Yo Soy Betty La Fea: Colombia's Most Iconic Telenovela

When it comes to telenovelas, we often think of the Mexican ones. However, the most beloved one in the world may actually be Colombian, and that is of course, "Yo Soy Betty La Fea."

The telenovela has been repeatedly rerun by Telemundo in the United States, and to this day has garnered more fans the world over as it has been shown in dozens of countries, not just in the Americas, but also in Europe and Asia.

The telenovela was so beloved that other countries even made their own versions of the show after it was aired in those very countries, from Spain to China to the Philippines, and yes, the United States with "Ugly Betty."

According to Mitu, the show was so beloved around the world that in 2010, it received a Guinness World Record for being the most successful telenovela in the history of television. It was shown in over 180 countries and territories, and it has also been translated into 25 different languages.

What Is your 'Yo Soy Betty La Fea' About?

Originally released in Colombia way back in 1999, "Yo Soy Betty La Fea" starred Ana María Orozco as Beatriz Pinzón Solano, the titular Betty. It also stars Jorge Enrique Abello as Armando Mendoza, also known as Don Armando, her love interest.

However, unlike most telenovelas, this one does not feature a stunningly beautiful protagonist, but as the title suggests, is actually considered ugly, and this has been the theme of the show, as well as its remakes and foreign adaptations.

She works in a textile factory in Bogota and is often manipulated by her boss and bullied his fiancee, Marcela Valencia and her friend, Patricia. Despite this, however, she finds support from her loving family and friends, according to Latina Media.

While the show itself is considered outdated these days, it remains a legendary series that has been adapted 28 times around the world already, with many even considering this telenovela as one of the greatest of all time, and that is saying a lot.

The Many Adaptations of the Legendary Telenovela, 'Yo Soy Betty La Fea'

When we say "Yo Soy Betty La Fea" has plenty of adaptations, we mean it, as many countries from the Americas, Asia, and Europe have their own versions of this hot telenovela from Colombia, with the original still being watched by many to this day.

In Asia, there is "Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin" from India, which means "There's No One Like Jassi," with Jassi being the localized version of Betty. There is also "Chou Nu Wu Di" from China. which was a massive hit in the country. Meanwhile, in the most Latin of all Asian countries, the Philippines, "I ♥ Betty la Fea" made its mark after the original became one of the most beloved foreign shows of all time there.

While many in the Americas share the Spanish language, Mexico also made its own version, ""La Fea Mas Bella," and so did Spain with "Yo Soy Bea."

However, the most famous adaptation of all is "Ugly Betty" starring America Ferrera, giving non-Hispanics in the US a taste of Colombia's greatest TV show.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Ugly Betty - Opening Scene - ABC