Matt Shively and Al Madrigal Talk Family Bonds and Comedy Inspiration In Lopez vs. Lopez Season 3
The Lopez family is back! Season three of the hit NBC sitcom Lopez vs. Lopez returns this October, and fans are elated to be reunited with their favorite television family. The story follows George Lopez and his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez, as they work to mend their estranged relationship. We sat down with the stars of the show, Matt Shively and Al Madrigal, to learn what season three has in store for this dysfunctional, relatable, and lovable family.
Madrigal plays Oscar, George’s best friend and employee. He shared that while his character serves as an oddball and provides comedic relief, he also adds a lot of depth and emotional weight to the show. “I think that my character of Oscar is so weird, like he lives in a van. But ultimately, I think the writer’s realized that I’m super flexible,” he explained. “I can do goofy physical comedy, I can give heartfelt advice, I can play the stoner. If anyone is in for a con, I’m the guy they run to. If you want to run a con, I can have a weird idea and execute it… poorly.”
Known for starring in Nickelodeon’s hit show True Jackson, VP, Shively candidly spoke about the jarring experience of transitioning from a teen star to playing a full-fledged sitcom dad in this series. He explained how his role as Quinten, the father of George’s grandson, has changed his life and expressed his admiration for the writers’ choice to make him an active, present father. “My favorite thing about the character from day one is that he is the polar opposite of what television dads usually are,” he shared. “They’re usually the lazy, curmudgeon guys who think about themselves before their family. That’s like every trope of the television dad. Quinten is the polar opposite. His entire life is his family and making sure they’re safe, happy, and comfortable has always been his number one goal.”
It’s clear Shively holds so much respect and love for his role as Quinten. “I am a different person now than I was when I started the show, and in such a great way. It kind of coincided with what Quinten became,” he explained, noting how playing Quinten has made him stronger, more independent, and a more loving person. He expressed his gratitude for the show, not only for his career but also for his personal life. He explained, “It’s saved my life and also made me better, which is rare.”
Madrigal shared the “Mount Rushmore of comic actors” he loves to draw inspiration from, including legends Don Knotts, Martin Short, Rick Moranis, and John Ritter. “Not only am I pulling from childhood heroes in comedy and acting, but when I’m working, I’m also learning on the fly from the great people I’m working with,” he shared, expressing his admiration for the talented Lopez vs. Lopez cast. “The people I’m working with and the people I loved all come together to create this thing that I regurgitate.”
When asked about their favorite memories from set, their joy and admiration towards the show is evident. “I got to do a really big emotional scene with George about our friendship. Then I stormed off in a very silly way and then came back,” said Madrigal, sharing a moment where he got to work with Lopez and show Oscar’s depth. “It was just a ton of heart and silliness all in the same scene. I love when I can do that.”
Shively cherishes a memory of golfing with Lopez and Madrigal in Ireland but also shared how much he loves watching his on-screen son, Brice Gonzalez grow up as the show progresses. “One of my favorite things is that I get to spend time with him and I’m watching him grow up,” he said. “That’s just been really cool.”
Both actors hope that season three attracts a larger audience that sees themselves represented in the story. “You want to be considered a great television comedy, not a Latino comedy. You just want to be a great comedy. You want to be universally loved,” said Madrigal. Shively explained that while the show covers heavy topics like sobriety, infidelity, and abandonment issues, the writers and the cast highlight these realistic struggles while also showing that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Shively praised the show for its ability to depict the hard realities humans face in a beautiful, authentic way. “I think that the reason they’re hard to make funny is because so many people go through them. So half the time you’re watching it and going, ‘Oh, well, this is exactly what I’m going through right now,’” he said, “but we’re presenting it in a way to make you feel better about it and to see yourself in this family.”
With a cast so passionate about their message and the joy each member exudes on screen, season three is sure to make audiences fall even more in love with the Lopez family.
Catch new episodes of Lopez vs. Lopez airing Fridays on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
