Neon

A highly enjoyable series. “Neon” thoroughly immerses the audience in this enticing world while highlighting an industry that might only be saved by those who love the music most.

Serrano and Searle manage to give their four main characters enough layers in the first 30 minutes to hook viewers in and see just how Santi’s story plays out.

The three lead Latino characters, and the actors who play them, in Netflix’s breezy, Miami-set comedy/drama are so likable and charismatic you can’t help but kind of fall in love with them. I defy you not to.

If its relentless optimism lacks for edge or depth, Santi and his friends prove winsome enough to make you remember why this fantasy can be so alluring to begin with.

The show is decidedly uneven in tone, unsure of what it wants to be. Is it a bawdy, coming-of-age romp? At times. A music industry esposé? It reaches for that. A workplace comedy using music as its background? Sometimes. A more skilled show could balance these elements, but “Neon” falters.

The series’ copious drug use, sex and bottle service have zero consequences. If they weren’t playing songs, you might not recognize this as a story about music people. And it’s a good thing the music slaps.

Neon had the chance to illuminate the vibrancy and vitality of reggaeton and all of the culture that surrounds it, but sadly it only offers up a dim representation.