On My Block

Did You Know?

• The fourth and final season premiered on October 4, 2021.
• A spinoff titled Freeridge was ordered to series by Netflix on September 27, 2021, and premiered on February 2, 2023.

Cast and characters

Sierra Capri portrays Monsé Finnie, a headstrong Afro-Latina tomboy who leads her friend group and is raised by her single father; she is in love with her best friend Cesar. Jason Genao plays Ruben 'Ruby' Martinez Jr., a smart-aleck math whiz of Mexican descent who often serves as the group's conscience. Brett Gray appears as Jamal Turner, the African-American nerd of the group who becomes involved in a hidden treasure scheme surrounding RollerWorld in season 1. Diego Tinoco plays Cesar Diaz, an intelligent Latino teen forced into gang life after his brother's release from prison, which strains his budding relationship with Monsé. Jessica Marie Garcia portrays Jasmine Flores (recurring in season 1, main in seasons 2–4), a classmate with a romantic obsession with Ruby; she and Ruby begin a relationship in season 3. Julio Macias plays Oscar 'Spooky' Diaz (recurring in seasons 1–2, main in seasons 3–4), Cesar's older brother and a high-level Santos gang member. Peggy Blow appears as Marisol Martinez 'Abuelita' (recurring in seasons 1–3, main in season 4), Ruby's grandmother. Ronni Hawk plays Olivia (season 1), a friend of Ruby's family who moves in after her parents are deported and becomes Ruby's love interest; she is shot by Latrelle and dies in the season 1 finale. Jahking Guillory portrays Latrelle (seasons 1–2, guest in season 4), a former classmate and member of the Prophet$, a rival gang to the Santos. Emilio Rivera plays Chivo (seasons 1–2, 4; voice only in season 3), a gardener and former Santos member involved in Jamal's treasure scheme. Other cast members include Paula Garcés as Geny Martinez, Eric Neil Gutierrez as Ruben Martinez, Danny Ramirez as Mario Martinez, Kylie Samaniego as Luisa Martinez, Julian Lerma as Luis Martinez, Reggie Austin as Monty Finnie, Lisa Marcos as Selena 'Julia' Whitman, Eme Ikwuakor as Dwayne Turner, Raushanah Simmons as Mrs. Turner, and Rob Murat as Coach Ron.

Reception

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the first season received a 95% approval rating based on 22 reviews, with a weighted average rating of 7.83/10. The site's critics consensus described the series as charming, realistic, and focused on underrepresented communities. Metacritic assigned a score of 69 out of 100 based on 5 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. Trey Mangum of Shadow and Act praised the show for its portrayal of young people of color dealing with real issues. Alexis Gunderson of Paste noted that every line and background track was meticulously calibrated for a cumulative effect. Matt Seitz of New York Magazine highlighted how the series folds crime and potential violence into everyday life, something white sitcoms rarely do. The second season earned a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews, with an average rating of 7.9/10. The third season holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10; the critics consensus stated that the series still rings true in its third season, interweaving joy and peril with signature authenticity.