A comedy inspired by a Monmouth County family begins streaming on HBO this weekend.

Jaqueline Pereda says that she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “Generation Por Que” is inspired by her own Cuban American family from New Jersey.

“Of course this is very specific to the Cuban American experience. But it’s so universal, like chasing our dreams, becoming adults, becoming of age. That’s something we all have to go through and we all have parents who have expectations for us,” Pereda says.

Pereda plays the character Jackie, a struggling actress caught between striking out on her own and the wishes of her more traditional parents who are Cuban immigrants. Pereda’s hometown of Marlboro gets a shout out in the series in one of the scenes.

“Generation Por Que” will stream this weekend on HBO Latino and HBO Max.

“I have no chill, none. I am so excited to share this story. I mean I’ve been doing this for such a long time,” she says.

Pereda began writing the project four years ago. It was screened at film festivals before getting picked up by HBO.

She says that being the star of the show and the writer comes with some pressure.

“I have such a strong vision for this. And I’m so passionate about it. I can’t imagine not doing it. Also, I’m the cheapest pay. If I’m the star, I’m the cheapest,” Pereda says.

Pereda says that after the pilot airs, she hopes that a series comes next.