Still Ugly

Welcome to Still Ugly! An Ugly Betty rewatch podcast. On today's episode of Still Ugly, we are diving right into Season One, Episode One: Pilot. Ugly duckling Betty Suarez tries to fit in at Mode Magazine, but her boss, Daniel Meade, makes her life miserable. Despite being humiliated, Betty proves her worth at the magazine with an original idea celebrating mothers, daughters, and the power of fashion. For our very special first episode, Michael and Becki are joined by Ugly Betty herself, America Ferrera! It’s an emotional reunion. The three friends laugh and share stories of what the show has meant to them in the 20 years since it first aired. Did you know Michael wasn’t even supposed to be in the show after the pilot? Or that Vanessa Williams almost wasn’t in the show at all? From Becki’s skimpy outfits to Tony Plana cooking flan for the whole cast, there’s so much to talk about— and it’s only episode one!

This week on Still Ugly, we’re talking about Episode 102, The Box and the Bunny. Betty is tortured mercilessly at work and gets herself into trouble when she accidentally loses the proofs for the entire magazine. Daniel and Wilhelmina battle over whether to re-touch the photos of an actress in the feature spread and everyone learns a lesson about being true to who you are. We’re back for Episode 2! Michael and Becki trade stories about creating the characters of Marc and Amanda and figuring out how crazy they could go. Plus, we’ve got a ripped-from-the-headlines storyline, an amazing orange tracksuit, and our first fan caller!

On this week’s episode of Still Ugly, we’re talking about Episode 103, Queens for a Day. Desperate to fit in at Mode, Betty enlists her sister Hilda to give her a makeover, but her new look doesn’t go over as planned. Fortunately, her Queens roots are charming to famous photographer Vincent Bianchi, who agrees to shoot a spread for the magazine. It’s makeover day! Becki and Michael discuss memories from this hilarious and heartwarming episode, as well as the life-changing experiences they got to have thanks to the success of Ugly Betty. Later, they play a game giving fashion advice to the various characters on the show (Walter, try the polo shirt down a size!) and help a fan caller brainstorm how to balance his dating and family life.

This week on Still Ugly, we’re rewatching Episode 104, “Swag.” This episode is all about money issues: Wilhelmina tries to entrap Daniel with an accounting error, but it blows up in her face when it’s revealed she used company funds for a BBL; the Suarez family struggles to pay for Papi’s medication; and Daniel and Betty impress minimalist designer Oshi with an unexpected trip to White “Tassel.” (Note: This episode originally aired later in Season 1, but if you’re watching along on streaming platforms, it will be Episode 4) On this episode of Still Ugly, Michael and Becki celebrate the playfulness of being on set at Mode and remember the moment Marc and Amanda officially became “a duo.” Stick around for The Price is Right, Ugly Betty edition and a shocking fan confession!

This week on Still Ugly, we have a full episode with the one and only Christopher Gorham, who played Henry Grubstick! From the moment Henry from accounting spun around in his basement cubicle and set eyes on Betty, we knew we were in for something special. Michael and Becki talk with Chris about Henry and Betty’s soul connection as well as his deep friendship with America Ferrera off-screen. Plus, Chris reveals the real-life inspiration for Henry’s look and the crew's reaction when he took off his shirt for THAT scene. Chris is a wonderful actor and a great friend and just like us, he is Still Ugly!

Today on Still Ugly, we’re talking about Episode 105 of Ugly Betty, "Fey’s Sleigh Ride." Wilhelmina tries to find out who leaked the details of Mode’s Christmas spread while Betty, Marc, and Amanda scramble to remember what happened. Becki and Michael share memories of this very special episode, which was the first time Marc and Amanda entered Betty’s world. Amanda eats a whole tray of Papi’s flan, and Marc shows a surprisingly soft side with Justin. Plus, we’ve got some iconic guest characters (Carlo Medina! “Fat Carol!”), a Rashomon-inspired mystery and a high-stakes interrogation game!

On this episode of Still Ugly, we’re talking Episode 106, “The Lyin,’ the Watch and the Wardrobe.” It’s Halloween and everyone is wearing a mask. Betty is torn between Walter and Henry, Amanda confesses her feelings to Daniel, and Marc dresses up as Betty, to Wilhelmina’s delight. Plus, the incredible Judith Light joins the cast as Claire Meade. Michael and Becki discuss the Season One Halloween Episode, which features some incredible costumes and a LOT of secrets getting revealed. Plus, Christopher Gorham stops by to talk about the first big Henry Grubstick appearance— “It’s just something I know.” Stick around for a fan question, where Becki and Michael help a caller navigate a “debilitating crush!”

It's another episode of Still Ugly and this week we’re talking Episode 107 “Trust, Lust, and Must.” Wilhelmina and Daniel put together Mode’s annual Must List, but the office is distracted. Betty sells Herbalux at work, Wilhelmina’s daughter Nico causes chaos and Daniel is smitten with a hottie on the 27th Floor. Becki and Michael recap and share memories from the episode, which was the first appearance of Executive Producer Salma Hayek as her character Sofia Reyes. Plus, Debi Mazar appears as a sketchy lawyer, Bradford visits Fey Sommers’ crypt (which was actually the Tube in disguise) and Amanda finally stands up to Daniel. Later, Michael and Becki share their own version of The Must List and respond to a confession from a Wilhelmina super-fan!

This week on Still Ugly, we’re talking about Season 1, Episode 8 “After Hours.” Everyone goes out on the town: Betty reviews a hotel in Atlantic City, things get steamy between Sofia and Daniel at a pool hall and Texas businessman Ted LeBeau buys shots for Wilhelmina and Marc at a honkey-tonk. Meanwhile in Queens, Hilda asks an old flame, Santos, for help paying Ignacio’s legal fees.Michael and Becki recap this fish-out-of-water episode, which put every character out of their comfort zone. They discuss the chemistry between Hilda and Santos, Walter’s hilarious meltdown in a Michelin-star restaurant and how much fun everyone had imitating Vanessa Williams saying “Ted LeBeau.” Plus, Michael shares his unexpected love of music festivals and Becki offers earnest dating advice to a fan!

This week on Still Ugly, Michael and Becki are talking about S1E09 “Four Thanksgivings and a Funeral” aka the Dreamgirls Episode! It’s Thanksgiving at Mode— while the Suarez family debates how far they can trust their new immigration lawyer, Wilhelmina makes a turkey, Daniel blows it with Sofia and Fey Sommers come back from the dead! Becki and Michael swap memories of this absolutely iconic Marc and Amanda episode, including the moment went Becki accidentally saw Michael’s— well, you’ll hear all about it. Plus, we’ve got a Martha Stewart cameo, Justin as the Phantom of the Opera and a game that is all about… Betrayal!