The Portuguese Kids Upgrade From Live Comedy to TV Stardom

The Portuguese Kids, a renowned mixed improv comedy group founded by Fall River natives Brian Martins and Derrick DeMelo, is making waves in the entertainment world.

Known for their humorous portrayals of growing up first-generation Portuguese-American, the group has landed a groundbreaking TV deal with RTP Internacional (RTPi), the international television service of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal. The deal marks a significant milestone for the group, as it will be the first American-produced, English-spoken program broadcasted by RTP.

The series, Portuguese Problems, will consist of six episodes. It's co-directed by Martins and Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Dean Camara. Like the stage show they've taken around the world, it will highlight the funnier aspects of growing up with immigrant parents.

The show is set to premiere on Monday, March 18, with new episodes dropping weekly.

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The cast of Portuguese Problems includes Martins, DeMelo, Mike Rita, Vanessa Medeiros, Taylor Amarante, Chantell Arraial and Graça Pinhancos.

Portuguese Problems will air across Portugal on RTP’s Portugal 1 and globally through RTPi, reaching a potential audience of 20 million homes across Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia. The series will also be available on the RTP Play app, downloadable on various devices.

The Portuguese Kids, born and raised in Fall River, use their upbringing as inspiration for their live comedy shows, hilarious musical parodies and viral videos. Their unique brand of ethnic humor has won them legions of fans around the globe and their videos have been viewed millions of times online.

"The Portuguese Kids have been on an extraordinary journey with Portuguese communities all over the globe for 20 years now, producing high-level comedy with rigor, and where good disposition is always a guarantee," Director of RTP1 & RTP International José Fragoso said in a news release.

"It’s time to bring their humor and irreverence to television."

The series promises to bring laughter as a sketch comedy show that spotlights the hilarious and heartwarming experiences of growing up in an ethnic household. Martins and DeMelo, who have toured the Portuguese community for almost two decades as The Portuguese Kids, bring a colorful cast of characters that explore family dynamics, culture clashes and everyday life through laugh-out-loud moments.

Camara said, "When I met the Portuguese Kids, I felt I had met kindred spirits, and we both recognized that if we combined our complimentary talents, we could create something that was truly a first of its kind."