The 14 Best Spanish Shows On Netflix Right Now

Netflix has made tuning into international television shows incredibly easy. Years ago, the only way to watch an international show was to dive into the sketchy parts of the Internet for some pirated low-quality content. Considering television viewing habits were so limited to North American TV networks, fans couldn’t really get their hands on some quality international shows until recently.

Netflix has allowed users to explore their very own “international” section, which has a wide variety of shows from just about all over. For those really looking for some good shows to binge, it’s hard to go wrong with some of Netflix’s captivating Spanish shows. From addictive reality television, all the way to the drug trade and cartel, here are some of the best Spanish shows on Netflix right now.

Update on April 10th,2021 by Gabriela Silva: Netflix has become a powerhouse streaming service for allowing fans the ability to binge-watch shows from around the world. While American-driven shows still hold up on anyone’s must-watch list, Netflix has an array of Spanish shows to delve into. Whether the shows have finished their run or are still on the air, these Spanish shows are worth the subtitles and a few sleepless nights.

14 Bitter Daisies (2018)

Bitter Daisies is originally a show from Spain that became available on Netflix in 2019, a year after its debut on cable television. The series became the first Galacian/Spanish language show to be distributed by the streaming platform. The show centers around a rookie police officer named Rosa Varga (María Mera).

Her first major case takes place in the small town of Murias faced with the bizarre disappearance of a young girl. While evidence points to a more simple explanation, Rosa delves deeper. She starts to suspect the seemingly normal and quiet town to have a much darker secret.

13 Unauthorized Living (2018-2020)

Unauthorized Living is a Spanish show originally titled under the name Vivir Sin Permiso. The show first debuted in 2018 but didn’t become available on Netflix until 2020. Fans of drug-themed dramas are in for a treat.

Nemo Bandeira (José Coronado) puts up a front as a legitimate businessman but in reality, is a rich drug lord. Things take a turn when he’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping his illness a secret, Nemo contemplates who will be his successor. The first season deals with the turmoil and struggles Nemo faces with his newfound reality. The second season gets more complex as his second-in-command tries to steal the business empire from the new heir.

12 Mar De Plástico (2015-2016)

This Netflix crime drama is full of riveting investigation and uncovering the truth behind a heinous murder. The daughter of the town’s mayor goes out one night on a date. During a power outage, she is brutally killed.

Héctor Aguirre (Rodolfo Sancho) is a sergeant and chief of the Judicial Plice who takes on the case. The investigation proves to be more difficult than he initially believed. There are countless possible suspects, all with motives and no alibis. The show’s second and final season entails a brand new murder that puts the town in jeopardy.

11 Velvet (2014-2016)

The 2014 period drama, Velvet, lasted for four-season seasons and is a must-watch for anyone looking for drama and a serious love story. The show gives audiences a star-crossed love story between two social classes. A humble seamstress catches the eye of a rich young man.

The two characters fall in love but their social dynamics may cause trouble. Alberto Márquez (Miguel Ángel Silvestre) is set to inherit one of the biggest fashion empires from his father. Alberto’s and Anna’s (Paula Echevarría) relationship is put to the test and they just might break the rules for love.

10 Cathedral Of The Sea (2018)

Cathedral of the Sea or La Catedral del Mar is an easy one-night binge-watch. The 2018 historical drama is only a total of eight episodes in one season. Based on a 2006 historical novel of the same name, the show isn’t for the faint of heart.

The story starts with a humble farmer set to wed his bride. On the special day, the Lord of Bella makes an unannounced appearance and uses his power to beat and rape the bride. The story then time jumps to focus on the son born after the marriage.

9 Club of Crows (2015-2019)

Club of Crows, originally titled Club de Cuervos, is a Netflix comedy-drama series that touches on the lives of the main characters, Salvador “Chava” Iglesias Jr and Isabel Iglesias-Reina, who are brother and sister. The show deals with the death of Salvador Iglesias Sr., the patriarch of a very distinguished family. As well as the power struggle between his two children over who will receive complete ownership and control over the family’s beloved football squad.

The show is filmed and produced in Pachuca, Mexico, and stars both Luis Gerardo Mendez as “Chava” along with Mariana Treviño as his sister Isabel. Netflix users can enjoy all four current seasons on Netflix and get a good laugh over all the drama that unfolds between these siblings embedded in a deep rivalry.

8  The House of Flowers (2018-2020)

The House of Flowers, also known as La Casa de Las Flores, is a Netflix comedy-drama that revolves around an affluent family in Mexico, whose claim to fame and riches are all thanks to their renowned flower shop. There is a major turn of events when the patriarch of the family is caught being unfaithful and then sent away to prison before all of the family’s assets and accounts are completely frozen.

The show then becomes centered around a mother and her two daughters. The show entails their hilarious attempts at making it through this tumultuous time with no money or power. Starring big names such as Verónica Castro, Cecilia Suárez, and Aislinn Derbez, there is absolutely no going wrong with this show.

7 Élite (2018)

This original Netflix series has captured the attention of just about anyone and everyone. Élite is a teen drama series surrounding the lives of three working-class students who are transferred to an exclusive preppy boarding school in Madrid, Spain. Despite them standing out like a sore thumb, it is the clash between them and the rich students that leads to murder.

With a predominantly young-adult cast, the show is geared more towards teenagers and young adults, however, it is entertaining enough to satisfy just about anyone. The show is certainly binge-worthy and considering there are three seasons available, fans will be bound to want more.

6 Cable Girls (2017-2020)

Popularly known in Spanish as Las Chicas del Cable, Cable Girls is a Spanish period drama set in the 1920s. The show tells the tale of Spain receiving its first even national telephone company, located in Madrid. The show illustrates the lives of four women who get jobs at the telephone company. For these women, it is much more than just a job for them.

The show stars actors Blanca Suárez, Nadia de Santiago, Ana Fernández, and Maggie Civantos, as the “cable girls.” The story is more than just them working at a telephone company, but the progress this represents for women at the time. This series has received countless positive reviews, declaring it as a show full of twists and turns that keep the audiences both invested and captivated.

5 Queen of the South (2016-2021)

Despite Queen of the South being an American show that first aired on USA Network, it’s still worth a mention. The show is an adaptation of the Spanish telenovela La Reina del Sur, which translates to the show’s American title. This show is an extension of the countless drug trade and cartel shows to be found on Netflix, however, this one definitely stands out.

The show depicts the stories of two powerful women, Camila Vargas (Veronica Falcón), a Mexican-born leader who runs a billion-dollar cartel in Texas, and Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga). Teresa is originally captured by the cartel but later on, becomes the wealthiest cartel owner in all of South America. The level of drama in this series is unparalleled to any other show on Netflix. Not only does it focus on female leads, but the storylines are absolutely genius.

4 Ingobernable (2017)

Keeping on the theme of female leads, the next Spanish show that is a must-watch on Netflix is none other than Igobernable. Despite the show starting off somewhat slow, it is still full of intrigue that allows audiences to finally experience the show’s true greatness come mid-season. The show is focused on Emilia Urquiza (Kate del Castillo), who becomes the first lady of Mexico. She is popularly known throughout the country as a strong woman full of conviction and ideas, however, her life is not all perfect.

The first lady becomes wary of her husband and loses faith in many of his choices, actions, and decisions. It ultimately leads her on a mission to uncover the truths behind some of his very questionable motives. Audiences are taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotions when watching this show full of surprising moments that make it well-worth the binge.

3 El Chapo (2017-2018)

El Chapo, easily one of the most captivating drama series chronicles on Netflix. The show follows the rise, capture, and escape of the notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Marco de la O, who plays El Chapo, does a magnificent job at depicting the drug cartel lord and keeps audiences on the edge of their seat wanting more and more.

Starting as a low-member of the Guadalajara Cartel, El Chapo rises to power as the head of the Sinaloa Cartel. However, after trying to complete a failed task for Escobar, El Chapo finds himself having to pay the price. The action-filled drama may not be to everyone’s liking, but audiences are bound to find at least one aspect of this show to fall in love with.

2 Narcos (2015-2017)

Netflix’s Narcos is hands-down the go-to show for all action-filled drug cartel drama. Netflix depicts the rise of the cocaine trade in Colombia and the real-life stories of drug lords in the 1980s. This Netflix original series not only touches on the behind-the-scenes aspects of leading a drug cartel, but the lengths law enforcement goes through in order to fight against this massive industry.

The show chronicles life stories from major public figures such as Pablo Escobar and the targets put on him by government officials. Narcos also depicts the money-hungry people that will stop at nothing to make a name for themselves. This captivating show details what really went on in Colombia in the late 80s and how people were willing to risk their lives for money and power in a dangerous world.

1 Money Heist (2017)

One of the best Spanish shows on Netflix is Money Heist, or Casa de Papel, as it is originally known in Spanish. The show follows the life of “El Professor” who is probably one of the biggest masterminds in television history. “El Professor” scouts some of the most wanted people in all of Spain to help him commit one of the biggest heists in history.

After coming up with a genius plan to infiltrate the Royal Mint of Spain, the group manages to steal nearly two billion euros while walking away scot-free. How did they do it? Well, that is something audiences will have to tune into in order to find out.