Benji who pushes him away as he is still with Derek. Horrified, Victor texts Simon who reassures him about who he is. Benji suggests they do not talk about the kiss.
88"Boys' Trip"Todd HollandBrian TanenJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG08
Victor takes a trip to visit Simon in New York City, where he is shown around town by Simon's group of accepting friends (Simon himself is in a party out of state). This annoys Mia as Victor is once again leaving, so she grows closer to Andrew and away from Victor. At detention, Andrew and Mia learn that Lake and Felix have been hooking up. Embarrassed, Lake upsets Felix by saying she wants to keep their relationship quiet. Mia tells Andrew she wishes he would be a nicer person, but she still cares for him. While at a drag party, Simon's friends accidentally let slip to Victor that they are all aware of Victor's situation at school and with Benji. Simon shows up and explains to an angry Victor that he needed his friend's guidance to help Victor navigate his world. Victor reconciles with Simon and his friends, who help Victor realize that they are all here for each other and he has people who accept him.
99"Who the Hell is B?"Rebecca AsherJeremy Roth & Jess PinedaJune 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG09
Victor comes out to Felix, the first person he has told. Victor is distraught to learn that Benji, due to the kiss, will be working elsewhere. Simon advises Victor to write a letter to Benji and see if he will understand him better and his mistakes. Isabel and Armando continue to fight, which upsets Victor and Pilar. Felix continues his romance with Lake and learns that she has an overbearing mother. To make her feel better he tries to tell her that he also has a stressful at home life, but she still does not want to be seen with him due to her mother's standards. Felix decides to break up with Lake. In Victor's backpack, Pilar finds a note to B, unaware that it is Victor's note to Benji.
1010"Spring Fling"Jason EnslerTeleplay by : Jillian Moreno
Story by : Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger		June 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)1CFG10
Benji gets Victor's note but tells Victor that he needs his space. Victor plans to take Mia to the Spring Fling and tell her the truth the day after. Felix and Lake go to the dance with separate partners, but end up reconciling and kissing in front of the whole school, their relationship now public. Felix accidentally tells Pilar that the note was about an incident on Victor's work trip. When Pilar questions Benji about it, Derek overhears; Benji and Derek break up after. While talking to Victor, Benji confesses Derek did not make him feel good like Victor does and that he wants to be with someone who does, and they kiss confessing their feelings for each other, which Mia witnesses unbeknownst to the two. Victor, to protect his relationship with Benji, promises him he will come out to everyone eventually. When Mia confronts Victor about his kiss with Benji and questions whether he liked her, he asserts that parts of their relationship were real. Pilar confronts Victor about him cheating, but he insists that he still is the same person. Comforted, Pilar and Victor head home, where their parents announce that they will separate. Despite the news, Victor comes out to his parents.

Season 2 (2021)[]

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [10]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [1]Prod.
code
111"Perfect Summer Bubble"Jason EnslerIsaac Aptaker & Elizabeth BergerJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG01
After Victor comes out to his family, Pilar immediately accepts him though their parents fail to do the same. At the end of summer vacation, Isabel is still struggling to accept his sexuality. Armando, who has grown more supportive of Victor's identity, is living in a new home after separating from Isabel. When Victor invites Benji and his friends over for dinner, Isabel throws out her meal in an attempt to avoid spending time with Victor and Benji and ultimately fakes indigestion to secure an early exit. Mia arrives back from her job as a camp counselor and feels isolated from her friends. Victor and his friends head to Lake Lanier where he shares a moment with Benji, realizing they have each other to lean on even when things get hard. His father tells Isabel that they have no choice but to accept Victor for who he is. Felix's mother, Dawn, is suffering from severe depression that has resulted in her losing her job and has put her and Felix at risk of eviction. Victor, frustrated at how Isabel has failed to acknowledge his relationship with Benji, tells her to refer to Benji as his boyfriend from now on.
122"Day One, Take Two"Alex HardcastleBrian TanenJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG02
Victor is excited to come out on the first day of his junior year, but Isabel makes him doubt himself. When Victor’s teammates ask him if he is still dating Mia, he panics and says that they are broken up, which spirals into a rumor that Mia cheated on Victor. When some boys slut-shame Mia at school, Victor gets into a fight and is sent to detention. Meanwhile, Felix tries to find ways to raise money to keep his family from being evicted. He confides his issues to Pilar, who gives him her savings. At home, Armando and Isabel talk to Victor, and Victor snaps at Isabel for her lack of support. Armando suggests they should start going to PFLAG meetings, but Isabel refuses. After a talk with Benji, who says he can keep their relationship a secret at school for as long as they need to, Victor publicly clears Mia of any wrong doing before officially coming out. He and Benji walk down the hall and share their first public kiss.
133"There's No Gay in Team"Alex HardcastleJC LeeJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG03
Someone on the basketball team complains to Coach Ford about not feeling comfortable with Victor in the locker room. He tries to reach a compromise by offering Victor his own private space in the lockers, but this just makes Victor feel unwelcomed by his own team. Mia starts dating a college freshman named Tyler, who invites her to a college party after she lies about her age. Armando attends his first PFLAG meeting, which is led by Simon's father Jack. The two meet at a bar afterwards, where Jack gives Armando advice on how to support Victor. Felix starts a side hustle doing other people's homework for cash in an attempt to pay back Pilar and help his mother. Lake finds out and bails on going to the college party with Mia to help him do the homework. She also helps Felix pay back Pilar. Mia gets drunk at the party, where Derek (Benji's ex boyfriend) sees her and calls Victor and Benji to come get her. Victor and Mia talk through their break up and resolve to still be friends. Tired of the team's homophobia, and disappointed in Andrew for not stepping up as Captain to help him, Victor quits basketball.
144"The Sex Cabin"Jason EnslerJillian Moreno & Alex FreundJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG04
Unable to find some privacy for a long time, Benji invites Victor, Felix, and Lake to his family's lake cabin, where Victor and Felix both plan to lose their virginities. Victor is terrified, as he knows nothing about gay sex, and tries to contact Simon, only for the cabin to have no signal. Felix worries that Lake does not find him attractive when she keeps dodging opportunities for them to be alone together. Andrew and his new girlfriend Lucy join the others at the cabin. Mia and Tyler also try to come only for his car to blow a tire that he forces Mia to change. Tired of his poor attitude, Mia walks the rest of the trip to the cabin. Armando and Isabel spend their Saturday trying to find Adrian's pet turtle, which results in them sleeping together. After a shaving mishap on Felix's part, he finally comes clean to Lake, who reveals that she has had body issues her whole life and fears Felix not finding her attractive. The two go skinny dipping before having sex on the dock. Victor tells Benji he is scared of having sex. The two cuddle and fall asleep together. The next morning, after a message from Simon telling him that only he and Benji are in charge of their sex lives, Victor tells Benji he loves him and initiates their first time together, which Benji reciprocates.
155"Gay Gay"Kristin WindellMarcos LuevanosJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG05
Victor feels lost at Creekwood after quitting the basketball team, but refuses to come back even as Andrew begs him to reconsider. Isabel keeps dodging Armando's attempts to have her attend PFLAG meetings. She visits Father Lawrence, who tells her that she needs to steer Victor back to God. Armando tells her to either accept Victor's sexuality, or they will not reconcile. Felix invites Lake to dinner with his mother, but the meal goes wrong when Dawn has a manic episode. Felix makes Lake promise not to tell anyone. Victor goes to Benji's band concert, but feels even more unsure of himself when the bandmates make jokes about his appearance. Later, Andrew plays one on one basketball with Victor. Victor reveals that he is tired of having to justify his sexuality to everyone. Andrew and the team dye their hair pink as an apology, making Victor rejoin the team. Benji also apologizes for his friends by participating in a group dance for the team. After Lucy breaks up with Andrew, he realizes his feelings for Mia and kisses her.
166"Sincerely, Rahim"Sarah BoydMichelle LirtzmanJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG06
Pilar's friend Rahim reaches out to Victor for help with coming out to his traditional Muslim parents. Victor invites Rahim to their apartment to talk in private, only for Isabel to come home early and offer surprisingly helpful advice for Rahim. Victor takes this as a sign that Isabel is starting to change and takes her up on an earlier offer to attend a church service that she will be singing at. Meanwhile, Mia rushes Veronica to the hospital after she has early contractions. Andrew comes to the hospital, where Mia decides to take a chance on their relationship and invites him to her father's wedding. Victor is approached by Father Lawrence, who tells him that his mother is praying for his return to God. Outside the church, Victor finally confronts his mother. Isabel owns up to her actions, and vows to work harder to accept Victor. Concerned about Felix, Lake talks to her mother, who in turn tells Felix about a therapist that can help Dawn for free. Felix then talks to Dawn about the offer, which sparks a manic episode resulting in Dawn being committed to a mental health facility for 72 hours. Hurt by the prospect of losing his mother, Felix breaks up with Lake. Child Services allow Felix to stay with the Salazars for the time being.
177"Table for Four"Satya BhabhaJeremy RothJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG07
It is Benji's birthday and Victor plans to celebrate with him. But when he learns from Benji's parents that Benji does not drink and has been in Alcoholics Anonymous for a year, they get into a fight over him never telling Victor. Lake tries to win back Felix with a romantic date at the aquarium. Felix meets her there, and while he understands that she was trying to help his family, whenever he sees Lake he just feels sadness from losing his mother. He reveals that she is being held indefinitely at the hospital before telling Lake that it is over. Isabel tries to attend a PFLAG meeting and sees Armando flirting with a single mother. She and Armando agree to see other people. Benji apologizes to Victor and promises he is working on himself and they kiss. Isabel comes home and walks in on Victor and Benji having sex.
188"The Morning After"Natalia LeiteSarah LaBrieJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG08
Victor and Benji have sex, but Isabel walks in on them. This leads to a confrontation with her and Benji, in which a heated Benji outs Victor to Adrian. Stunned, Victor asks Benji to leave. The next morning, the Salazars finally tell Adrian that Victor is gay, and he happily supports it. Mia is upset to learn her father is making her move to California after the wedding, and debates reconnecting with her estranged mother. She makes him promise to not take the job, but he goes back on his word. After Benji gets angry at Victor for not siding with him against Isabel, Victor tells Benji that he will never understand his experience coming out to Latino parents. Felix and Pilar grow closer and she kisses him. Father Lawrence tells Adrian that Victor may go to hell for being gay, pushing Isabel to finally stand up for her son and quit the church. Victor confides in Rahim, and they bond over being gay People of Color. Benji and Victor make up, but after learning Victor told Rahim Benji's secrets, Benji says that they should take a break.
199"Victor's Day Off"Kevin Rodney SullivanBrian TanenJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG09
Overwhelmed by strained relationships with Benji and Isabel, Victor decides to skip school with Rahim. Throughout the day, they see Armando on a date with a friend of his from PFLAG. After having a fun evening at a gay bar downtown, Isabel finds the boys after spending the day looking for them. Victor confides that he is worried Benji is going to breakup with him, and he was scared to tell her because he thought she would be happy that his first gay relationship is ending. Isabel apologizes for how she has handled Victor's coming out, and promises that she loves and accepts him for who he is. After dropping off Rahim, Victor gets a call from Benji saying they need more time apart and that he will not be his date to Mia's father's wedding. Ready to be a better mother to Victor, Isabel comforts him.
2010"Close Your Eyes"Jason EnslerIsaac Aptaker & Elizabeth BergerJune 11, 2021 (2021-06-11)2CFG10
As Mia's father's wedding approaches, their relationship becomes strained after Harold reveals he is taking the job in California. Reeling from his breakup with Benji, Victor invites Rahim to the wedding. Felix's mother returns home and tells him how much Lake's help meant to her. Isabel apologizes to Benji, which makes him reconsider his relationship with Victor. Benji goes to the wedding, but sees Victor dancing with Rahim and storms off. Rahim confesses that he has feelings for Victor and they share a kiss. He tells Victor that he should figure out his feelings. Felix dances with Lake but becomes conflicted by his new feelings for Pilar. Victor and Felix talk about what they should do and help each other realize who they want to be with. Felix goes after Pilar and kisses her. Lake decides to spend time with Lucy. Armando and Isabel decide to give their marriage another chance. Andrew and Mia sneak out of town to meet Mia's mother. As Victor heads to reunite with his choice, he takes a call from Simon. Victor thanks Simon for his help but lets him know he has grown enough that he will not need his advice in the future.

Production[]

Development[]

In April 2019, Disney+ gave the 20th Century Fox Television–produced show – based on the film Love, Simon – a straight-to-series order, with the writers of the original movie, Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, attached as showrunners.[11] The show would focus on brand new characters and would be set in the same world as the movie.

"Love, Simon is a powerful story embraced by critics and audiences alike for its universal messages of authenticity, love, and acceptance. We are honored to partner with the talented team at 20th Century Fox Television to bring this new chapter of a beloved story to Disney+, continuing the personal and uplifting narrative that captivated fans of the original film."

— Agnes Chu (SVP content, Disney+)[12]

In February 2020, the series was retitled Love, Victor and moved to Hulu, with a scheduled premiere date in June 2020, making it the second series – after High Fidelity – to move from Disney+ to Hulu.[13] In April 2020, it was announced that the series was scheduled to premiere on June 19, 2020.[14] On June 10, 2020, the premiere date was moved up to June 17, 2020, to give Juneteenth its own day in the spotlight.[15] On August 7, 2020, Hulu renewed the series for a second season which premiered on June 11, 2021, and consists of 10 episodes.[16][1] On July 30, 2021, Hulu renewed the series for a third season.[2]

Casting[]

In June 2019, Ana Ortiz was cast as Isabel.[6] In mid-August, the series' full cast was announced, with Michael Cimino as the lead, Victor. Also announced were James Martinez as Armando, Isabella Ferreira as Pilar, Mateo Fernandez as Adrian, Johnny Sequoyah as Mia, Bebe Wood as Lake, George Sear as Benji, Anthony Turpel as Felix, and Mason Gooding as Andrew. It was also announced that Nick Robinson, who starred in the film, would produce and narrate the series.[4] Later that month, it was reported that Rachel Hilson had been cast as Mia, replacing Sequoyah. The recast was made in order to take the character in a new creative direction.[5] On October 23, 2019, it was also announced that Sophia Bush had been cast as Veronica, Mia's father's new girlfriend.[7]

In November 2020, Betsy Brandt was announced as having been cast in the second as Dawn, Felix's mother, who struggles with mental health issues.[17] Ava Capri and Anthony Keyvan were also announced as joining the second-season cast.[18]

Filming[]

Filming began in August 2019, in Los Angeles, with Amy York Rubin directing the first episode.[4] Filming for the second season began on November 9, 2020.[19] Filming for the third season began on November 8, 2021.[20]

Music[]

The soundtrack EP for the first season, featuring three new songs by LGBT artists and all co-written by Leland, was released on June 19, 2020, by Hollywood Records.[21]

Songs from Love, Victor: Season 1 (Original Soundtrack) track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Performer(s)Length
1."Somebody Tell Me" (Theme song from Love, Victor)
Tyler Glenn2:48
2."Athlete"
  • Greyson Chance
  • Palmer
  • Leland
Greyson Chance3:12
3."God, This Feels Good"
Isaac Dunbar3:18
Total length:9:18

The soundtrack album for the second season, featuring eight new songs by LGBT artists and all co-written by Leland, was released on June 11, 2021, by Hollywood Records.[22][23]

Love, Victor: Season 2 (Original Soundtrack) track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Performer(s)Length
1."Heaven Is a Hand to Hold"
Duncan Laurence2:41
2."She Said"
Fletcher2:48
3."FYI"
  • Leland
  • Britten Newbill
  • Josiah Wise
Serpentwithfeet3:24
4."Young Love"
  • Leland
Carlie Hanson and George Sear3:07
5."Windows"
Tayla Parx3:17
6."Horizontal"
Alice Longyu Gao2:59
7."Private Life"
Allie X4:23
8."Infinity"
Fancy Hagood3:11
Total length:25:50

Release[]

The series premiered on June 17, 2020, pushed up from a June 19 release date, on Hulu in the United States. Internationally, the series premiered on Disney+ under the dedicated streaming hub Star on February 23, 2021.[24] The second season was released on June 11, 2021, on Hulu[1] and premiered internationally on June 18, 2021, on Disney+'s Star.[25] On Disney+, Love, Victor episodes premiered on a weekly basis.

Reception[]

Audience viewership[]

According to Hulu, the series was the most-watched drama on the service during its premiere week between June 17 and 23, 2020. It was also the most-binged original drama series on Hulu in 2020 during its first week and the second-most binged original on Hulu after Solar Opposites.[26]

Critical response[]

For the first season, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 90% based on 49 reviews, with an average rating of 7.13/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Michael Cimino charms in Love, Victor, a sincere and sweet—if safe—spin-off with a lot of heart."[27] Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[28]

The second season has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 8.1/10 based on 23 reviews. The website's critics consensus states, "Grounded by its talented cast, Love, Victor grows into itself with a mature second season that confronts difficult situations with care."[29]

Accolades[]

Year Ceremony Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2021 Dorian Awards Best LGBTQ TV Show Love, Victor Nominated
Best Unsung Show Love, Victor Won [30]
GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Love, Victor Nominated [31]
Gold Derby Television Awards Comedy Actor Michael Cimino Nominated [32]
Comedy Series Love, Victor Nominated
Imagen Awards Best Lead Actor – Comedy Michael Cimino Won [33]
Best Primetime Program – Comedy Love, Victor Won
Best Supporting Actor – Comedy James Martinez Nominated
Best Supporting Actress – Comedy Ana Ortiz Nominated
2022 Casting Society of America Awards Television Pilot and First Season – Comedy Josh Einsohn
Tiffany Little Canfield
Conrad Woolfe 		Pending [34]
2022 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Love, Victor Pending [35]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d Petski, Denise (February 25, 2021). "Hulu Sets Return Dates For Shrill, 'Love, Victor'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Iannucci, Rebecca (July 30, 2021). "Love, Victor Renewed for Season 3". TVLine. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Fuentes, Tamara (June 17, 2019). "Meet the Cast of 'Love, Victor' and Their Characters". Seventeen. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Denise, Petski (August 15, 2019). "'Love, Simon': Michael Cimino Leads Cast Of Disney+ Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  5. ^ a b Denise, Petski (August 30, 2019). "'Love, Simon': Rachel Naomi Hilson Joins Disney+ Series In Recasting". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (June 13, 2019). "'Love, Simon': Ana Ortiz To Star In Disney+ Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  7. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (October 23, 2019). "Sophia Bush Joins 'Love, Simon' Disney+ Series In Recurring Role". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  8. ^ Petski, Denise (November 13, 2020). "Ava Capri & Anthony Kevyan Join 'Love, Victor' As Recurring For Season 2 Of Hulu Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c "Love, Simon TV Show Spinoff Trailer Confirms Another Movie Actor Returns". ScreenRant. May 26, 2020.
  10. ^ "Love, Victor". Hulu Press (Press release). Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  11. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (April 11, 2019). "'Love, Simon' TV Series a Go at Disney+". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  12. ^ Evangelista, Chris (August 17, 2019). "'Love, Simon' TV Series For Disney+ Announces Lead Role". Slashfilm. Archived from the original on September 13, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  13. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 24, 2020). "'Love, Simon' Spinoff Series 'Love, Victor' Moves From Disney+ To Hulu, Sets Launch & Opens Season 2 Writers Room". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  14. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (April 27, 2020). "Love, Victor: Hulu Sets Premiere Date, Releases First Sneak Peek — Watch". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  15. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 10, 2020). "Hulu Shifts Love, Victor & Taste the Nation Premieres In Observance Of Juneteenth". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  16. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (August 7, 2020). "Love, Victor Renewed for Season 2". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  17. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 2, 2020). "Betsy Brandt Joins Love, Victor As Recurring For Season 2 Of Hulu Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  18. ^ Petski, Denise (November 13, 2020). "Ava Capri & Anthony Keyvan Join Love, Victor As Recurring For Season 2 Of Hulu Series". Deadline. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  19. ^ "Love, Victor Season 2 Begins Production". Nerds and Beyond. November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  20. ^ "Love, Victor Season 3 Begins Filming". Nerds and Beyond. November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  21. ^ Wass, Mike (June 18, 2020). "Disney Rolls Out 'Love, Victor' EP Featuring Isaac Dunbar". Idolator. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  22. ^ Barrett, Spencer (June 10, 2021). "Hollywood Records to Release 'Love, Victor' Season 2 Soundtrack". TV Source Magazine. Retrieved June 11, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ Sorren, Martha (June 12, 2021). "Love, Victor's Season 2 Soundtrack Includes 8 Original Songs". Refinery29. Retrieved June 13, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (January 4, 2021). "Disney Plus Reveals First Titles For International Star Brand: Big Sky, Love Victor, 24, Die Hard Among Lineup". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  25. ^ Palmer, Roger (May 13, 2021). ""Love, Victor" Season 2 Disney+ Release Date Announced (UK/IRE/AU/NZ/CA)". What's On Disney Plus. Retrieved May 28, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ Harnick, Chris (June 30, 2020). "Turns Out Love, Victor Felt Quite a Bit of Viewer Love on Hulu". E! Online. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  27. ^ "Love, Victor: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  28. ^ "Love, Victor: Season 1". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  29. ^ "Love, Victor: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  30. ^ "'Pose,' 'I May Destroy You,' 'Hacks' sweep LGBTQ critics' Dorian TV Awards". August 29, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  31. ^ Yang, Rachel (April 8, 2021). "Watch Niecy Nash host 2021 GLAAD Media Awards, plus see the full winners list". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  32. ^ "2021 Gold Derby TV Awards winners list and announcement video". August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  33. ^ Schneider, Michael (October 11, 2021). "Pose, Love, Victor, Ya No Estoy Aquí Among Top 2021 Imagen Awards Winners (Full List)". Variety. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  34. ^ Pedersen, Erik (November 22, 2021). "Artios Awards: Casting Society Sets Nominations For TV, Theater, Shorts & Shortform Series". Deadline. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  35. ^ "The Nominees for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards". GLAAD. January 21, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.

External links[]

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