Original series Diary of a Future President, with Gina Rodriguez executive producing and guest starring, premieres on Disney+ Jan. 17. Ilana Peña created the show, which is inspired by her childhood, growing up Cuban-American and raised by a single mother.
Told from the narration of her diary, Diary of a Future President follows Elena, as she navigates middle school and begins her journey to become the future president of the United States.
There are 10 episodes. Robin Shorr is showrunner. Shorr executive produces, along with Peña, Rodriguez, Emily Gipson and Brad Silberling.
Rodriguez, formerly of Jane the Virgin, plays grown-up Elena when she is the U.S. president. Rodriguez directed the pilot.
Peña previously wrote for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. She calls Diary a “coming of age story with warmth and humor and heart.”
Tess Romero plays young Elena. Charlie Bushnell portrays her brother. Selenis Leyva and Michael Weaver are also in the cast.
I Can and I Will Productions and CBS Television Studios produce the show.
Asked what the viewer will take away from the series, Peña said, “I hope they take away the heart and warmth that I and the cast and crew poured into the show.”
