The creators of "La Flor Más Bella" break the mold

"La Flor Más Bella/La plus belle fleur" is Netflix's latest teen series, and in many ways, it feels like your typical coming-of-age story. The 10-part series follows underdog Mich as she sets out to conquer high school. But the show is clear from the start that it is distinct. The action takes place in Mexico, is told in Spanish and is aimed at anyone who has ever felt different.

"Having a curvaceous, dark-haired Mexican protagonist who embraces popular and folk traditions and customs, and who also knows that she is fabulous and proud to be all that, representing so many people, is the best revolution," show co-creator Michelle Rodríguez says. "La Flor Más Bella" is loosely based on her life growing up in Xochimilco, a Mexico City neighborhood famous for its canals and colorful houseboats.

According to Campanario Entertainment executive producer and co-founder Jaime Dávila, Netflix first reached out to make a YA show set in Mexico. So he appealed to his network, which quickly named the comedian Rodríguez. "She just made us laugh, which is already really the most important thing. And then secondly, everything she stood for and everything she said was so powerful to us," Dávila told POPSUGAR. "It was really powerful for our community - giving Latinos an opportunity to talk about some issues that they may not be talking about." These issues range from classism and body positivity to gay rights and racism, adding up to a show that's quite different from what we're used to seeing.

For Rodríguez, this difference is only his personal experience. "Sharing what I've learned along the way always seemed like a great idea," she explains. "And if it allows someone to connect with me, my story, and feel represented and motivated to continue, then that's an even greater incentive for me to do so."

“This is the story of a young girl from Xochimilco; you can't get any more specific than that,” says Dávila. "But I think we've all been underestimated, I think we've all felt misunderstood - it's universal. And so I hope people, through the specificity of this young Mexican, see themselves as well. " Asking audiences around the world to see themselves in Mich's unique situation is a big step forward for Latino representation.

Take, for example, how "La Flor Más Bella" portrays Mexico. For Rodriguez and David...