Un autentica peste

The first time I came across this show back in 1976 I was immediately captivated. It's very repetitive, each character has his or her behavioral repertoire, but that's so much like real life, isn't it? The effect is almost hypnotic, and there is a great humanity and love of humanity (and critique) about Bolanos' creations, a very bright and interesting man. The actors are also quite good. Too bad this quaint world is only accessible to Spanish speakers. It's a kind of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" with much more humor and vivid, colorful characters. There is an element of cruelty one wishes wasn't there. But maybe that's a reflection of reality. Enjoyable also for grown-ups. One of the funnier lines: "Don Ramon, why don't you look for a job?" Don Ramon (with a horrified expression): "And suppose I find it!"

El Chavo del 8 is a an almost perfect tv comic show. It could make you laugh and cry, which is for me a real good combination. My grandparents know and enjoy the show, my parents also do, I love it, and my neighbor of 3 years old won't stop laughing when he watches it. This might just give you a perspective of how long-lasting it's charming is. El chavo, kiko, don ramón, mr. barriga, and everybody else conform a superb cast, and they have made laugh millions for nearly thirty years. No other tv show has had such a great impact in Latin America than El Chavo, and that's easy to understand if you know it. My favorite character is Don Ramón, played wonderfully by Ramon Valdez, but this doesn't make the others mediocre, 'cause they're all more than excellent. Watch it pal, if you have the chance, you won't regret it.

I know this show can be repetitive for some people, but it makes me smile every time, is really good for any age viewer. This TV show will be remembered as one of the best of all times, why? well, For it's simplicity and easy to watch, this is not a complicated drama, this is funny to see.

Every character on the show has his own personality and plays an important role for the structure of the show, I know this show contains a lot of punch, kicks and smash comedian type(The Three Stooges), but as I said this is classic to see, for the one that are looking for something light. Also one important point is that the show matches for any country, no matter if you are not Mexican you will understand the characters and the story of each episode is simple and funny.

Really, if you didn't watch, you have to! If you like comedy, it's a rule to watch any episode of this fantastic TV series. It was done for kids, but whoever watches it will get hypnotized, and enchanted by the charisma of every character on it! "El Chavo" or "Chavo del Ocho" tells the story about a poor boy, Chavo, that supposedly lives at the house number 8, but spends most time, or better, whole series, into a barrel. And a lot of things happens, with him, Chilindrina, Don Ramón (my favorite character) and everyone! Each episode means, a lot of fun! It's really amazing how it never gets old. It was done in 73, and even in 2004, kids watch it and laugh of the same things over again. Even adults, and teenagers, watch it and again laugh of the same situation. It's really magical, and even Bolaños can't explain how he did that! And it seems, we will have much more 'Chavo' in the years to come, and people will keep watching it, and it'll have the same high ratings, every time it's being aired on TV. Really, it's something fantastic. I think it's like the only Mexican TV-show that had that kind of acceptance in every continent it was transmitted. So if you haven't watch it, I suggest you to give a try for this humble and very good intentioned series, that has a very nice message too. :)

"El Chavo del Ocho" has been my favorite Spanish-speaking show. It was like a ritual to me seeing this hilarious show every single day. It's about a Vecindad ("neighborhood") in which an orphan, called Chavo (Mexican equivalent word for lad or kid), lives. He is eight years old (played by a then fortyish actor) and has no parent. He is always starved and lacks of proper hygiene. He shares his live with the other dwellers of the vecindad.

Part of the success of the show is that it's full of colorful characters played by gifted and talented actors. My favorite is "Don Ramón" played by late Mexican actor Ramón Valdez. "Kiko" was also hilarious. The rest of the characters are good, though. If you understand Spanish, you will love this show.