Keyla Monterroso Mejia has rapidly become one of the most recognizable faces in contemporary television comedy. Since her breakout moments in early 2021, she has moved from scene-stealing guest spots to leading major streaming series. For anyone tracking the evolution of modern sitcoms and independent cinema, her filmography offers a roadmap of where the industry has been heading over the last few years. As of early 2026, her portfolio spans across major networks like HBO and ABC, and streaming giants including Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.

The Television Breakout: Curb Your Enthusiasm

No discussion of Keyla Monterroso Mejia movies and tv shows is complete without focusing on the role that effectively launched her career into the stratosphere. In the eleventh and twelfth seasons of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mejia portrayed Maria Sofia Estrada. The character was an intentionally "terrible" actress who Larry David’s character was forced to cast in his show-within-a-show, Young Larry.

What made this performance iconic was the sheer technical skill required to play someone who cannot act. Mejia’s portrayal of Maria Sofia was a masterclass in comedic timing, utilizing exaggerated physical comedy and awkward line deliveries that made her an instant fan favorite. Originally intended for a single episode, the character's popularity led to a recurring role that spanned seven episodes through the series finale in 2024. In the narrative of the show, Maria Sofia eventually becomes a massive star, a meta-commentary on the actual trajectory of Mejia’s career.

Episodes like "Angel Muffin" and "Igor, Gregor, & Timor" highlight her ability to hold her own against comedy veterans like Larry David and Cheryl Hines. The character of Maria Sofia served as a disruptive force in the Curb universe, representing a younger, unpolished energy that contrasted perfectly with Larry’s neurotic adherence to social rules.

Workplace Comedy Mastery: Abbott Elementary

Shortly after her success on HBO, Mejia joined the ensemble of the critically acclaimed ABC mockumentary Abbott Elementary. Appearing during the 2022–2023 season, she took on the role of Ashley Garcia, a classroom aide who brought a chaotic, high-energy presence to the fictional Philadelphia public school.

Ashley Garcia was written as a foil to the more grounded and often stressed teachers at Abbott. In episodes such as "Juice" and "Story Samurai," Mejia’s character provided a specific type of comedic tension, often clashing with the no-nonsense Melissa Schemmenti (played by Lisa Ann Walter). Her performance demonstrated that she could seamlessly fit into an established ensemble and master the mockumentary format, which relies heavily on subtle facial expressions and "looking into the camera" moments. While she only appeared in a handful of episodes, Ashley Garcia remains one of the show's most memorable guest characters, often cited by viewers for her infectious, albeit distracting, enthusiasm.

Leading the Narrative: Freeridge

In 2023, Mejia stepped into a primary leading role with the Netflix series Freeridge. A spin-off of the popular teen dramedy On My Block, this show allowed her to showcase a broader range of acting skills beyond pure character comedy. She played Gloria Salazar, the de facto leader of a group of friends who believe they have unleashed a supernatural curse.

In Freeridge, Mejia carried the emotional weight of the series. The show explored themes of grief, sibling rivalry (between Gloria and her sister Ines), and the complexities of growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Los Angeles. Over the course of eight episodes, viewers saw a more grounded side of her performance. While the show maintained a comedic edge, it required Mejia to navigate dramatic scenes involving family loss and adolescent insecurity. Although the series ran for only one season, it cemented her status as a leading lady capable of anchoring a high-concept streaming production.

Recent Hits: The Studio and Running Point

Moving into 2025 and 2026, Mejia’s television presence has only intensified with high-profile projects that place her at the center of the Hollywood satire and sports comedy genres.

The Studio (Apple TV+)

One of her most significant recent roles is in the Apple TV+ series The Studio. Created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this show is a sharp look at the inner workings of a legacy Hollywood film studio trying to survive in the digital age. Mejia plays Petra, a clever and ambitious assistant who is often the smartest person in the room. Unlike her previous "chaotic" roles, Petra is controlled, strategic, and deadpan. This role has been pivotal in showing her versatility, proving she can play the "straight man" just as effectively as the wild card. Her interactions with the ensemble cast, which includes Hollywood heavyweights, have been a highlight of the series' first two seasons.

Running Point (Netflix)

In another major 2025 release, Mejia joined the cast of the Netflix series Running Point. Starring Kate Hudson as the president of a professional basketball team, the show features Mejia as Ana Moreno. Appearing in a recurring capacity, her character provides a window into the operations side of the sports world. The series combines fast-paced dialogue with workplace drama, and Mejia’s comedic background allows her to thrive in the show’s high-pressure environments.

Transitioning to Film: Major Roles and Indie Darlings

While television has been her primary engine for growth, Keyla Monterroso Mejia movies are becoming increasingly common in theatrical and streaming releases. Her film choices reflect a desire to experiment with different genres, from dark comedy to heartfelt drama.

One of Them Days (2025)

In early 2025, Mejia starred in the buddy comedy One of Them Days alongside Keke Palmer and SZA. The film follows two best friends and roommates, Dreux and Alyssa, who find themselves in a race against time to save their housing situation. Mejia plays Kathy, a character who gets swept up in the central duo’s increasingly desperate and hilarious schemes. The film was noted for its improvisational feel and high energy, allowing Mejia to return to the broad, physical comedy that first made her famous while working alongside established stars.

You’re Cordially Invited (2025)

Another major film credit is the Prime Video comedy You’re Cordially Invited. Starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, the plot revolves around two weddings that are accidentally double-booked at the same venue. Mejia plays Heather, a key member of the wedding parties who adds to the escalating conflict between the two families. Being part of a high-budget studio comedy alongside industry veterans further illustrates the level of trust filmmakers now place in her comedic instincts.

Suncoast (2024)

In a departure from her typical comedic fare, Mejia appeared in the 2024 drama Suncoast. The film, which stars Nico Parker, Laura Linney, and Woody Harrelson, is a semi-autobiographical story about a teenager dealing with a family crisis in the early 2000s. Mejia portrays Nurse Mia. Though the role is supporting, it was a significant step in her filmography, showcasing her ability to operate within a serious, emotionally resonant narrative. Her performance provided a touch of humanity and groundedness in a story that dealt with heavy themes of life and death.

The Estate (2022)

One of her earlier feature film credits is the dark comedy The Estate. The film features an ensemble cast including Toni Collette and Anna Faris, centered around a family fighting over an inheritance from a wealthy aunt. Mejia plays Ellen, bringing her signature sharp wit to a cynical and greed-driven environment. This role was an early indicator that she could hold her own in an ensemble of seasoned comedic actors.

Short Films and The Disney+ Launchpad

Every actor's journey has a starting point, and for Mejia, short films provided the necessary playground to hone her craft before the world saw her on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Growing Fangs (2021)

Part of the Disney+ Launchpad anthology series, Growing Fangs is a crucial piece of her early work. In this short film, she plays the lead character, Val Garcia, a Mexican-American teen who is half-human and half-vampire. The story is a metaphor for the bicultural experience, as Val struggles to fit into both the human world and the vampire world. This project was significant not just for its creative content but for its focus on underrepresented voices in filmmaking. Mejia’s performance was both charming and relatable, capturing the universal awkwardness of high school through a supernatural lens.

Other Notable Shorts

Before 2021, she appeared in several other short-form projects that are worth seeking out for completionists:

  • #whitina (2021): She played Belle in this short that explored themes of identity and viral culture.
  • The 90 Day Plan (2021): In the role of Lolo, she participated in a heist-themed comedy that showcased her ability to lead a fast-paced narrative.
  • Aguanta (2022): Portraying Estefa, this short allowed her to explore more intimate, character-driven storytelling.

Exploring Different Genres: Voice Work and Guest Appearances

Beyond her live-action roles, Mejia has expanded her reach through various guest appearances and participation in unique television formats.

  • Acapulco (Apple TV+): In 2025, she appeared in the fourth season of the bilingual comedy Acapulco as Dulce. The show, which toggles between the 1980s and the present day, allowed her to work within a stylized, vibrant aesthetic that differs from the gritty or realistic tones of her other projects.
  • Boo, Bitch (Netflix): She had a recurring role as "New Lifer Girl" in this 2022 miniseries starring Lana Condor. It was another foray into the teen supernatural comedy genre, a space where she has consistently found success.
  • On My Block: Before Freeridge, she made a guest appearance in the series finale of On My Block as Gloria, serving as the bridge between the two shows.
  • Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Interestingly, her credits even extend to satirical news. She appeared as a "Young Controller" in a segment on the HBO show, proving that her comedic range fits into sketch-like formats as well.

Why Keyla Monterroso Mejia is a Name to Know in 2026

When looking at the full list of Keyla Monterroso Mejia movies and tv shows, a pattern of deliberate and diverse choices emerges. She has successfully avoided being pigeonholed into a single type of role. While she is a natural at high-energy comedy, her work in Suncoast and The Studio demonstrates a maturing talent that is comfortable with subtlety and drama.

Her rise coincides with a broader shift in Hollywood toward more inclusive and authentic storytelling. As an actress of Mexican and Guatemalan descent, she has often been part of projects that celebrate bicultural identities without making them the sole focus of the character. Whether she is playing a vampire teen, a chaotic classroom aide, or a savvy studio assistant, she brings a specific authenticity that resonates with modern audiences.

For fans of ensemble comedies, her work in Abbott Elementary and Curb Your Enthusiasm is essential viewing. For those who prefer serialized dramedies with a supernatural twist, Freeridge and Growing Fangs are the highlights. And for anyone looking for the latest in Hollywood satire, The Studio represents her most sophisticated work to date.

Summary of Key Projects

To help navigate her growing filmography, here is a quick reference for her most impactful works as of April 2026:

Television Series

  1. The Studio (2025–Present) - Role: Petra (Lead/Regular)
  2. Running Point (2025) - Role: Ana Moreno (Recurring)
  3. Acapulco (2025) - Role: Dulce (Guest/Recurring)
  4. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2021–2024) - Role: Maria Sofia Estrada (Breakout Recurring)
  5. Abbott Elementary (2022–2023) - Role: Ashley Garcia (Memorable Guest)
  6. Freeridge (2023) - Role: Gloria Salazar (Lead)
  7. Boo, Bitch (2022) - Role: New Lifer Girl (Recurring)
  8. Launchpad (2021) - Role: Val Garcia (Lead in "Growing Fangs")

Feature Films

  1. One of Them Days (2025) - Role: Kathy
  2. You’re Cordially Invited (2025) - Role: Heather
  3. Suncoast (2024) - Role: Nurse Mia
  4. The Estate (2022) - Role: Ellen

Conclusion

Keyla Monterroso Mejia continues to be a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. Her ability to transition between independent shorts, major network sitcoms, and large-scale studio films is a testament to her range and work ethic. As she continues to take on new challenges in 2026 and beyond, her filmography will likely remain a key point of interest for those who appreciate sharp, modern, and genuinely funny performances. Watching her journey from the "worst actress" on Curb to a leading light in The Studio has been one of the most rewarding trajectories in recent television history.