The production of television spaces in Spain has always been outstanding. And in a market widely dominated and influenced internationally by the US industry, the best Spanish series have made space among audiences, not only in the Iberian Peninsula.
Thanks to a common language, Also in Latin America and even within the Spanish-speaking community in the United States, they have reported good audience levels. Also in countries outside the Romance languages like Germany or Belgium, to name a few.
The best Spanish series: quantity, quality and diversity
The genres exploited in these productions go from comedy to drama. There is also a place for science fiction, mystery, conspiracies and even "period" stories. To sum it up in a simple phrase, which may sound cliché: "there is something for everyone."
No one lives here (Antena 3. 2003-2006)
Es one of the most successful productions within the Spanish television industry. It left excellent audience ratings, not only in its domestic market, but also in not only Spanish-speaking countries, such as Serbia and Bulgaria.
It gave rise to international productions with the same theme, most of them very successful, like Neighbors in Mexico or I have not lived here in Portugal.
A huge choral cast, where several stories took place on Desengaño 21 street. All in a comedic tone, too light for some when dealing with controversial issues.
After five seasons it came to an end. Not because of bad audience ratings, but because the company that produced it for Antena 3 was acquired by Telecinco.
The one that is coming (Telecinco. 2007-)
Es the "unofficial" sequel to There is no one living here. Practically the same cast and the same production team, to resume a comedy between neighbors, but through a new channel.
After 10 years uninterrupted on the air, there is not much more to add regarding its impact with the public. By tuning levels and quality, among the best ever Spanish series.
The ministry of time. (The 1. 2015-)
Before DC's Legend of Tomorrow, The Ministry of Time I already made trips to the past, to prevent bad guys from doing bad things.
Since its premiere it has only received positive comments, in addition to dropping high audience numbers. Historical figures ranging from Luis Buñuel, Pablo Picasso and Alfred Hitchcock to Simón Bolívar or Cristóbal Colón have been portrayed.
Netflix has just joined the project, so it will now have a global reach, in addition to much more budget.
Red Eagle. (The 1. 2009-2016)
For nine seasons, Gonzalo de Montalvo, an (apparently) ordinary school teacher, transformed into a fearless masked hero, known as Red Eagle.
Set in XNUMXth century Madrid, at times the story may have some similarities with the classic Disney series The Fox. Although these do not go beyond sword duels, horse chases.
The success of this production led to a film and an online strategy game.
Family doctor. (Telecinco. 1995-1999)
When the fashion for television series began to gain strength in television made in Spain, Family doctor marked a milestone. 9 seasons in five years, for a total of 119 episodes, in which the public followed the adventures of Nacho Martín, a widowed doctor, with three children and several suitors.
In Italy they ran a franchise of this production, being much more successful than the original version. After 20 uninterrupted years, it is still on the air today.
Tell me how it happened. (The 1. 2001-)
Not only is it one of the best Spanish series, it is also one of the longest-running. After 17 years and 18 seasonsdas, continues to be one of the most watched spaces on Spanish television. An interesting review of the history of Spain since practically the middle of the XNUMXth century.
The conflicts of a society, observed and narrated from the perspective of the Alcántara, a traditional Madrid family. The last years of the Franco regime, the transition to democracy and the establishment of the new political regime have generally served as “leitmotives”.
During the course of the argument, events that marked the history of Spain and the world have also been reflected. The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. or the death of Pablo Picasso, are some of them.
Aida. (Telecinco. 2005-2014)
One of the fictions with the highest audience numbers. 10 years and 10 seasons that marked the contemporary culture of Spain.
Born as a spin off of 7 Vidas, another successful and extensive comedy series produced by Telecinco. It tells the story of Aída García, a single mother of two young children, former alcoholic and with more past than future. The plot begins when she returns to Esperanza Sur, the neighborhood in which she grew up, after her father left her his old house as an inheritance.
7 lives. (Telecinco. 1999-2006)
In a list with the best Spanish series you cannot miss 7 lives, the first "sitcom" produced in the country. The adventures of David, a man who spends 18 years in a coma after slipping while taking a shower, served as a pretext for a story that only garnered praise.
After 8 years and 15 seasons, the series went off the air not because of low numbers. The main reason is that most of the cast decided to stop.
Central Hospital. (Telecinco. 2000-2012)
Another product of a long history, broadcast by Telecinco. A drama set in a large hospital, with many doctors and patients involved, in addition to the necessary love affairs.
Unlike 7 lives, this series yes that ended his marathon walk due to very low audience ratings that harvested its last chapters. After 20 seasons, the attrition in the public became noticeable.
Vis to Vis. (Antena 3, FOX Spain. 2015-)
Compared on more than one occasion with Orange is the new black from Netflix, Vis to Vis has become one of the best critically rated productions in the last five years.
A drama, with some suspense in between, of coexistence within a women's penitentiary. Macarena Ferreiro Molina (Maggie Civantos) must drastically change her way of being, in order to survive the seven years of confinement that await her.
Image sources: Mitele.es / Fórmula TV