Why Spanish TV Series Deserve Your Attention
If you haven't yet explored Spanish television beyond La Casa de Papel, you're missing one of the most exciting bodies of work in contemporary drama. Spain's TV industry has matured into a producer of sophisticated, boldly told stories spanning crime thrillers, historical epics, supernatural dramas, and sharp social satire. Here's a curated guide to the series worth your time in 2025.
Crime & Thriller
El Cuerpo en Llamas (The Body in Flames)
Based on the true story of one of Spain's most notorious crimes, this Netflix production is a masterclass in tension-building. It explores the psychology of a real criminal case with unsettling depth, and has been widely praised for its restrained direction and outstanding performances.
Entrevías
Set in one of Madrid's toughest neighbourhoods, Entrevías follows a gruff grandfather trying to protect his granddaughter from the criminal underworld. It delivers both authentic Madrid street atmosphere and genuinely compelling character work. Available on Telecinco and Mitele.
Drama & Historical
Carlos, Rey Emperador
For viewers who enjoy historical epic storytelling, this TVE production covering the reign of Charles I of Spain (Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) offers grand sweep and rich period detail. A reminder that Spanish public television can produce genuinely ambitious drama.
Élite
Now in later seasons on Netflix, Élite remains essential viewing for understanding how Spanish TV has successfully exported a distinctly Spanish perspective on youth culture, class anxiety, and sexuality to global audiences. Glossy, propulsive, and surprisingly thoughtful.
Comedy & Satire
Vergüenza
A critically acclaimed cringe comedy from Movistar+ that follows a couple navigating middle-class embarrassments in contemporary Spain. Vergüenza is sharp, uncomfortable, and deeply relatable — demonstrating that Spanish television can do comedic nuance as well as any international rival.
How to Watch: A Quick Platform Guide
| Platform | Spanish Content Highlights |
|---|---|
| Netflix España | La Casa de Papel, Élite, Alba, Sky Rojo |
| Movistar+ | Vergüenza, La Unidad, Hierro |
| Atresplayer Premium | Veneno, Vis a Vis, El Desorden |
| RTVE Play | Free archive of TVE productions |
Tips for Getting the Most from Spanish TV
- Watch in Spanish with subtitles where possible — dubbed versions often lose crucial tonal nuance.
- Follow regional accents: Shows set in different parts of Spain offer a fascinating linguistic tour of the country's dialectal variety.
- Don't skip the older classics: Series like Cuéntame Cómo Pasó (a decades-spanning family drama set from the Franco era) offer profound insights into modern Spanish history.
Spanish television in 2025 is a rich, varied, and often brilliant creative ecosystem. Wherever your taste lies, there is almost certainly a Spanish series waiting to become your next obsession.