SERIES PREMIERE

BREAKOUT COMEDIENNE CRISTELA ALONZO STARS AS A WOMAN LAUGHING HER WAY TO THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM, IN "CRISTELA," OCTOBER 10 ON ABC

"Pilot" -- Cristela Alonzo (Variety's "10 Comics to Watch in 2014," Cosmo's "13 Female Comedians to Watch For in 2014") stars as a woman laughing her way to the new American dream, in a family comedy loosely based on her life and stand-up routine. The series premiere of "Cristela" will air FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on the ABC Television Network.

Cristela's dream of becoming a lawyer is something her traditional Mexican-American family doesn't quite understand. She's entering her sixth year of law school after juggling home obligations and working multiple jobs to pay her way. Cristela lives in cramped quarters with her sister Daniela, her long-suffering brother-in-law Felix and their two young kids. The senior member of this extended family, all living under one roof in Dallas, is Cristela's old school mom, Natalia. After six years of setbacks, her mom Natalia worries that becoming a lawyer might not be in the cards for her and doesn't want Cristela to be hurt by a dream that might not come true. Then, Cristela's life begins to look up. Lawyer Trent Culpepper, who is unapologetically politically incorrect about Latinos and just about everyone else, offers her an internship at his prestigious firm. She'll be working - unpaid - with Culpepper's pampered daughter Maddie and good-natured fellow intern Josh.

The "Pilot" features Cristela Alonzo as Cristela, Carlos Ponce as Felix, Maria Canals-Barrera as Daniela, Terri Hoyos as Natalia, Andrew Leeds as Josh, and Sam McMurray as Trent. Stand-up sensation Gabriel Iglesias ("The Fluffy Movie") also appears as Alberto. Guest Cast: Sarah Halford as Maddie, Bridget Barrera as Isabella, and Matthew Velasquez as Henry.

"Cristela" was co-created by Cristela Alonzo and Kevin Hench. Executive producers are Kevin Hench, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements. Alonzo is co-executive producer. "Cristela" is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.

"Cristela" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and available in Spanish -- SAP. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.

For more information on "Cristela," visit ABC.com