Michael Urie and Becki Newton say filming their 'Ugly Betty' rewatch podcast has made them realize how "ahead of the curve" the show was: "I can't believe it was 2006 when we were talking about these things"

Nearly two decades after its premiere, 'Ugly Betty' remains relevant, as highlighted by stars Becki Newton and Michael Urie's rewatch podcast. They discuss the show’s engagement with pressing social issues, including racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ representation, many of which are still unresolved. The podcast invites previous cast members, prompting nostalgia while also emphasizing the show's trailblazing approach to these topics back in the early 2000s. Quotes from Newton and Urie underscore the comedic elements intertwined with serious societal conversations, illustrating why the show endures in popularity and significance today.

"The thing that I think surprises me is just how ahead of the curve the show was. Right now, in the rewatch, we're going through issues with Ignacio's [Tony Plana] immigration status. It was topical then, it was ahead of the curve then, and now, suddenly even more so," Urie said. "Same with all of the queer stuff. You know, we go to a lot of places with queer representation in this show. I can't believe it was 2006 when we were talking about these things."

Newton added, "At the time, people talked about the comedy and the camp and all of it, but it really tackled some huge issues. And I think the reason people are still watching it today is because it's very relevant. It perhaps is more inappropriate in certain parts, but it's certainly still relevant."

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