It was unintentional! Or maybe it was… but the truth is that Chespirito: Sin querer queriendo, Max’s new series, has once again put the genius behind such beloved characters as El Chavo del 8 and El Chapulín Colorado at the center of the conversation. The production, which is already the most watched in Mexico on the platform, seeks to portray the life of Roberto Gómez Bolaños from his childhood to his last days. However, as in any story of great figures, not everything has been laughter and slaps with white gloves.
From the scripts to the public’s heart
The series begins with a young Roberto who did not dream of making millions laugh. A soccer and boxing lover, he seemed to be on a different path until an opportunity in advertising brought him closer to writing. From then on, his pen became a hit-making machine on radio, film and television.
It was in the 70’s when his characters began to take on a life of their own. El Chapulín Colorado and El Chavo del 8 became mass phenomena and led Bolaños to establish himself as one of the most beloved comedians in the Spanish-speaking world. The show was so popular that it reached audiences in the millions throughout Latin America. Who doesn’t remember the “¡Síganme los buenos!” or the iconic “Fue sin querer queriendo”?
A series with nostalgia… and controversy
Despite the affection for the character, the series has not escaped drama. In fact, several figures close to the comedian have raised their voices to point out that not everything shown is as true to reality as it seems.
One of the most critical has been Florinda Meza, actress, producer and widow of Gómez Bolaños. In her social networks, Meza has made it clear that the production -which does not have her authorization or her real name- distorts many passages of the comedian’s life. From how he was supported by his mother in his artistic career, to scenes that portray Bolaños as a rookie who struggled “a la Hollywood” to get space on television, Florinda insists: “That’s not his story. It’s a fictional melodrama.
In the series, her character appears under the pseudonym “Margarita Ruiz”, and it is implied that her relationship with Chespirito influenced the end of the comedian’s marriage to his first wife. An approach that, according to Meza, seeks to create conflict where there was none.
Rights, characters… and disputes
Another issue that should not go unnoticed is the eternal dilemma over character rights. For example, the conflict with Carlos Villagrán, “Quico”, who left the series after not obtaining permission to use his character in independent shows. Also the dispute with María Antonieta de las Nieves, “La Chilindrina”, who managed to legally register her character and faced a lawsuit that, in the end, she won.
These moments, although controversial, are an essential part of Chespirito’s legacy, in which he opens a dialogue about the challenges of fame, creative ownership and behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
Tribute or reinterpretation?
Chespirito: Sin querer querer has been well received by many fans for its careful setting, nostalgic tone and the emotional portrayal of the comedian. But it has also left the question open: is it a faithful biography or a dramatic reinterpretation?
What is certain is that the series connects with several generations. Those who grew up with the characters are reunited with their childhood, while the new generations have a window to get to know the man behind the barrel, the chipote squeaky and the jokes that marked an era.
Beyond the differences between what is shown and what some people experienced, the public’s love for Roberto Gómez Bolaños is still intact. And that, as Chavo himself would say… it was unintentionally.