Univision is betting on more originals and different formats for its programming line-up as it tries to adapt to changing consumer habits and attract viewers.

This Sunday, the network premieres a new anthology series that tackles stories of people who lose control when faced with unexpected situations, unleashing “the worst instincts of humankind.” Descontrol (Out of Control), shot in Mexico and Colombia, is the second original production put out by Univision’s W Studios, launched in 2016. The first was La Piloto, which aired in early 2017.

“Descontrol is a unique concept: self-contained stories in a one-hour format that are disruptive, provocative and play on the exaggerated reactions to real-life situations that people could only imagine,” says Lourdes Díaz, Univision’s President of Entertainment. “The actors are top names in Spanish-language TV, playing against type in well-written roles.”

Livia Brito, Arap Bethke, Giselle Blondet, Juan Colucho, Carlos Espejel, Alejandro Nones, Shalim Ortiz, Eduardo Santamarina, Marjorie de Sousa, Laisha Wilkins, and Rodrigo Vidal are some of the stars featured in the series, directed by Carlos Gonzalez Sariñana, Joe Rendon, Carlos Cock, Luis Sierra, and David Ruiz.

W Studios has shot 20 episodes of Descontrol, which will be split up into two seasons.

The network, known for airing mostly Televisa telenovelas, has seen a significant drop in viewership and strong competition from rival Telemundo, which has been producing most of the content it airs.

Univision is struggling to catch up on production of scripted originals. Last year, it struck a deal with Netflix to co-produce El Chapo with its Story House division, also launched in 2016. According to the company, W Studios will be working on three more originals this year.

Descontrol premieres this Sunday, January 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

Source: Forbes