NBCUniversal launches on-demand mini-novelas

NBCU is launching two shortform telenovelas on its Xfinity X1 streaming and interactive service.

The telenovela is notable for its 120 episode or longer format, but Las Princesas and Off Script will run to 20 and twelve instalments of three minutes respectively.

The shows will be in Spanish and English, targeting bilingual and bicultural viewers in the US.

Several stars from US Hispanic net Telemundo will feature including Ricardo Chavez, Gabriel Coronel, Sonya Smith and Carmen Villalobos.

On air promo spots for Las Princesas and Off Script are going out on local Telemundo and NBC stations during primetime. Viewers can then watch the full episodes on the Latino section of the Xfinity service.

Las Princesas tells the story of two young women whose dreams are at peril because they are stuck living in a cruel household ruled by a controlling matriarch, Señora Dolores Villanueva (Sonya Smith).

Off Script will be an English-language comedy spinoff of Las Princesas, with a comedic, behind-the-scenes look at everything that happens when the novela cameras stop rolling.

“Las Princesas and Off Script provide viewers with a first-of-its kind bicultural entertainment experience that is relevant and appealing to Hispanic and general market consumers,” said Jeanne Schroeder, VP, sales marketing and partnership activation, NBCUniversal Skycastle, a division of NBCU’s television stations arm.