But outside the magazine, at the Suarez home, the storylines feel more real.
"I kind of like that the drama is a surprise when you come to the show and that we tease them and we entice them with the comedy and we surprise them with how powerful some of the dramatic stories are in the show," said actor Tony Plana.
"You know, we just sneak some of the heartfelt stuff in there," said actress Ana Ortiz.
Co-star Ana Ortiz also knows you can be more adult in this new later time slot. But don't expect anything radical.
"I think that there will be a bit more of pushing the envelope but we are, ultimately, a family show," said Ortiz. "I mean, we do have a lot of young audience and I think the writers enjoy that responsibility."
One serious storyline involves the coming-of-age of the show's teenage character.
"We know that he's going to be challenged, as every kid who's a freshman in high school gets challenged in some way," said Plana.
"He's got a harder road, though," said Ortiz.
"Yes, and I think in terms of identity and self-awareness, it's going to be an interesting journey for him," said Plana. "I've gotten several very poignant letters from people talking about how they identify with my grandson, how grateful they are about how sweet, accepting and supportive he is."
You can watch "Ugly Betty" Wednesday at 10 p.m., on ABC7.
