Devious Maids Renewed For Second Season

Lifetime has renewed Devious Maids for a second season.

The Eva Longoria executive produced series is based on the Mexican telenovela Ellas Son La Alegría Del Hogar (They Are The Home’s Joy). The pilot was also heavily influenced by creator Marc Cherry’s previous series, Desperate Housewives.

Devious Maids premiered on Lifetime on June 23, drawing 1.99 million viewers. The series was criticized for perpetuating stereotypes about Latinas. Cherry said he knew the series would raise some eyebrows.

“I always knew there would be controversy with the show, but I also knew that working with Eva Longoria, we were going to treat these characters like gold,” he said.

“I think we’ve done five super positive portrayals of Latina women who are both devious and smart but have dreams of their own and are pursuing them with all the gusto in the world,” he added.

Longoria also responded to the criticism, saying, “I take pride in the fact that these characters are not one dimensional or limited to their job title. As the minority becomes the majority and the United States becomes more diverse, it is important that the protagonists on television embody this diversity.”

Viewership for the series picked up after the pilot, with the sixth episode drawing a series high (so far) of 2.88 million viewers. The most recent episode on August 11 drew 2.66 million viewers.

“One of the most daring series on television, Devious Maids has quickly become a hit,” said Rob Sharenow, executive vice president of programming, in a press release. “We are very proud of the show and are delighted to continue our partnership with Marc Cherry, Eva Longoria, Sabrina Wind, ABC Studios and Televisa USA. I am thrilled we are bringing Devious Maids back for a second season to lead our scripted slate in 2014.”

ABC Studios senior vice president of current programming Stephanie Leifer added, “ABC Studios has had a great partnership with Lifetime and Televisa and we’re looking forward to another terrific season with Marc Cherry and his talented cast and crew.”

Are you excited for a second season of Devious Maids?

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