What's love got to do with it? Everything! Lesbian couple Stef (Teri Polo) and Lena (Sherri Saum) head a multiethnic family of foster and biological kids on the new ABC Family drama The Fosters (premiering Monday, June 3 at 9/8c). Executive producer Jennifer Lopez made it all happen — and tells us why.
TV Guide Magazine: You're already everywhere. Why add this gig to your crazy-busy life?
Jennifer Lopez: It's irresponsible not to do TV like this if you get the chance. Like a lot of people, I was raised on idyllic shows like The Brady Bunch and Eight Is Enough. We need to put out the message that a family doesn't need to have one mom, one dad, one dog and a picket fence. A family is about love and acceptance.
Jennifer Lopez: It's irresponsible not to do TV like this if you get the chance. Like a lot of people, I was raised on idyllic shows like The Brady Bunch and Eight Is Enough. We need to put out the message that a family doesn't need to have one mom, one dad, one dog and a picket fence. A family is about love and acceptance.
TV Guide Magazine: Did you grow up around foster kids?
Lopez: They were all over the Bronx, but I didn't really understand things then. Now I do. The foster-care system is often portrayed negatively on TV. The Fosters says it's actually a great system that can work beautifully. That was important to me. I also love that our two lead characters are lesbians and it doesn't matter. Their suitability as parents isn't questioned. They're just good people.
Lopez: They were all over the Bronx, but I didn't really understand things then. Now I do. The foster-care system is often portrayed negatively on TV. The Fosters says it's actually a great system that can work beautifully. That was important to me. I also love that our two lead characters are lesbians and it doesn't matter. Their suitability as parents isn't questioned. They're just good people.
TV Guide Magazine: Can anyone relate to this show?
Lopez: I know I do! When you divorce, like I did, you can't help but think, "I'm so terrible. I really messed up. What's wrong with me?" But at the end of the day, my kids are happy. Their dad [Marc Anthony] loves them. I love them. We accept that things didn't turn out perfect. That's family. It comes in many different forms. You make it work.
Lopez: I know I do! When you divorce, like I did, you can't help but think, "I'm so terrible. I really messed up. What's wrong with me?" But at the end of the day, my kids are happy. Their dad [Marc Anthony] loves them. I love them. We accept that things didn't turn out perfect. That's family. It comes in many different forms. You make it work.
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