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!