To improve your Spanish language abilities, you should be listening to and speaking Spanish everyday. Get those hours in easily by watching TV in Spanish. With loads of popular Spanish TV shows on Netflix, it’s easier than ever. This article will break down the best Spanish TV shows on Netflix. If you’re a movie-buff, we have you covered too.
- Popular Spanish TV shows on Netflix
- Fun, less serious TV shows in Spanish on Netflix
- True crime Spanish series on Netflix
- How to watch a Spanish series on Netflix
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Popular Spanish TV shows on Netflix
Let’s start with some of the most popular TV shows in Spanish on Netflix. This way you can keep up with the latest water cooler talk at work. These series are all available on Netflix in the US.
Elite
This is a wildly popular teen drama from Spain. Three working-class students are enrolled in an elite private school. Drama ensues and leads to murder.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Another popular TV show in Spanish from Spain (only one of Spain’s official languages) is about a group of criminals trying to pull-off the ultimate bank heist. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is truly binge-worthy as each episode leaves you guessing.
The House of Flowers (La Casa de las Flores)
This drama from Mexico has a touch of comedy and a modern nod to Mexican telenovelas (soap operas). A wealthy family appears as perfect and beautiful as their flower shop, but their secrets are exposed by the patriarch’s mistress. The mother of the family tries to save face and the family.
Narcos Mexico
This gritty and bloody drama follows the saga of Mexican drug lords in the 1980s. While it is a dramatization, it’s based on real people and events. Real-life video clips and news stories are used to tell this captivating story. This has quickly become one of the most popular TV Shows in Spanish on Netflix.
Fun, less serious TV shows in Spanish on Netflix
Most of these shows are available on Netflix in the US and are light-hearted and less serious productions. So if you just want to sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening, this list is for you!
Nailed it! Mexico
For fans of the US baking show, there is a version from Mexico. Watch some colossal baking fails by amatuer bakers on this Netflix Spanish series.
Paquita Salas
This comedy mockumentary is set in the 1990s Spain and follows Paquita Salas, a self-proclaimed hit talent agent. Paquita is played by gay icon Brays Efe, giving the show a cult LGBT+ following.
Yo Soy Betty La Fea (Colombia)
Have you seen or heard of America Ferrera’s show Ugly Betty? The original is actually from Colombia. Despite it’s low-budget looks, it’s a comedy series mega-hit that has been remade in multiple countries. Run a VPN in Mexico to access this Spanish TV show on Netflix.
31 Minutos (Chile)
This show is like the Muppets in Spanish from Chile. The simple puppets may seem like they’re for children, but this comedy show is for kids and adults who are kids-at-heart. Run a VPN in Mexico to access it on Netflix. Learn new Chilean expressions along the way on Netflix Mexico.
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True crime Spanish series on Netflix
These true crime docu-series are perfect for those who want a Spanish TV show based on reality. They are all available on Netflix in the US.
The Alcásser Murders
Investigators use new evidence and interviews to revisit the murders of three young girls in 1992 in Spain. The case churns up broader social issues and discussions.
Murder by the Coast
After the murder of a young girl in Spain, suspicions turn to her mother’s lesbian lover. As more victims are discovered, the search opens an international manhunt.
How to watch a Spanish series on Netflix
The first step is deciding what kind of Spanish TV shows on Netflix that you want to watch. There are lots of great movies out there too. Watch actively, not passively.
Beginners, turn on the subtitles and audio in Spanish! It’s okay if you don’t catch everything. Focus on the gist while you listen. Try to catch the main theme or plot of the episode.
Intermediate
Intermediate learners, turn on the audio in Spanish language, but no subtitles at all! It will force you to focus on what you’re hearing and process the language. Listen for variations in accent and colloquialisms.
Watching TV in Spanish counts as studying
Watching Spanish TV shows on Netflix is a great way to improve your Spanish. Remember to use an active listening process to make the most of your time. Listen, read subtitles, and have fun with it.
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Alison Maciejewski Cortez is Chilean-American, born and raised in California. She studied abroad in Spain, has lived in multiple countries, and now calls Mexico home. She believes that learning how to order a beer in a new language reveals a lot about local culture. Alison speaks English, Spanish, and Thai fluently and studies Czech and Turkish. Her tech copywriting business takes her around the world and she is excited to share language tips as part of the Lingoda team. Follow her culinary and cultural experiences on Twitter.
