Caress and Univision goes from Online to the TV Screen.

Unilever and Univision are bringing the network’s first-ever novela to air online to the TV screen. The six-episode novela, “Mi Adorada Malena” (My Beloved Malena), which originally debuted online at Univision.com in July, was created to help launch Caress(R) Exotic Oil Infusions body washes and celebrate strong and enchanting Latinas. It was so successful with online viewers that “Mi Adorada Malena” will premiere on the Univision Television Network in a one-hour special on December 22nd at 1:00pm EST.

“As part of Unilever’s commitment to reaching the Hispanic consumer, we are thrilled to be a part of a revolutionary novela that has resonated so well with online viewers and will now be brought to national television,” said Rob Master, Unilever Media Director North America. “Caress encouraged women to unleash their mysterious sides through passion and romance with this novela and the nationally televised broadcast is the perfect way to extend the excitement even further.”

“Mi Adorada Malena” incorporates the drama, intrigue and romance typical of the genre, while also introducing Caress Exotic Oil Infusions body wash as a key element to the plot. The drama focuses on “Malena Ferreira”, a strong, beautiful and exotic woman who is also a famous Caress Exotic Oil Infusions spokesmodel. Rising star Cynthia Olavarría, former Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Universe 2005(R) first runner-up, made her novela debut as the female lead. Julián Gil and Bernie Paz complete the suspenseful love triangle. Gil is “Cristobal Carvajal” and “Mateo,” Malena’s secret admirer who takes on a dangerous job that impacts the outcome of the story. Paz plays “Leonardo Del Castillo,” Malena’s fiancée and a prominent psychiatrist who has a secret to hide.

For the first-time ever in Univision’s novela history, viewers were able to vote on one of two alternate endings and choose what they thought was the best fate for the lead character. Other exciting elements included free sample giveaways of the popular Caress Exotic Oil Infusions body washes and a weekly sweepstakes with a grand-prize three-day trip to NYC to see a performance by Latin music sensation Anais.

“’Mi Adorada Malena’ is proof of our continued commitment to leveraging all our assets for our advertising partners,” said David Lawenda, President of Advertising Sales, Univision Communications Inc. “We are excited to continue to work with Unilever in finding new ways to connect with our audiences.”