ABC limits Grand Hotel’s stay to a single season

Photo: Ed Herrera
Part of ABC’s summer fun programming this year was Grand Hotel, which it billed as “the glamorous and provocative new series [a.k.a. nighttime soap opera] from executive producer Eva Longoria.” Based on a Spanish series, the show offered a Miami Beach version of Upstairs/Downstairs, featuring hotel owners the opulent Mendoza family, and the hotel’s loyal staff (that “no fraternizing with the guests” rule doesn’t really hold). ABC described, “Wealthy and beautiful guests bask in luxury, but scandals, escalating debt and explosive secrets hide beneath the picture-perfect exterior.” Obviously.