Let’s discuss some of the most binge-worthy Spanish TV shows I’ve recently enjoyed. Whether you want to learn more about Spain, discover new bucket list destinations, improve your Spanish, or simply fuel your wanderlust for Spain, this post is for you.
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Cool Spanish TV Shows to Binge Watch
Exploring Spain from Home
At times, we all feel the need to escape reality and get completely lost in a TV series. Getting cozy at home, surrounded by some Hygge vibes, and streaming new Spanish TV shows is a pleasure available to almost everyone. But for those of you who are truly passionate about traveling across Spain, it can also be an educational experience. You can use Spanish TV shows to improve your language skills, discover new places, or simply fuel your wanderlust – especially if holidays in Spain are what ignite your passion.
For me, Spanish TV shows, virtual tours of Spain, popular Spanish novels, and coffee table books are some of the best ways to explore Spain and its culture from home. Thanks to streaming platforms, Spanish television has become incredibly diverse, offering content that can rival even Hollywood premieres – especially on services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
While I don’t watch Spanish TV exclusively in my free time, over the past 15 years as an expat in Spain, I’ve discovered plenty of series worth recommending. So, for anyone looking for something made in Spain to enjoy over the weekend, I’ve put together a list of must-watch shows.
About This List of Spanish TV Series
For this list, I’m focusing exclusively on TV shows made in Spain, so I won’t be including any Latin American series. This way, anyone interested in seeing new places in Spain on screen, learning Spanish, or discovering popular Spanish actors and what locals are watching won’t get confused with content from other Spanish-speaking countries.
Also, the Spanish spoken in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin American Spanish differ in accents and speed. So, for example, you might get used to the slower pace of South American Spanish and then find it challenging to understand Spaniards.
Top Spanish TV Shows Not to Miss
Money Heist (on Netflix)
Money Heist (2017), or La Casa de Papel (2017) in Spanish, is one of the most popular Spanish TV shows of all time and needs no introduction. It is also one of the most-watched non-English TV shows on Netflix.
Money Heist (2017) is an epic crime series full of action and drama. The plot centers around an attempt to carry out the most perfect robbery in Spanish history – stealing 2.4 billion euros from the Royal Mint of Spain.
Personally, I was never really obsessed with this Spanish TV show. The first season was entertaining (everyone in Spain was talking about Money Heist when it was released), but honestly, I haven’t seen the second season. On the other hand, my husband really enjoyed all the seasons and watched every single episode of Money Heist.
Pro tip: If you’ve already watched Money Heist, the same team has launched another series, Sky Rojo (2021-2023). This fast-paced Spanish thriller follows three women who go on the run in search of freedom after escaping a dangerous pimp and his henchmen. Set against a backdrop of neon-lit highways, desert landscapes, and chaotic chases, it has been a popular recent release here in Spain.
Burning Body (on Netflix)
El cuerpo en llamas (2023) or Burning Body is a Spanish crime drama inspired by a real-life case. The series has been one of the most talked-about shows in recent years and hugely successful. It follows the investigation into the mysterious death of a police officer whose burned body is discovered in a reservoir near Barcelona. As secrets unravel, the story dives into toxic relationships, betrayal, and manipulation, blurring the lines between love and obsession.
A Different View (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
La Otra Mirada (2018), also known as A Different View in English, is one of my recent favorite Spanish TV shows to unwind with. First of all, it’s set in one of my favorite places in Spain – the city of Seville. The story takes place in the 1920s.
The plot revolves around a traditional Spanish school for girls, and all the main characters are women. La Otra Miradaoffers a distinctly feminine perspective on the male-dominated society of the 1920s, a time when women in Spain couldn’t vote and were expected to live in the shadow of their husbands. The only path to success was often through marriage and motherhood. However, some women were already defying these expectations, asserting their right to self-identity and self-expression.
Though the world has changed significantly since the 1920s, this Spanish TV show will make you reflect on the true essence of being a woman. It’s a slow, richly detailed story, created for women and focused on women.
La Otra Mirada (2018) is the perfect choice for a cozy evening alone with a glass of Spanish wine from La Rioja.
A Private Affair (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
A Private Affair (2022), or Un Asunto Privado (2022), is one of the cutest Spanish TV shows that I enjoyed. The story is set in the Spanish region of Galicia, and one of the protagonists is played by the famous French actor Jean Reno. The landscapes and costumes in this show are stunning – absolutely aesthetically pleasing.
The plot of A Private Affair revolves around Marina Quiroga, a bold upper-class young woman with a detective’s instinct, who sets out to catch a serial killer on her own. Unlike most detective stories, this Spanish show doesn’t have a particularly dark or dramatic tone. It’s easy to watch, fun, and highly entertaining.
Boundless (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
Boundless (2022) or Sin límites is a Spanish historical adventure drama that tells the epic story of the first circumnavigation of the world. The six-episode series dramatizes the 1519–1522 expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan and completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano.
It’s especially compelling for lovers of Spanish history, as it blends action, exploration, and fascinating historical figures – making it an engaging way to learn about this remarkable chapter of Spain’s past without diving into traditional documentaries.
El Principe (on Netflix)
El Príncipe (2014-2016) is one of the very few Spanish TV shows I was able to watch with my husband. Usually, my preference for romantic travel movies and female-focused stories bores him. While the filming and effects look a bit dated, that’s when you realize how quickly filmmaking has evolved – the plot is still interesting.
El Príncipe (2014-2016) is a drama and suspense TV series set in the Spanish town of Ceuta, located on the African continent. It tells the story of a Spanish intelligence agent sent to investigate terrorist organizations along Spain’s border with Morocco. While it’s one of the older shows on this list (filmed between 2014-2016), I really enjoyed the unique blend of Spanish and Moroccan lifestyles, which is typical of Ceuta and Melilla.
Although Ceuta is part of Spain, its remote location in Africa makes it an ideal winter-sun destination. Even though I haven’t visited the city yet, it’s definitely on my list – especially after watching El Príncipe (2014-2016). I’m eager to plan a weekend in Ceuta.
Technically, most of the show was filmed in Madrid. However, the drone views, local scenes, and dress codes all look very authentic. I found the first season really entertaining, though the second season was a bit longer than necessary (as often happens with successful Spanish TV shows).
El Cid (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
El Cid, or Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, is one of the most famous figures in 11th-century Spain. While much of what we know about his life today is based on Spanish legends, his tomb can be found inside the Burgos Cathedral, one of the most iconic cathedrals in Spain and a must-visit destination on any road trip through Northern Spain.
El Cid (2020) is one of the few Spanish TV shows that combines action, history, and legend. It was primarily filmed in the Castile-Leon and Aragon regions of Spain, making it a perfect choice for fans of undiscovered Spain.
If you enjoy this Spanish TV series, be sure to check out the documentaries about El Cid for more insight into his story.
Valeria (on Netflix)
Valeria (2020) is one of the Spanish TV shows that might remind you slightly of the famous Sex and The City (1998-2004). The show follows a young Spanish writer from Valencia, living in Madrid, as she navigates her journey to find herself both professionally and personally. Her close-knit group of girlfriends are always there to share life’s challenges and enjoy fun moments together.
By the way, fans of contemporary Spanish literature should know that Valeria (2020) is based on the popular novel by Elizabeth Benavent. Overall, it’s a fun Spanish TV show to watch, whether with friends or alone.
Honestly, it helped me discover some charming new spots in Madrid, as well as trendy Spanish songs I hadn’t heard before – despite my love for romantic Spanish tunes.
Isabel (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
Isabel (2012) is one of the most useful Spanish TV shows for those looking to gain new insights into Spanish history.
Many people know that Spain as a unified country began with the marriage of the Catholic Monarchs – Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragon – in the 15th century. It was a time of strict Catholic rule, as well as the Age of Discoveries (when Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain to the Americas, sponsored by the Spanish crown).
This Spanish TV series was filmed in Ávila and Madrigal and features some of the most iconic Spanish castles, including the Belmonte Castle in Cuenca and the fairytale-like Alcázar of Segovia.
Elite (on Netflix)
If Valeria (2020) is the Spanish version of Sex and the City (1998–2004), Elite (2018) is closer to Gossip Girl (2007–2012). This Spanish TV show is set at the prestigious, exclusive private school Las Encinas in Madrid. Some of the main characters are studying on scholarships, which highlights the contrast between the working class and the wealthy in Spain.
Elite (2018) is very modern, beautifully filmed, and filled with lavish parties, exclusive outfits, and trendy filming locations. I’ve watched the first two seasons and enjoyed them. As far as I know, they are still filming new seasons of Elite. However, after the second season, I began to feel that each new season was starting to feel a bit repetitive, even though most of the cast is replaced each time.
The Cathedral of The Sea (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
If you love Barcelona, you might enjoy The Cathedral of the Sea (2017). The plot is set in 14th-century Barcelona and revolves around the life of Arnau Estanyol, the son of a fugitive peasant who becomes a wealthy moneylender. The series is based on one of Spain’s bestselling novels. I watched the series first and haven’t read the book, but fair warning – everyone says the book is actually much better.
My first impression was that this TV show was too brutal (but I felt the same way about Game of Thrones, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected). Nevertheless, The Cathedral of the Sea remains one of the most original Spanish TV shows I’ve seen recently. While we all enjoy medieval fairs and towns these days, the reality is that life for peasants in the Middle Ages was often harsh. I’ve also shared my experience visiting the secret museum of mummies in Spain, where I felt slightly uncomfortable discovering that the oldest of the deceased were in their 30s – about the average life expectancy in the Middle Ages. From that perspective, you begin to understand the realism in The Cathedral of the Sea series.
Machos Alfa (on Netflix)
I’ve had so much fun watching Machos Alfa, as the series delves into modern conceptions of masculinity and gender roles. It explores how these roles have evolved in ways that leave many men feeling lost and uncertain about their identities. T
The show offers a nuanced perspective on the pressures and expectations placed on men today, making it both thought-provoking and engaging. Through its characters and storylines, it explores the struggle for self-definition in a rapidly changing social landscape.
I’ve just started watching the new season released in 2026, and I have to admit it doesn’t feel as fresh as the earlier ones – some of the jokes seem to have worn themselves out, and I’m not enjoying it quite as much as the first seasons.
The Snow Girl (on Netflix)
The Snow Girl is another gripping Spanish thriller series, based on a bestselling novel, and set in the beautiful city of Málaga. While I’m not usually drawn to murder mysteries unless they’re a hit or feature actors I love, I have to admit that this one is an excellent choice. I ended up binge-watching both seasons in just a few days!
The show combines an intense plot with compelling performances, and the setting adds an atmospheric touch that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s definitely a must-watch for fans of the genre! Surprisingly, I even liked season 2 more than the first, which is rare, as not many series improve with time.
Red Queen (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial to watch it right now)
Reina Roja (2024) is a Spanish series that has surpassed my initial expectations. It’s a gripping Spanish crime thriller on Amazon Prime that captivates viewers with its intricate plot and complex characters. Based on the bestselling novels by Juan Gómez-Jurado, it follows the intense journey of a brilliant but troubled former police officer, Antonia Scott, and the mysterious detective Jon Gutiérrez as they unravel a high-stakes conspiracy. I can’t wait for the next seasons!
Wrong Side of the Tracks (on Netflix)
Wrong Side of the Tracks (2022) or Entrevías is a gripping Spanish drama-thriller that follows former war veteran Tirso Abantos as he confronts rising crime in his neighborhood after his rebellious granddaughter becomes entangled with local drug dealers. The series has been a hit both in Spain and internationally, reaching Netflix’s top rankings. Largely filmed in Madrid, Spain, the show’s authentic urban setting makes it a must-watch for fans of crime and police dramas.
More Popular Spanish TV Shows to Binge Watch
Still need more ideas? Here are a few more popular Spanish TV shows to consider:
- Pequeñas Coincidencias (2018) – I’m still watching this one, but once I finish, I’ll update the post with my thoughts.
- Velvet (2014) – This show has been a hit in Spain for years. I watched a few episodes but got bored, so it didn’t really hold my attention.
- El Internado (2007) – A standout early role for Ana de Armas, long before she became a Hollywood star.
- The Vineyard (2021) and The Time in Between (2013) are among the most well-known Spanish period dramas, both adapted from bestselling novels by María Dueñas. They’re perfect for fans of telenovelas and historical fiction, offering rich storytelling, romance, and captivating historical settings.
- Hache (2019) – I had high hopes for this one, but after the first season, I had to give up on it. It didn’t live up to expectations for me.
- Popular Spanish comedy series include El Pueblo (2019) and Muertos (2023). While the humor may not land with every international audience – since many jokes rely on local cultural knowledge – my Spanish husband really enjoyed them.
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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