Have you ever been asked to change something that you felt really strongly about?
Every day! [laughs] No, I think ABC is being really good about that. All the characters have been who they are, and [the network has] always been very supportive. Sometimes we get challenged a lot. We get asked, "Is this too much? Is this too broad? Is this too this and that?" You just sort of have to articulate it.
The move from Friday night to Thursday night probably saved the show, by exposing it to a much wider audience. How did that happen?
I think the critics responded to the show. You know, you put these things out in a vacuum, and you don't really know what people are going to think. It was really just satisfying and gratifying the audience.
So it was us!
Yeah, you. Really - it's true! Given the buzz after the TCAs, [ABC] just said, "We're going to move it to Thursdays, and take what is there and save it for later." I was thrilled. It was a much more competitive time slot, but I thought at least we have a real shot, as opposed to Fridays, which are kind of the graveyard of TV.
What shows did you watch growing up, that inspired you to get into the business?
I watched Dynasty. I watched Three's Company. I watched The Jeffersons and Sanford and Son. I watched Spanish television, that I was forced to watch. You could put all that in a blender, and I think you got [Ugly Betty] [laughs].
Enter MeeVee's "Be Ugly in '07" sweepstakes.
Article comments
1 - Bill Sherman
Didn't recall that Horta was behind both The Chronicle and Jake 2.0 (the second makes particular sense given that Jake's lead has popped up on Betty). I dug both series, but I'm glad to see the guy striking it with this 'un.