With so much content on offer on streaming services, and traditional TV channels, it can be really hard to find the Spanish-language gems among the rubbish.
For every show you start and get addicted to, there are likely far more where you give up before you reach the final episode of a season.
I’ve picked out 5 Spanish-language shows that are available on Netflix right now that will appeal to Spanish learners, and of course Spanish native speakers, and provide plenty of entertainment during the winter months.
Keep reading to find out which shows I recommend you check out!
1Smiley
‘Smiley‘ is a show that was released on Netflix just before Christmas and it’s oneI got completely addicted to. Àlex (Carlos Cuevas) accidentally leaves a ranting voicemail on a phone he believes belongs to someone he’s hooked with but it turns out is actually unlucky in love architect Bruno (Miki Esparbé). The two very different men agree to meet up and sparks fly, but not in the way either of them expected. Should they be together? Are they too different? As they try to decide, the two men are drawn to each other and have to make some tough choices.
2Élite
Easily the most famous of Netflix’s Spanish-language shows ‘Élite’ is a more adult take on what life is really like for a group of teenagers who attend an exclusive school in Madrid. The show is on its sixth season, with season seven on the way, and while the cast may change over the years, the addictive plots that cover sex, murder, deceit and plenty more remain ever engaging. If you’ve not seen the show yet, it’s the perfect time to binge all six seasons ahead of the new season arriving.
3Holy Family
‘Holy Family’ premiered last year and there’s already a second season on the way. From the creative mind of Manolo Caro, the series centres around Gloria (Najwa Nimri) and her family who are hiding some deep dark secrets as they try to pass themselves off as a normal family in Spain. I can’t go into much more detail because the element of surprise is the series’ best aspect but suffice to say there’s a twisty mystery to unfold and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into season 2.
4High Heat
This Mexican series is actually a pretty trashy telenovela style show but it’s incredibly addictive. Set in a fire house where Poncho (Iván Amozurrutia) is trying to find out the truth behind his brother’s murder, ‘High Heat’ leans into its silliness to deliver a very lengthy but entertaining series that is pure escapism. The show knows its audience too, getting it mostly male cast out of their clothes at every opportunity and if you don’t want to buy one of the firefighter calendars by the end of the series, you might want to check if you actually have a pulse.
5Toy Boy
Hugo (Jesús Mosquera) is a male stripper who was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Now with his freedom back, Hugo returns to the stripping world to uncover the truth about who framed him and why. ‘Toy Boy’ so far has two seasons (season one is much stronger) and it’s a heady mix of crime, sex and drama that never fails to keep you hooked. Lead actor Mosquera used to be a professional football player but he acquits himself well here in this delightfully trashy romp.
