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Why División Palermo’s Comedy of Diversity Deserved Its Emmy Win
División Palermo: The Emmy-Winning Comedy Redefining Representation with Humor
There’s something about División Palermo that just clicks. It might initially come across as just another quirky comedy, but once you dive into an episode, you realize there’s a lot more going on. This Argentinian series, created by Santiago Korovsky, uses humor to transmit a tale that’s both entertaining and surprisingly insightful. The outcome? A comedy that’s every bit as clever as it is laugh-out-loud funny, and, to top it off, it’s now an Emmy winner.
The Argentinian comedy just won Best Comedy at the 52nd International Emmy Awards. Korovsky and producer Nicolás Goldar Parodi accepted the award at New York’s Hilton Hotel, visibly moved by the recognition after three years of hard work. In a heartfelt speech, Korovsky expressed disbelief and gratitude, calling the win “incredible.” The series stood out among competitors from South Korea, Australia, and France, proudly representing Argentina on the global stage.
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Why División Palermo is the Perfect Mix of Comedy and Representation
The story follows Felipe Rozenfeld, portrayed by Korovsky himself, a guy who just can’t seem to get things right. After a string of mistakes, he finds himself recruited into a new police initiative—a so-called ‘inclusive’ special force aimed at boosting the public image of Buenos Aires law enforcement. But don’t expect intense crime-solving or heavy drama—this is definitely not your average procedural.
The squad is a unique blend of civilians brought together to show diversity. There’s someone who uses a wheelchair, a little person, a young transgender woman, an older man, a Bolivian immigrant who does stand-up comedy on the side, and several others representing minority groups. Then there’s Felipe, your typical straight, white, Jewish guy, who seems a bit out of place in this “forced inclusion” effort and was thrown into the mix almost by accident. Together, this unlikely team is tasked with making the streets safer—or at least giving the impression that they’re doing something meaningful.
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The twist? The whole initiative is just a superficial PR stunt by the police. The team is basically a photo-op to improve the department’s damaged reputation. But as the series unfolds, this “force” stumbles into a real case involving a wacky gang of criminals, resulting in chaotic and often ridiculous scenarios.
The cast is truly the show’s heart and soul. Korovsky takes the lead with Pilar Gamboa, Daniel Hendler, Martín Garabal, Charo López, Carlos Belloso, Alan Sabbagh, and Valeria Lois, all backed by a supporting team mirroring the characters they bring to life.
What really makes the show pop is its tone. While it’s definitely a comedy, it addresses big issues with a gentle touch. The satire is on point, taking jabs at how institutions tend to focus more on appearances than on real change. The humor here doesn’t target marginalized groups but rather reflects on society, highlighting the awkward and often bungling efforts of people trying to be inclusive without truly grasping what it entails. Instead, the show encourages everyone to collectively laugh at the ridiculousness of tokenism, political correctness, and the clumsy steps institutions take to seem progressive. As Korovsky put it perfectly: “We’re laughing with minorities, not at them.”
At the same time, the show makes a point to treat its characters with respect. Every member of the squad comes with their own quirks, strengths, and imperfections that go way beyond the labels society sticks on them. Take the character in the wheelchair, for instance—she isn’t just there to serve as some inspirational stereotype; she’s sharp-tongued and has plenty of strong opinions. The Bolivian immigrant, while funny, also offers an outsider’s perspective that gives extra layers to the group’s dynamic. Even Felipe, who starts off as the odd one out, ends up being the glue that holds this ragtag team together.
The show excels at blending social commentary with humor. It doesn’t hold back from showing the absurdity of token representation or the hypocrisy of institutions trying to “look good” without putting in the actual effort. Yet, it also holds the characters accountable. They wrestle with their own biases, awkward situations, and the hurdles of working as a team when they’re all a bit lost themselves.
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What makes División Palermo truly special is its authenticity. It doesn’t try to teach you a lesson or deliver a sermon. Instead, it welcomes you to laugh alongside the characters, all while prompting you to consider the systems we live in and how we treat each other. By making its characters real, relatable, and funny, the series accomplishes something rare: it turns heavy topics into something light and engaging without losing their significance.
With its smart writing, sharp wit, and heartfelt acting, it’s no surprise División Palermo has caught everyone’s eye. Now that it’s snagged an Emmy and a second season is on the horizon, it’s obvious this unique team of misfits is just getting started. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s time to get acquainted with them—you won’t be disappointed.
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