George Lopez has long served as a popular comedian known to invoke hearty laughs and soft chuckles. His stand up comedy shows, appearances and sitcoms like ABC’s “George Lopez” put genuine smiles on American audiences’ faces. 

The time has now come for a Lopez-ian comeback.

Popular, long-standing network TV Land officially signed a 12-episode contract for his new show, “Lopez,” in winter 2015, according to E! Network.

Writers John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky invested cinematic input on Lopez’s latest conquest. “Lopez” focuses on a fictional, yet scarily realistic, take of Lopez’s life. While living in Beverly Hills, California, he finds himself in a tar pit, feeling out of place in between social groups.

The main focus of the show seemingly exhibits his disconnect with the Hispanic community because of his Hollywood success and wealth accumulation. He also finds no common ground with the seemingly racist, affluent white community, which is clearly depicted within 10 minutes of the first episode.

The first episode aired Wednesday night. TV Land made a grand fuss of advertising the series, using banners and annoying popups during previous shows throughout the day. Before the opening credits, a small scene plays where Lopez meeting his neighbors.

Lopez’s house is a beautiful mansion located in the heart of the Beverly Hills community. His neighbors sport a rather snobby attitude and the meeting turns into a racist altercation, involving his neighbor claiming Lopez is only good for trimming bushes and gardening.

The opening scene uses a catchy funk tune and a reel of Lopez driving down the highway in his jet-black, high-end Ford Explorer. The first episode, “Slave for a Day,” opens the show up with an intense atmosphere. Lopez’s daughter attends a high-end private school, supported by the scene when Lopez arrives to pick her up, but finds a valet service at the front.

The conflict arises when the school principal asks Lopez to come to a fundraiser auction in order to boost more publicity and funds for the establishment. Lopez becomes confused upon learning the school foundation wants him as a celebrity auction piece, allowing anyone to buy him for different types of services, including his celebrity enemies and haters. He ends up accepting and the plot thickens with racist jokes and silly moments that are funny from time to time.

With guest appearances from Snoop Dogg and former Californian politicians, Lopez displays a somewhat authentic celebrity vibe. In truth, it’s quite difficult to determine whether or not this will form into a great series just by this one episode. But for those who adore Lopez’s approach to social comedy, consider investing some time into this new series. It’s popularity may boost with time.

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