This Fool

“This Fool” is an American comedy series that premiered on Hulu on August 12, 2022. The show was created by Chris Estrada, Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman, with Estrada also starring as the protagonist, Julio Lopez. Set in South Central Los Angeles, the series offers a humorous exploration of cholo culture and lifestyle.

The narrative centers on Julio Lopez, a 30-year-old man who still resides in his childhood home with his mother and grandmother. He works at “Hugs Not Thugs,” a gang rehabilitation center dedicated to assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society. Julio’s life becomes increasingly complicated when his older cousin, Luis, portrayed by Frankie Quiñones, moves in after serving an eight-year prison sentence and joins the rehabilitation program.

The series delves into themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and community engagement, all while maintaining a comedic tone. It has been praised for its authentic portrayal of working-class life in Los Angeles and its fresh perspective on traditional sitcom tropes. Critics have noted its unsentimental yet heartfelt approach to storytelling, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 100% approval rating based on 13 critic reviews.

Despite its positive reception, “This Fool” was canceled after two seasons, concluding on July 28, 2023. The show’s unique blend of humor and social commentary has left a lasting impression on its audience, highlighting the complexities of personal and communal relationships in a culturally rich setting.