Top 10 Spanish TV Shows You Must Watch Right Now
Few things pull you in like a Spanish TV show — the drama feels sharper, the suspense more addictive, and the humor hits differently. If you’ve ever binged Money Heist or Élite, you already know Spanish television has mastered the art of storytelling.
From historical dramas to high-stakes thrillers and quirky comedies, Spanish shows are winning global audiences and dominating Netflix charts.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best Spanish TV shows you need to watch right now. Whether you want crime, romance, or heart-stopping twists, these series prove why Spain is one of the world’s most exciting television hubs.
List of Top 10 Spanish TV Shows
10: Merlí
Directed by: Héctor Lozano
Cast: Francesc Orella, Carlos Cuevas, David Solans, Elisabet Casanovas
Genre: Teen Drama, Education, Philosophy
Original Language: Catalan (regional Spanish TV)
No. of Seasons: 3
Network: TV3, later Netflix
Release Date: September 14, 2015 – January 15, 2018
Description:
Merlí, an unconventional philosophy teacher, inspires his high school students with unorthodox methods while guiding them through life’s challenges. The show blends teen drama with lessons on great philosophers.
Critical Acclaim:
The series gained wide popularity across Spain and Latin America, praised for its intelligent writing and strong performances. It inspired a spin-off, Merlí: Sapere Aude, continuing its cultural impact.
9: Los Serrano
Directed by: Daniel Écija, Alex Pina
Cast: Antonio Resines, Belén Rueda, Fran Perea, Verónica Sánchez
Genre: Family Comedy-Drama
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 8
Network: Telecinco
Release Date: April 22, 2003 – July 17, 2008
Description:
A widowed man marries his childhood sweetheart, blending their two families under one roof. The show mixes comedy, drama, and music, focusing on the challenges of modern blended families in Spain.
Critical Acclaim:
Los Serrano was one of Spain’s most-watched family dramas during its run. Its humor, relatable themes, and iconic theme song made it a household staple.
8: Morocco: Love in Times of War (Tiempos de Guerra)
Directed by: David Pinillos, Manuel Gómez Pereira
Cast: Amaia Salamanca, Alicia Borrachero, Álex García, Anna Moliner
Genre: Historical Drama, Romance
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 1
Network: Antena 3, later Netflix
Release Date: September 20, 2017 – December 20, 2017
Description:
Set during the Rif War in the 1920s, the show follows Spanish nurses sent to Morocco to aid wounded soldiers. Amid war, the women face personal sacrifices, forbidden love, and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Critical Acclaim:
The series was praised for its historical accuracy, set design, and emotional storytelling. It was particularly successful on Netflix, attracting international audiences who enjoy period dramas.
7: Velvet (Galerías Velvet)
Directed by: Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira
Cast: Paula Echevarría, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Manuela Velasco
Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 4
Network: Antena 3
Release Date: February 17, 2014 – December 21, 2016
Description:
Set in a prestigious 1950s fashion house, Velvet tells the love story between humble seamstress Ana and Alberto, the heir to the gallery. It explores passion, ambition, and societal expectations against the glamorous backdrop of Spain’s fashion industry.
Critical Acclaim:
The series earned strong reviews for its visuals, costumes, and romantic plotlines. It gained international fans and spun off into Velvet Colección, proving its enduring popularity.
Read Also: Top 10 Spanish Movie Directors
6: Paquita Salas
Directed by: Javier Calvo, Javier Ambrossi
Cast: Brays Efe, Belén Cuesta, Lidia San José, Yolanda Ramos
Genre: Comedy, Satire
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 3
Network: Flooxer (season 1), later Netflix
Release Date: July 6, 2016 – Present
Description:
Paquita Salas, once a top talent agent in Spain, struggles to stay relevant in a changing entertainment industry. The comedy follows her misadventures with humor and heart as she clings to her outdated ways while navigating modern show business.
Critical Acclaim:
The show became a cult favorite for its satirical take on Spanish media. Brays Efe’s performance as Paquita was celebrated, and critics praised its blend of comedy and social commentary.
5: Locked Up (Vis a Vis)
Directed by: Álex Pina, Iván Escobar
Cast: Maggie Civantos, Najwa Nimri, Alba Flores, María Isabel Díaz Lago
Genre: Crime Drama, Prison Thriller
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 4
Network: Antena 3, later Fox Spain
Release Date: April 20, 2015 – February 4, 2019
Description:
Macarena, a naive young woman, finds herself imprisoned for corporate fraud. Inside the prison walls, she must adapt to a dangerous environment of rivalries, alliances, and betrayals, while her family fights to prove her innocence.
Critical Acclaim:
This Spanish TV show earned international attention and comparisons to Orange is the New Black, though with a darker, grittier tone. Alba Flores (also of Money Heist) won praise for her role, and the series gained strong cult status abroad.
Read Also: Top 10 Spanish Male Singers
4: Élite
Directed by: Carlos Montero, Darío Madrona
Cast: Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, Álvaro Rico, Ester Expósito, Arón Piper, Danna Paola
Genre: Teen Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 7 (and ongoing)
Network: Netflix
Release Date: October 5, 2018 – Present
Description:
When three working-class students receive scholarships to attend an exclusive private school in Spain, class tensions erupt between them and their wealthy peers. The series blends teen drama with murder mystery, addressing themes like love, sexuality, and identity.
Critical Acclaim:
Élite quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular Spanish-language series. Critics praised its bold themes, diverse representation, and addictive cliffhangers, making it a hit with young audiences worldwide.
3: Gran Hotel
Directed by: Carlos Sedes, Silvia Quer
Cast: Yon González, Amaia Salamanca, Adriana Ozores, Concha Velasco, Pedro Alonso
Genre: Mystery, Period Drama, Romance
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 3
Network: Antena 3
Release Date: October 4, 2011 – June 25, 2013
Description:
Often called “the Spanish Downton Abbey,” Gran Hotel is set in a luxurious hotel in early 20th-century Spain. The story follows Julio, who arrives as a waiter to investigate his sister’s mysterious disappearance, uncovering secrets of the wealthy family who own the hotel.
Critical Acclaim:
The series was widely acclaimed in Spain and internationally, praised for its production design, gripping mysteries, and emotional drama. It was broadcast in more than 60 countries and remains a fan favorite among period drama enthusiasts.
2: Cable Girls (Las Chicas del Cable)
Directed by: Ramón Campos, Teresa Fernández-Valdés
Cast: Blanca Suárez, Maggie Civantos, Nadia de Santiago, Ana Fernández, Ana Polvorosa
Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 5
Network: Netflix
Release Date: April 28, 2017 – July 3, 2020
Description:
Set in 1920s Madrid, Cable Girls follows four women working at a telecommunications company as they fight for love, friendship, and independence in a male-dominated society. It highlights the struggles of feminism and personal freedom against the backdrop of Spain’s social transformation.
Critical Acclaim:
The series gained international popularity for its costumes, emotional depth, and progressive themes. Critics praised it for strong female leads and storytelling that resonated with global audiences interested in historical dramas with a modern voice.
1: Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Directed by: Álex Pina
Cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Alba Flores, Jaime Lorente, Miguel Herrán, Esther Acebo
Genre: Heist, Crime Drama, Thriller
Original Language: Spanish
No. of Seasons: 5
Network: Antena 3 (originally), later Netflix
Release Date: May 2, 2017 – December 3, 2021
Description:
Money Heist follows a mysterious mastermind known as “The Professor” who recruits a group of criminals to carry out the biggest heist in Spanish history — robbing the Royal Mint of Spain. Wearing red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks, the crew battles hostages, police, and internal conflicts as the plan spirals into chaos.
Critical Acclaim:
The series became a global phenomenon after Netflix acquired it, winning an International Emmy for Best Drama. Critics praised its fast-paced storytelling, emotional depth, and symbolic imagery. It remains one of the most-watched non-English series and one of the best series in Netflix history, sparking worldwide fan culture.
Read Also: Top 10 Spanish Female Singers
FAQs
What are the most popular Spanish TV shows?
The most popular Spanish TV shows include Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), Élite, Locked Up (Vis a Vis), Velvet, and Gran Hotel. These series gained massive viewership both in Spain and worldwide through Netflix and other platforms.
Which Spanish TV show has won the most awards?
Money Heist has won the most awards, including an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2018, making it Spain’s most decorated global hit.
What are the most recent popular Spanish TV shows?
Recent popular Spanish shows include Élite (still ongoing), Paquita Salas, The Innocent (El Inocente), and Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (a co-production adaptation). These continue Spain’s strong presence in streaming charts.
How has Spanish television influenced global pop culture?
Recent popular Spanish shows include Élite (still ongoing), Paquita Salas, The Innocent (El Inocente), and Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (a co-production adaptation). These continue Spain’s strong presence in streaming charts.Spanish television reshaped global pop culture by proving non-English series can dominate worldwide. Shows like Money Heist popularized Spanish slang (“Bella Ciao”, “resistencia”), inspired Halloween costumes, and boosted interest in learning Spanish.
Which Spanish TV shows have the highest ratings?
Money Heist and Élite top Netflix’s most-watched non-English series lists, while classics like Los Serrano and Velvet dominated prime-time ratings on Spanish networks during their original runs.
Where can I watch Spanish TV shows online?
Most Spanish TV shows are available on Netflix, HBO Max Spain, Atresplayer Premium, and Amazon Prime Video. International hits like Élite and Cable Girls stream globally on Netflix.
What Spanish TV shows are best for learning Spanish?
Shows like Cable Girls, Élite, and Paquita Salas are excellent for learning conversational Spanish, while Merlí is great for philosophy-related vocabulary (in Catalan, with subtitles).
Which Spanish TV dramas are critically acclaimed?
Gran Hotel, Velvet, Locked Up, and Morocco: Love in Times of War are critically acclaimed for storytelling, visuals, and performances, often compared to international period dramas.
Are Spanish TV shows popular in the U.S.?
Yes. Money Heist and Élite became breakout hits in the U.S. on Netflix, sparking massive fan bases, merchandise sales, and even remakes. Their success opened the door for more non-English shows in American markets.
Which Spanish actors became famous through TV shows?
Actors like Álvaro Morte (Money Heist), Úrsula Corberó (Élite, Money Heist), Yon González (Gran Hotel), and Paula Echevarría (Velvet) became international stars through Spanish television.
