'Freeridge' Review: Endearing and hilarious 'On My Block' spin off is packed with drama

Netflix's 'On my Block' spin-off, 'Freeridge' is actually better, funnier, and has the right amount of suspense to keep you at the edge of your seat
UPDATED FEB 2, 2023
A  production still of 'Freeridge' (Netflix)
A production still of 'Freeridge' (Netflix)

Spoilers for 'Freeridge' 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dear readers, here is the moment of truth you have been waiting for. Usually audiences like the original series more than the spin-off but there is an exception that needs to be made as Netflix's new 'On my Block' spin-off, 'Freeridge' is actually better, funnier, and has the right amount of suspense to keep you at the edge of your seat. Speaking of 'On my Block' there ain't many similarities you would be able to spot between the two apart from its genre being teen comedy-drama. The series is created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft, Jamie Dooner, and Jamie Uyeshiro. 

Furthermore, the new series brings new beginnings and the primary cast of 'Freeridge' includes Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Gloria, Tenzing Norgay Trainor as Cameron, Ciara Riley Wilson as Demi, Peggy Blow as Marisol Martinez and Michael Solomon as Rusty. The cast further sees Bryana Salaz as Ines, J R Villarreal as Tio Tonio, Jean Paul San Pedro as Jaier, Jami Alix as Cinnamon, Abraham Rodriguez as Benji, and Cyndee Rivera as Lucia. Read more to find out about how the series is. 

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Two squabbling teenage sisters and the 'curse'

The trouble starts almost immediately after we meet our protagonists: Gloria Salazar (Keyla Monterosso Mejia) and her annoying, slightly younger sister, Ines (Bryana Salaz), whose bickering occasionally segues into all-out brawling (but they really do love each other, natch). They hang around with Demi (Ciara Riley Wilson), who feels slightly ignored and under-appreciated, and Cameron (Tenzing Norgay Trainor), who has a clingy boyfriend but really only has eyes for Demi. Fun fact, Wilson also made a cameo appearance in the 'On My Block' series finale. 

Sensitivity toward sexual fluidity 

The mysterious curse begins hitting close to home immediately, leading to some moving scenes between the sisters and their loving father Javier (Jean Paul San Pedro). And that setup, of the curse’s importance coming from its ability to hurt the characters’ loved ones, is a smart way to make relationships a propelling force in the plot. Speaking of relationships, there is also obvious care and dedication in the addition of same-sex couples and sexual fluidity going on; this could feel like a hollow appeal to youths in a lesser show but doesn’t at all here.

The series is a great watch if you want something overall light-hearted yet funny but has the right amount of sense, it is a perfect series for you. Furthermore, the series actors have done a great job of impersonating their characters which makes the series even better. Regardless, the new 'On My Block: Freeridge' series has eight episodes which are 25 to 30 minutes long. 

You can watch 'On My Block: Freeridge' on Netflix. 

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