On Monday night, NUVOtv held its upfront at The Edison Ballroom in New York City. As always, the big question is what does the network have to offer that no one else does? Although its presentation was flashy, many of its upcoming stories are not because they have never told been told through an outlet like this cable television network.

The standouts in NUVOtv's upcoming lineup were by far their dramatic stories. Upcoming franchise series "Nu America" will highlight different parts of Latino culture minimally explored in mainstream settings like the cable network. The show comes from co-executive producer Jennifer Lopez and her Nuyorican Productions company.

"Our communities are the heartbeat of our culture," Lynda Lopez, "Nu America" host, reporter and co-executive producer, said in the show's preview.

"Our stories aren't being told. ... A lot of media isn't showing it," she added at Monday's event.

By examining the intricacies of various Latino subcultures, viewers will be able to get a more all-encompassing look at what it means to be Latino in America.

The first special, "Los Jets," looks into the lives of young, undocumented male teens that fight life obstacles while simultaneously bonding on their journey to the North Carolina State Championships. If the special is able to capture the multiple layers of immigration, which through the eyes of kids can become more simplified and relatable, then perhaps "Nu America" will be another voice for undocumented immigrants who are sometimes (quite literally) sent away before they can speak.

Meanwhile, docu-series and specials like the returning "Knockout" and "Livin La Vida" capitalize on stories proven to be a hit in America: reality shows, sports and young, sexy partygoers. This time around, however, the tale is told with a Latino point of view.

"To be Latino right now is hot. We're hot," a "Livin La Vida" cast member said in the preview.

Indeed it is, and no one knows this better than Mario Lopez. The celebrity brings the network more of the star power it needs to be catch viewers' eyes. The network renewed his "Mario Lopez: One on One" interview series, "Love & Salsa," for which he recruited the help of wife Courtney Lopez, as well as a new show he executive produced, "Tequila King."

At the event, Mario explained how "impressed" he is with NUVOtv and its dedication to bringing the Latino story to the forefront.

"A lot of networks out there talk about targeting a Latino audience and how important and valuable we really are, but no other network devotes all of its effort and all of its energy into providing programming that reflects the influence of Latinos in America," he said. "No other network has made its business their top priority to depict our true place in society."

Shows like the renewed "Nu Point of View," which highlights the works of Latino writers, producers and directors, could potentially create new celebrities like Mario while also popularizing the culture's creative side.

Meanwhile, the networks acquisition of Fuse from The Madison Square Garden Company will hopefully bring NUVOtv more prominence amongst cable viewers. The channel made the deal for $226 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and is expected to close early July at the latest.

"Buying Fuse brings 73 million homes to us. That's a headline in itself," Craig A. Geller, senior vice president of ad sales, pointed out.

With the route it's taking, NUVOtv could shape up to be a powerful venue. It is unique in that it is en route to taking a culture enjoyed by so many Americans and finally sharing it on an accessible, national level. If NUVOtv succeeds, it could mark a change in the way Latinos are understood in mainstream and pop culture, a necessity because, as the population and its influence on America grows, so does the need for accurate representation.

Properly telling these stories is also imperative for NUVOtv to please Jennifer Lopez, their superstar chief creative officer.

"It turns out the revolution is televised," she said at the upfront. "We are the game changers for America's cultural and economic future."

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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

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