NHMC Names 2026 Series Scriptwriters Program Cohort
The National Hispanic Media Coalition has named its 2026 cohort for its annual Series Scriptwriters Program, Variety reported on 22 September 2026. The announcement puts a new group of Latine writers on a path toward broadcast and streaming development.
Variety described the intake as ten Latine writers. The roster published alongside the announcement lists eleven names: Alix Mendoza, Angelica López, Brandon Burkhart, Francis Fuster, Gisella Bustillos, Iris Almaraz, Johanna Rosario, Matthew Gonzalez, Michael Gonzalez, Sergio Garcia Bennet and Zan Poka.
The 2026 programme runs as an eight-week intensive, meaning writers work in a concentrated block to a deadline. Each participant develops a script for an original television pilot, meaning a first episode designed to launch a potential series. That is the shop window.
Scripts from the cohort will be reviewed by studio partners including The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Netflix, according to the same report. Producer Barbara Muschietti gave the opening remarks at the welcome ceremony.
What makes this stand out for newcomers is access. Participants work closely with mentors and meet seasoned writers already working in the industry, NHMC has said. They also join a community of alum Latine writers. Entry is open to writers nationwide, NHMC has said.
The programme has a long runway. It has supported more than 200 writers over 24 years, Variety reported. That history gives each new cohort a ready-made network of former participants.
The coalition behind it is a 40-plus-year-old nonprofit organisation, NHMC says on its website. It describes itself as a nonpartisan civil and human rights organisation founded to eliminate hate, discrimination and racism toward Latino and marginalised communities. Alongside the writers programme, it operates the Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program and Media Advocacy Fellowships.
