From ‘La Máquina’ to ‘Reina Roja,’ here are 12 Spanish-language TV series worth watching

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Familiar faces

‘Betty, la fea: The Story Continues’ (‘Betty, la fea: la historia continúa’)

Very few TV shows have achieved the worldwide influence that “Yo Soy Betty La Fea” did when it initially aired. This Colombian telenovela has been adapted in over 20 languages, leading to a spinoff and an animated series for kids. The original cast, including Ana María Orozco and Jorge Enrique Abello, who played the central lovebirds from the 1999 show, are all part of this eagerly awaited sequel. In it, Betty, who was once an unattractive duckling but later became a successful fashion executive, is seen parting ways with the rogue she had previously adored. By reversing the happily ever after of the original series and introducing a complex relationship between Betty and her daughter-in-the-making fashion designer, this revisit to Ecomoda retains the broad humor of the original series while progressively moving Betty into the feminist era of the 21st century. (Now streaming on Prime Video)

‘Land of Women’ (‘Tierra de mujeres’)

In their debut series on Apple TV+, the makers behind “Gran Hotel,” “Velvet,” and “Cable Girls” present another visually striking production filled with a captivating romance. The story follows Eva Longoria as Gala, a woman escaping her unfaithful husband by moving to a Spanish town her mother abandoned years ago. However, she discovers a family history she was unaware of and must confront. Simultaneously, she strives to modernize the local winery run by an irresistible man, with whom Gala finds herself inexplicably drawn. Joining the cast are Pedro Almodóvar regular Carmen Maura and the handsome Santiago Cabrera. “Land of Women” provides a picturesque setting of Spain’s vineyards for a family-friendly romantic comedy now streaming on Apple TV+.

‘Zorro’

There are few characters as iconic as Zorro. Created in 1919, the famed 19th century California vigilante is best known for his sword fighting and signature black mask; he’s arguably a pioneering caped crusader. Over the last century, he has endured because the character captures a clashing of worlds at a time when Los Angeles was in its infancy; it’s a story ripe for reinvention. For this latest iteration that was released in January, the masked defender of the defenseless is portrayed by “Élite’s” own Miguel Bernardeau, whose Diego de la Vega is recruited to become the next in line to don the iconic outfit. Only for Diego that responsibility comes with a dose of righteous revenge as he hopes to bring to justice those who killed his parents. In the process of this period adventure drama, of course, he’ll grow into the hero he was always destined to become. (Streaming on Prime Video)

‘La Máquina’

Whenever Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal share the screen is a reason to cheer! Since their memorable roles in the 2001 Oscar-nominated film “Y tu mamá también,” both actors have thrived in various projects. In their latest collaboration, García Bernal portrays an aging boxer who’s encouraged to fight for glory once more by his longtime manager (Luna). However, as the boxer prepares for a comeback that may be beyond his years, both characters find themselves entangled in a complex plot exposing the deep-rooted corruption within the sports world they’ve been part of for so long. “La Máquina” offers a poignant depiction of their strained yet endearing friendship while serving as a sharp critique of modern Mexico. (Available on Hulu)

Inspired by true events

‘Women in Blue’ (‘Las Azules’ )

Among the many captivating stories to tell, none quite matches the allure of following four women as they join Mexico’s pioneering all-female police unit, famously known as “las azules.” This gripping narrative unfolds not just in the context of their daily duties but also against the ominous backdrop of a serial killer case. The series skillfully blends elements of a traditional police procedural with incisive feminist discourse.

‘Coppola, the Agent’ (‘Coppola, el representante’ )

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Behind every great man lies, sometimes, an equally eccentric man worthy of his own miniseries. That’s the case in this sporting drama centered not on Diego Maradona, but on the man in charge of keeping the famed Argentinean soccer player’s affairs in order. With his frizzy white hair and a predilection for the flamboyant, Guillermo Coppola (Juan Minujín) is presented here like a partying ladies man who knows exactly how to leverage Maradona’s stardom for his own benefit: by leaning into the grandiose and the outlandish, living loudly and extravagantly for all to notice. That came with its own challenges, as this historical drama shows, especially as Coppola struggled to keep his lavish lifestyle, and that of the global sporting superstar, in check as their fame and fortune made them ever more reckless. (Streaming on Hulu)

‘The Hijacking of Flight 601’ (‘Secuestro al vuelo 601’)

On May 30, 1973, a plane departed from Pereira, Colombia, quietly. However, as it traversed the Andes Mountains on its usual route, two armed individuals invaded the cockpit, initiating one of Latin America’s longest air hijackings ever. This unusual event also included soccer players and protracted discussions with Colombian authorities. This captivating story, filled with suspense and drama, is portrayed in a Netflix miniseries titled “The Longest Flight,” directed by C.S. Prince and Pablo González (“The Great Heist”). The series depicts the tension created by the hijackers who demanded the release of numerous political prisoners by the Colombian government and $200,000 in cash. (Now streaming on Netflix)

‘Midnight Family’ (‘Familia de Medianoche’)

2019 Sundance Film Festival attendees were introduced to an exceptional documentary, produced by Luke Lorentzen. Primarily filmed at night in Mexico City, this movie traced the daily life of the Ochoa family who managed a private ambulance service in the bustling metropolis. The documentary portrays the family’s members as they responded to emergency calls, hoping for opportunities that would result in financial gain (they are frequently seen asking injured patients about their ability to pay). This film has since been transformed into an Apple TV+ series titled after itself. In this series, Renata Vaca, Joaquín Cosio, and Diego Calva take the lead roles. The story focuses on Marigaby Tamayo, portrayed by Vaca, who balances her medical studies during the day with managing the family’s ambulance business at night, all while shedding light on a flawed healthcare system within one of the world’s busiest cities (Now streaming on Apple TV+)).

Contemporary issues

‘Breathless’ (‘Respira’)

This Spanish medical drama offers an insightful exploration of the complexities within a hospital setting, intertwining pressing medical and political matters. The Joaquín Sorolla public hospital finds itself in dire financial straits, leaving its healthcare professionals struggling to cope with ongoing budget cuts. A presidential visit promises to change its course, but a strike ensues when the staff stand firm for their convictions, potentially stranding the visiting politician as she grapples with a personal health crisis of her own. Created by the mind behind “Élite” and featuring Manu Ríos and Blanca Suárez, this series delivers an intense reinterpretation of a familiar genre that’s both relevant and exhilarating. (Streaming on Netflix)

‘Raising Voices’ (‘Ni una más’ )

It’s fitting that a former star from “Skam España” takes the lead in a thought-provoking, school-based miniseries centered around the #MeToo movement, such as this one. In this adaptation of Miguel Sáez Carral’s novel, Nicole Wallace portrays Alma, a troublemaker who ignites a chain reaction when she unveils a massive banner at her private school with the bold statement, “Beware, there is a rapist here!” The accusation, though vague yet pointed, creates a ripple effect within her school — disrupting friendships she had cherished for years. This situation raises intriguing questions about the hardships faced by sexual abuse victims, particularly those who are already marginalized like Alma, when they attempt to share their truth and claim their narrative. (Now streaming on Netflix)

‘Six Is Not a Crowd’ (‘Felices los 6’)

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In traditional romantic comedies, the focus has often been on finding “the one”. However, there are instances when one might prefer to continue exploring options, such as Damián’s character in the series “Max”. He finds himself attracted to Deflina Chaves’ Carolina, but discovers she is part of a polycule – a term that challenges his understanding of commitment. This leads him to confront other individuals involved in Carolina’s romantic and sexual relationships. The series delves into the complexities of polyamory, offering a fresh perspective on modern rom-coms and contemporary relationships. (Streaming on Max)

‘Red Queen’ (‘Reina Roja’)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In the realm of thrilling procedural dramas, I, Antonia Scott (Vicky Luengo), am the sharpest mind around. Unsurprisingly for these types of stories, I might be the key to unraveling a series of chilling crimes that have been sweeping across Spain. This globe-trotting series is underpinned by an ultra-covert secret agent operation – quite unusual, aren’t they? – that teams me up with a gruff police officer (Hovik Keuchkerian), whose role is to ensure my safety as I untangle the mystery of whether someone from my past has resurfaced with the intention of causing me harm or worse. With echoes of classic spy tales, but with a refreshing twist on the legendary detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle (Antonia could very well be a contemporary Sherlock), this adaptation of Juan Gómez-Jurado’s novels promises to keep viewers hooked and on the edge of their seats. (Streaming now on Prime Video)

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2024-10-09 13:35