Top 10 Spanish TV Shows of All Time

If you are looking for some hit Spanish TV shows to watch, this post recommends the top 10 Spanish TV series, covering the genre, main cast, plot, and why they stand out. From thrilling crime dramas to emotional family series, Spanish entertainment offers something for everyone.

1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – 5 Seasons

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Main Cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Pedro Alonso, Itziar Ituño

Plot: “Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel) is undoubtedly one of the most internationally successful Spanish TV shows. This gripping crime thriller follows a group of robbers, each named after a city, who plan to execute the perfect heist on the Royal Mint of Spain. Led by the mysterious figure known as “The Professor,” the heist unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The show delves into themes of loyalty, love, and betrayal, offering a perfect balance of high-octane action and emotional depth.

Why Watch It: This Spanish TV show’s unique storytelling, well-rounded characters, and unexpected plot twists make it a must-watch. The dynamics between the robbers, especially the relationship between Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó) and Rio, add an emotional layer to the otherwise intense plot.

2. Elite – 8 Seasons

Genre: Teen Drama, Thriller, Mystery

Main Cast: Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, Danna Paola, María Pedraza

Plot: “Elite” is a Spanish teen drama set in a prestigious private school, Las Encinas. The story revolves around a group of students from different backgrounds, each with their own secrets. As tensions rise, a murder occurs, and the show follows the investigation as secrets unravel. The show explores complex issues like social class and mental health, all wrapped in a suspenseful narrative.

Why Watch It: The show is an addictive mix of teen drama and thriller, with a diverse cast and relevant themes. It’s perfect for fans of “Gossip Girl” and “Pretty Little Liars” as it combines rich, compelling storylines with a dose of intrigue.

3. El Embarcadero – 2 Seasons

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance

Main Cast: Verónica Sánchez, Álvaro Morte, Irene Arcos

Plot: “El Embarcadero” is a slow-burning Spanish drama that focuses on a woman named Alex, who is confronted with the shocking revelation that her husband, who had a secret life, has passed away. As she tries to uncover the truth about his double life, Alex’s journey becomes tangled in a web of mystery, betrayal, and hidden desires.

Why Watch It: With a powerful lead performance from Verónica Sánchez and the ever-charismatic Álvaro Morte, “El Embarcadero” is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. It’s a must-watch for fans of sophisticated drama and intricate storytelling.

4. Narcos: Mexico – 3 Seasons

Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography

Main Cast: Diego Luna, Michael Peña, Scoot McNairy, Teresa Ruiz

Plot: A spin-off of the popular “Narcos” series, “Narcos: Mexico” dives into the world of the Mexican drug cartels. Set in the 1980s, it follows the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel, led by Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna), and the efforts of DEA agent Kiki Camarena (Michael Peña) to take it down. The series highlights the complex relationships between law enforcement, politics, etc.

Why Watch It: With its gritty portrayal of the drug war and strong performances by Diego Luna and Michael Peña, “Narcos: Mexico” is an enthralling Spanish TV show. It offers a deep dive into Mexican history and culture while keeping the tension high throughout.

5. Locked Up (Vis a Vis) – 4 Seasons

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Black Comedy

Main Cast: Maggie Civantos, Najwa Nimri, Roberto Enríque

Plot: “Locked Up” is often compared to “Orange Is the New Black” for its intense portrayal of life in prison. The series follows Macarena Ferreiro (Maggie Civantos), a naive young woman who is imprisoned for financial crimes. As she adapts to life in prison, Macarena must face brutal challenges, including the corrupt prison system, ruthless inmates, and the trauma of her past actions.

Why Watch It: “Locked Up” is a dark and gritty series that explores the harsh realities of prison life. With an intense performance by Najwa Nimri and a plot full of twists and suspense, it’s a must-watch for fans of high-stakes drama.

6. The Time in Between (El Tiempo Entre Costuras)

Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction

Main Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Peter Vives, Hannah New

Plot: “The Time in Between” is a Spanish TV show set during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The series follows Sira Quiroga (Adriana Ugarte), a young seamstress who becomes a spy for the British government while navigating the tumultuous political landscape. Based on María Dueñas’ bestselling novel, the show weaves historical events with romance and espionage.

Why Watch It: This Spanish TV series stands out for its historical elements, emotional depth, and compelling performances. It’s ideal for fans of period dramas with rich historical context and intricate characters.

7. Tell Me How It Happened (Cuentame Cómo Pasó) – 23 Seasons

Genre: Family, Drama, Historical Fiction

Main Cast: Imanol Arias, Ana Duato, Ricardo Gómez, María Galiana

Plot: This long-running Spanish TV show has been on air since 2001. It chronicles the life of the Alcántara family during the late 20th century, particularly the societal and political changes in Spain. “Tell Me How It Happened” gives viewers a nostalgic look into the country’s transition to democracy.

Why Watch It: For viewers interested in Spain’s modern history, this Spanish TV show is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of family dynamics against the backdrop of a changing society. It’s a mix of heartfelt storytelling and historical insight.

8. Grand Hotel (Gran Hotel) – 3 Seasons

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance

Main Cast: Amaia Salamanca, Yon González, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Adriana Ozores

Plot: Set in a luxurious hotel in early 20th-century Spain, “Gran Hotel” follows the lives of the hotel staff and guests, with a particular focus on the mysterious disappearance of the protagonist’s sister. As he investigates, he uncovers dark secrets about the hotel and its wealthy patrons.

Why Watch It: With its beautiful period setting, engaging plot twists, and strong ensemble cast, “Gran Hotel” offers an entertaining mix of mystery, romance, and drama.

9. Cable Girls (Las Chicas del Cable)

Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction

Main Cast: Blanca Suárez, Nadia de Santiago, Ana Fernández, Maggie Civantos

Plot: Set in the 1920s, “Cable Girls” follows a group of young women working as telephone operators in Madrid. As they navigate the challenges of the male-dominated workforce, they form deep bonds of friendship while struggling to balance personal and professional lives.

Why Watch It: This Spanish TV show explores themes of female empowerment, friendship, and ambition while offering a historical glimpse into Spain’s changing social landscape.

10. The Guest (La Huésped)

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery

Main Cast: Laura Londoño, Jason Day, Carmen Villalobos

Plot: It follows a couple whose marriage is strained by an affair, and the turmoil that ensues when a mysterious woman from the wife’s past arrives. The series explores themes of suspense, lies, desire, and revenge, and is described as a psychological thriller about secrets and hidden tensions within a seemingly perfect household.

Why Watch It: Beyond the mystery, the series is noted for its character-driven narrative. It emphasizes the explosive clash between personal desires and a thirst for revenge. 

Unlock Various Spanish TV Shows with a VPN

To watch various Spanish TV shows and movies, you can use a VPN to unblock some free Spanish movie websites.

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Conclusion

Spanish TV shows offer a diverse range of genres and captivating stories, making them a fantastic choice for viewers looking to explore international television. By watching these top Spanish TV series, you’ll not only enjoy gripping narratives and exceptional performances, but also gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture, history, and society.