From Medieval Times to Modern-Day: The 10 Best Spanish Dramas to Stream Now

 The world of Spanish drama is rich, diverse, and complex, offering viewers a fascinating glimpse into the country's cultural heritage and social history. From the medieval tales of chivalry and romance to the gritty realism of modern-day life, Spanish drama has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the globe.

The popularity of Spanish drama has only increased in recent years, with streaming services making it easier than ever to access some of the best productions from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are a fan of historical epics or contemporary thrillers, there is something for everyone in the world of Spanish drama.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the best Spanish dramas currently available for streaming. We will explore the themes, characters, and storylines that make each production unique and recommend the best platforms for viewing them.

Our list includes both classic and contemporary dramas, ranging from the epic historical sagas of medieval times to the gritty crime thrillers of modern-day Spain. Each production has been carefully chosen for its compelling storylines, engaging characters, and exceptional performances.

So whether you are a fan of period dramas, action-packed thrillers, or character-driven narratives, there is sure to be something on this list that will captivate and inspire you. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to the fascinating world of Spanish drama.

1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)
2. Elite
3. Sky Rojo
4. The Barrier (La Valla)
5. Veneno
6. The Ministry of Time (El Ministerio del Tiempo)
7. Cable Girls (Las Chicas del Cable)
8. Grand Hotel (Gran Hotel)
9. Velvet
10. La Peste (The Plague)

La Casa de Papel (Money Heist):

La Casa de Papel, also known as Money Heist, is a Spanish crime drama that follows a group of eight robbers as they attempt to pull off the biggest heist in history. The show has gained a massive following since it first premiered in 2017, with its unique blend of high-stakes action and intense character drama. The show has also been praised for its innovative storytelling techniques and its exploration of themes such as class struggle and political corruption.

• The show was initially produced by Antena 3, but was later picked up by Netflix, which helped to expand its global audience.
• The show's title, La Casa de Papel, is a reference to the printing press where the robbers plan to print billions of euros.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, and Pedro Alonso.
• The show has won numerous awards, including an International Emmy for Best Drama Series in 2018.

Elite:

Elite is a Spanish teen drama that centers around the lives of three working-class students who win scholarships to attend an exclusive private school in Spain. The show explores themes such as class conflict, sexuality, and the complexities of teenage relationships. The show has gained a following for its diverse cast of characters and its bold approach to storytelling.

• The show was produced by Netflix and premiered in 2018.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, and Danna Paola.
• The show has been praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters, as well as its exploration of mental health issues.
• The show has been renewed for a fifth season, which is set to premiere in 2022.

Sky Rojo:

Sky Rojo is a Spanish action thriller that follows three women who are forced to go on the run after escaping from a brothel where they were being held captive. The show has gained a following for its intense action sequences and its exploration of themes such as violence against women and human trafficking.

• The show was produced by Netflix and premiered in 2021.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Verónica Sánchez, Lali Espósito, and Yany Prado.
• The show has been praised for its representation of strong female characters and its innovative approach to storytelling.
• The show has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in 2022.

The Barrier (La Valla):

The Barrier is a Spanish post-apocalyptic drama that takes place in a world where a virus has wiped out most of the population. The show follows a family as they attempt to survive in a society that has been divided into two classes: the privileged and the desperate. The show has gained a following for its unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre and its exploration of themes such as social inequality and authoritarianism.

• The show was produced by Atresmedia and premiered in 2020.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Ángela Molina, Unax Ugalde, and Olivia Molina.
• The show has been praised for its strong performances and its thought-provoking storylines.
• The show has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in 2022.

Veneno:

Veneno is a Spanish biographical drama that tells the story of Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, a Spanish transgender woman who became a cultural icon in the 1990s. The show explores Ortiz's life and career, as well as the broader societal issues that impacted the transgender community in Spain at the time. The show has gained a following for its powerful performances and its groundbreaking approach to LGBTQ+ representation.

• The show was produced by Atresmedia and premiered in 2020.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Jedet Sánchez, Daniela Santiago, and Lola Rodríguez.
• The show has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of transgender experiences and its exploration of themes such as identity and acceptance.
• The show has won numerous awards, including several Ondas Awards and a Feroz Award for Best Drama Series.

The Ministry of Time (El Ministerio del Tiempo):

The Ministry of Time is a Spanish science-fiction drama that centers around a secret government agency tasked with guarding Spain's past from time-traveling intruders. The show has gained a following for its inventive approach to storytelling and its exploration of Spanish history and culture.

• The show was produced by RTVE and premiered in 2015.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Rodolfo Sancho, Aura Garrido, and Nacho Fresneda.
• The show has been praised for its attention to historical accuracy and its witty writing.
• The show has been renewed for a fourth season, which is set to premiere in 2022.

Cable Girls (Las Chicas del Cable):

Cable Girls is a Spanish period drama that takes place in the 1920s and follows a group of women who work as switchboard operators at a telecommunications company. The show has gained a following for its portrayal of strong female characters and its exploration of themes such as gender inequality and societal change.

• The show was produced by Netflix and premiered in 2017.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Blanca Suárez, Yon González, and Ana Fernández.
• The show has been praised for its stylish cinematography and its representation of feminist ideals.
• The show ended its run with its fifth season in 2020.

Grand Hotel (Gran Hotel):

Grand Hotel is a Spanish period drama that takes place in the early 1900s and centers around a family-owned hotel in Spain. The show follows the lives of the hotel's staff and guests, as well as the secrets and scandals that unfold behind closed doors. The show has gained a following for its lavish production design and its dramatic storylines.

• The show was produced by Antena 3 and premiered in 2011.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Yon González, Amaia Salamanca, and Adriana Ozores.
• The show has been praised for its intricate plotting and its melodramatic flair.
• The show ended its run with its third season in 2013.

Velvet:

Velvet is a Spanish period drama that takes place in the 1950s and centers around a fashion department store in Madrid. The show follows the lives of the store's employees and their romantic entanglements, as well as the societal changes taking place in Spain at the time. The show has gained a following for its glamorous costumes and its heartwarming storylines.

• The show was produced by Antena 3 and premiered in 2013.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Paula Echevarría, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón.
• The show has been praised for its nostalgic appeal and its exploration of themes such as love and family.
• The show ended its run with its fourth season in 2016.

La Peste (The Plague):

La Peste is a Spanish historical drama that takes place in 16th-century Seville during a plague outbreak. The show follows a detective as he investigates a series of murders that are connected to the outbreak. The show has gained a following for its gripping storyline and its vivid depiction of life in Renaissance Spain.

• The show was produced by Movistar+ and premiered in 2018.
• The show's cast includes actors such as Pablo Molinero, Paco León, and Sergio Castellanos.
• The show has been praised for its stunning cinematography and its exploration of themes such as corruption and the human condition.
• The show has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in 2022.

conclusion

In conclusion, Spanish dramas have gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim in recent years for their engaging storylines, excellent performances, and beautiful production design. From crime dramas to period pieces and historical dramas, Spanish shows have a unique approach to storytelling that captivates audiences all over the world.

The above-mentioned ten Spanish dramas offer something for everyone, and they have all gained a large following due to their unique and compelling storytelling. These dramas explore a wide range of themes, including love, loss, betrayal, societal change, and much more, and they often showcase the beauty of Spain's cultural and historical heritage.

Furthermore, many of these shows have won prestigious awards, both in Spain and internationally, which is a testament to the incredible talent of Spanish actors, writers, and directors. With streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Movistar+ making these shows easily accessible to audiences all over the world, there has never been a better time to discover the best of Spanish television.

In conclusion, if you are looking for engaging, thought-provoking, and entertaining dramas, then the above-mentioned ten Spanish dramas are definitely worth a watch. With their captivating storylines, beautiful production design, and brilliant performances, they are sure to leave a lasting impression and keep you coming back for more.