Parents' Guide to Yo soy Betty, la fea

The international sensation that inspired the U.S. hit Ugly Betty (2006–2010) and 19 other remakes around the world underscores how women are judged by their external looks no matter how accomplished they are, but that true beauty comes from within. Yo soy Betty, la fea uses well-written comedy, drama, and romance to position Betty as the "ugly" woman due to her lack of fashion sense as well as her physical looks (including braces and glasses) as she navigates her way through Ecomoda, which creates a space for insults and bullying behavior. Nonetheless, Betty is steadfast in her sunny disposition and her positive sense of self-worth, both of which remain evident as she (and her relationships) evolve over time.

Granted, all of this is offered as a Colombian telenovela, and features the traditional physical comedy and over-the-top (and sometimes overextended) narratives the genre is known for. It also reinforces some of the traditional machismo-defined attitudes and misogynistic behaviors that were considered acceptable in Colombia (and in other countries) in the late 1990s, including overdramatic, caricature-like interpretations of LGBTQ+ community members and the sexual harassment of women in and outside of the workplace. Despite that, Yo soy Betty, la fea also offers universally empowering messages about the importance of knowing, accepting, and loving yourself enough to realize what makes you truly beautiful inside and out.