16 Best Spanish TV Shows on Amazon Prime (2020)

1. Diablo Guardián

Based on Mexican writer Xavier Velasco’s award-winning novel, this Prime Original series tells the story of Violetta, a young woman who flees Mexico to start anew in New York City. But instead of living a dream, Violetta is awoken to a harsh reality when she runs out of money, sending her into the arms of the villainous Nefastófeles.

Thanks to my amazing online Spanish teacher in Mexico for the recommendation.

Accents: Mexican, European Spanish

2. El Presidente

Chilean drama based on “FIFA Gate,” the 2015 FIFA corruption case.

Sergio Jadue, played by great Colombian actor Andrés Parra, is the unknown director of a small-town soccer club in Chile. He unexpectedly finds himself at the head of the Chilean soccer association.

Drunk with power, he becomes the protégée of soccer godfather Julio Grondona, as well as the FBI’s key to undoing the largest corruption scheme in the world of soccer.

The series was filmed around Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile; Luque, Paraguay; Buenos Aires; and New York, among other locations.

Accent: Chilean (the three main characters are played by Mexican and Colombian actors who had to learn the Chilean accent)

3. Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero (How To Survive Being Single)

On the night he plans to propose, Sebastian’s world is turned upside down when he finds out that his girlfriend of 10 years cheated on him. Newly single, Sebastian is thrust into the world of dating and into the arms of his misfit crew of friends who all seem to be just as unlucky in love as he is.

Note that as is unfortunately typical in Mexican media, the show’s light-skinned actors don’t represent the majority of the Mexican population.

Accent: Mexican

4. El Candidato

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Fast-paced, gritty political thriller set in Mexico City. Rookie CIA field operative Isabel Alfaro works with CIA legend Wayne Addison to bring down Rafael Bautista, Mexico’s most vicious and brilliant narco.

Accent: Mexican

5. Capadocia: Un Lugar Sin Perdón (Cappadocia: A Place Without Forgiveness)

Note: Available free on Amazon with an HBO channel subscription trial.

This addictive, brutally honest Mexican HBO drama follows the stories of several women incarcerated in a Mexico City women’s prison where corruption runs rampant. 

Attorney Teresa Lagos fights for rehabilitation and inmates’ rights, while facing a plan to use the prisoners for manual labor.

Accent: Mexican, Colombian

6. Un Extraño Enemigo (An Unknown Enemy)

This Mexican series was released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tlatelolco massacre, the killing of students and civilians by military and police on October 2, 1968 in Mexico City.

It tells the story of one of the darkest moments in Mexico’s history from the perspective of Fernando Barrientos, the head of Mexico’s secret police, who is trying to reach the presidency. He’s prepared to manipulate, betray, and kill in his quest to brutally repress the students and achieve total power.

Accent: Mexican

7. Pequeñas Coincidencias

Charming Prime Exclusive family comedy from Spain about Marta and Javier, who both see no reason to find a mate and settle down until their biological clocks start ticking.

Fun fact: Stars Marta Hazas and Javier Veiga are married in real life.

Accent: European Spanish

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Diego Luna hosts dinner-table discussions of controversial issues with experts and celebrities. Each episode features a gourmet meal prepared by a famous Mexican chef.

I recommend not starting with the first episode, since the discussion takes place on Zoom. The episodes on femicide and abortion are especially interesting.

Accent: Mexican

9. Caronte

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Prime series from Spain about an ex-cop framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Caronte decides to become a lawyer to prevent other innocent people from meeting his fate.

Accent: European Spanish

10. Las Aventuras del Capitán Alatriste

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Swashbuckling Spanish show that brings Arturo Pérez-Reverte’s internationally acclaimed book series to life.

Not to be confused with the 2006 film starring Viggo Mortensen. One season of the show is planned for each book in the series.

Accent: European Spanish

11. Six Dreams

This football (soccer) docuseries offers an insider look into top Spanish league La Liga.

It follows the stories of six individuals: a club president, two rising stars, a sports director, a Mexican veteran, and a coach. Shot in verité style that reveals the racist attitudes still common in this sport.

Accents: European Spanish, Mexican, Argentinian

12. Lo Que Escondían sus Ojos

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This four-part melodrama from Spain portrays the clandestine romance between Ramón Serrano Suñer, Franco’s brother-in-law and foreign minister, and aristocratic beauty Sonsoles de Icaza, wife of the Marquess of Llanzol. Based on the novel of the same name by Nieves Herrero.

Subtitles: Spanish only

Accent: European Spanish (except for actor Rubén Cortada, who struggles to shed his native Cuban accent)

13. Corazón Contento

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Accent: Mexican

14. El Corazón de Sergio Ramos

This Amazon Original docuseries offers fly-on-the-wall access to controversial Real Madrid and Spanish national team captain Sergio Ramos.

Both teams’ emotional rollercoaster of a season is viewed through the lens of the press, fans, and Sergio himself. Off the field, the show goes behind the scenes of Ramos’s life with his glamorous wife, TV presenter Pilar Rubio, and their three young sons.

Accent: European Spanish

15. La usurpadora

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Modern reboot of the hugely popular 1998 Mexican telenovela La usurpadora.

In the series, Paola Miranda, the First Lady of Mexico, discovers she has a twin sister and tries to swap lives with her. The story has been shortened to just 25 episodes.

Subtitles: Spanish only

Accent: Mexican, Colombian

16. Hermanos

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This drama from Spain follows the lives of brothers Juan and Alberto, who are both in love with Virginia, their best friend and neighbor.

Subtitles: Spanish only

Accent: European Spanish

Infieles

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This Sex and the City-like dramedy follows the lives, friendships, and loves of five young women in Barcelona. The show’s theme is infidelity, but most importantly, it’s about being true to one’s own self.

Not included in my list above since it’s dubbed into Spanish from Catalan, but if dubbing doesn’t bother you, it’s worth checking out.