Spanish web series have taken the world by storm in the past decade. Thanks to global streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and others, series from Spain (and Spanish-language hits across the globe) are finding massive international audiences. From thrilling heist dramas to heartfelt comedies, Spanish web television series offer la crema de la crema of entertainment, blending unique cultural flavors with universally compelling stories. Viewers everywhere are binge-watching these shows with subtitles or dubs, proving that language is no barrier to great content. In this post, we’ll introduce must-see Spanish web series of the decade – starting with the sensational Elite – and explore how they rose to worldwide fame.
Elite
Elite is a Spanish web television series that became a global guilty pleasure. This Netflix teen drama, set in a posh private school, follows the clash between three working-class scholarship students and their wealthy classmates – a mix of high school angst, mystery, and murder. While it delivers plenty of soap-worthy twists, Elite also dives into progressive issues like class conflict, sexuality, and substance abuse with surprising candor. Debuting in 2018, the series ran for eight addictive seasons, earning praise for its glossy production, diverse cast, and twisty plotlines. Critics and fans alike described Elite as “guilty pleasure” TV done right. If you love Gossip Girl-meets-Big Little Lies vibes, this elite Spanish web series is the perfect binge-watch to see what the hype is about.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Logo of La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), the Spanish series that became a global phenomenon.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) isn’t just a show – it’s a worldwide phenomenon. This Spanish crime thriller about a group of thieves executing an elaborate heist on the Royal Mint of Spain has captivated millions. Originally airing on Spanish TV, it exploded internationally once Netflix picked it up. By 2018, Money Heist had become the most-watched non-English-language series on Netflix– one of the platform’s biggest hits regardless of language. Viewers around the globe got hooked on its masterful suspense, iconic Salvador Dalí masks, and unforgettable characters like “The Professor.” Netflix reported that Part 3 of Money Heist drew 34 million households in its first week, ranking among the most-watched productions ever. The show even inspired a South Korean remake, proving its universal appeal. With high-stakes action and emotional depth, Money Heist put Spanish web series on the map and is absolutely unmissable.
The Ministry of Time (El Ministerio del Tiempo)
The Ministry of Time is a genre-bending gem that shows off Spain’s sci-fi creativity. This fantasy adventure series (debuted 2015 on RTVE) follows a secret government agency in Spain that guards doorways to the past to prevent time-travelers from altering history. Imagine a mix of Doctor Who and historical drama: one episode they might stop a rogue traveler from saving Cervantes, and the next they’re ensuring the Spanish Armada meets its fate. The show’s clever premise and rich historical references earned it a devoted fanbase. Netflix acquired international rights for Season 3, bringing The Ministry of Time to global audiences and boosting its production budget. With four seasons of imaginative storytelling, this series proved that Spanish web series can tackle sci-fi with as much flair as drama. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves time-travel tales and a bit of educational fun on the side.
Paquita Salas
Not all heroes wear capes – some wear ’90s power suits and run talent agencies out of strip-mall offices! Paquita Salas is a hilarious and heartwarming Spanish comedy web series that follows a once-famous talent agent navigating the modern entertainment world. The show started humbly on a Spanish web platform in 2016, but its quirky charm struck a chord. After Paquita Salas became an unexpected hit, it jumped from the web (Flooxer) to national TV and was soon picked up by Netflix. The series, created by the dynamic duo Los Javis (Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi), lovingly spoofs showbiz while delivering genuine emotional moments through Paquita’s misadventures. Across three seasons, we watch Paquita desperately try to reinvent herself, armed with humor, nostalgia, and an indomitable spirit. This comedy’s success – Netflix even renewed it for more seasons shows how Spanish web series can go from niche to mainstream. Paquita Salas will leave you laughing and rooting for its fabulously flawed heroine.
Cable Girls (Las Chicas del Cable)
If you’re in the mood for style, romance, and a dose of feminist history, Cable Girls is calling. Set in late 1920s Madrid, this period drama follows four young women who land jobs as telephone operators at Spain’s first national phone company. As the friends connect telephone lines, they also connect with each other, navigating love, ambition, and the strict gender norms of their era. Cable Girls made history itself as Netflix’s first original Spanish series, premiering worldwide in April 2017. The show’s lush costumes and melodramatic twists earned it a devoted following, and it was even named Spain’s Best Online Show at the 2017 Ondas Awards. Over five seasons, Cable Girls tackled issues like women’s rights and workplace inequality, all wrapped in gorgeous cinematography and soapy drama. This series’ international success paved the way for many Spanish shows to follow on Netflix. Don’t miss it – Cable Girls is a binge-worthy trip back in time with a modern message.
Veneno
Veneno is not just a TV show, it’s an experience – bold, emotional, and groundbreaking. This 2020 limited series dramatizes the life of Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, better known as “La Veneno,” a transgender singer and TV personality who became an LGBT icon in Spain. Created by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (yes, Los Javis again – they’re on a roll), Veneno earned widespread critical acclaim for its honest and empathetic portrayal of a trans woman’s journey. The series originally aired on Atresplayer Premium in Spain and later premiered internationally on HBO Max in November 2020, bringing La Veneno’s incredible story to audiences worldwide. Veneno won accolades including the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Spanish-Language TV Series, a testament to its impact and authenticity. With its 1990s nostalgia, powerhouse performances (three different actresses portray La Veneno at various ages), and unflinching look at the struggles and triumphs of its heroine, Veneno is a Spanish web series that will inspire and move you like no other.
30 Coins (30 Monedas)
Horror fans, rejoice – Spain has something for you too! 30 Coins (30 Monedas) is a spine-chilling mystery-horror series from cult-favorite director Álex de la Iglesia. Released in late 2020 on HBO Europe (and later on HBO Max), 30 Coins follows Father Vergara, an exorcist priest exiled to a remote Spanish village, who discovers supernatural terrors linked to the 30 silver coins of Judas. The show is a wild ride, blending biblical lore, gruesome creatures, and small-town secrets in a way that’s utterly gripping. Critics and audiences loved it – 30 Coins was hailed as a horror phenomenon, with its blend of rural folklore and satanic horror praised as fresh and addictive. The series’ first season had viewers around the world watching from behind their fingers, and a second season followed in 2023 to continue the scares. With high production values and Hollywood-level effects, 30 Coins proves that Spanish web series can deliver world-class horror. Just maybe don’t watch it right before bed!
Valeria
For a lighter, feel-good binge, meet Valeria – a witty comedy-drama that’s been described as a Spanish Sex and the City. Based on Elísabet Benavent’s hit novels, Valeria follows a struggling writer in Madrid and her three best friends as they navigate love, careers, and the challenges of thirty-something life. The show, which launched on Netflix in 2020, immediately drew comparisons to Carrie Bradshaw & Co., and indeed Valeria is like a millennial Sex and the City with a modern Madrid twist. From boozy girls’ nights and dating drama to heartfelt moments of self-discovery, the series brims with warmth and humor. Across its four seasons (the final one released in 2025), viewers around the globe fell in love with Valeria, Lola, Carmen, and Nerea – a friend group as relatable as they come. Valeria’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of female friendship and empowerment, all wrapped in the charm of Spanish city life. This Spanish web series will make you laugh, cry, and call your best friends immediately after the credits roll.
The Neighbor (El Vecino)
Superheroes get a comedic twist in The Neighbor, a Spanish web series that proves not every caped crusader is Marvel material – and that’s exactly what makes it fun. The Neighbor is a Netflix comedy about Javier, an ordinary guy in Madrid who’s suddenly (and accidentally) bestowed with superpowers by a dying alien. With the help of his nerdy neighbor, he learns to use his powers – or at least tries to – while hiding them from his inquisitive ex-girlfriend Imagine Kick-Ass meets a Spanish sitcom: the heroics are often clumsy, the villains are sometimes absurd, and the humor is delightfully goofy. The show’s two seasons (2019–2021) were directed in part by Nacho Vigalondo, known for his offbeat genre films, which adds to the geek cred. The Neighbor charmed audiences with its self-aware parody of comic-book tropes and the lovable losers at its center. It’s a refreshing palate cleanser among Spanish series – showing that Spain can do superhero spoofs as well as intense dramas. If you need a break from dark and heavy, The Neighbor will save the day with laughs.
Bitter Daisies (O sabor das margaridas)
Rounding out our list is a hidden gem that underscores the rich regional diversity of Spanish series. Bitter Daisies (O sabor das margaridas) is a gripping crime thriller from Galicia – in fact, it’s primarily in the Galician language, a first for a Netflix-distributed series. Bitter Daisies premiered on Galician TV in 2018 and hit Netflix internationally in 2019, introducing global viewers to its moody, noir atmosphere. The story follows a rookie Civil Guard officer investigating the disappearance of a teenage girl in a small town, only to uncover a web of dark secrets (and a personal connection to the case). Thanks to solid writing and plenty of twists, this regional Spanish series punched above its weight: a month after its Netflix release, it ranked 7th among the top ten most-watched non-English shows on Netflix UK. Not bad for a Galician noir! Bitter Daisies won Best TV Series at the Mestre Mateo Awards in Spain, and its success highlights how Spanish web series from all corners of the country can find international acclaim. Dark, haunting, and addictive, this one’s perfect for thriller enthusiasts looking for something different.
Why Spanish Web Series Are Dominating Global Streaming Platforms
From Elite to Money Heist to the rest of our list, it’s clear that Spanish web series are no longer a secret – they’re mainstream favorites on streaming platforms. But what’s driving this domination of global charts by shows from Spain (and Spanish-language shows in general)?
For one, the storytelling is top-notch. Spanish creators have delivered series with compelling plots and bold originality – whether it’s a meticulously planned heist, a time-traveling task force, or a witty take on twenty-something life. These shows blend universal themes (love, family, crime, friendship) with distinct Spanish flair, giving international audiences something fresh. They’re not afraid to tackle taboo or “hot-button” issues either, be it class divides in Elite or LGBTQ+ representation in Veneno, which makes the content resonate widely.
Another huge factor is the streaming revolution. Platforms like Netflix have invested heavily in Spanish content, even setting up a production hub in Madrid and marketing these series worldwide. As a result, a show produced in Spain can instantly be available to a viewer in India or Indiana – and if it’s good, word of mouth spreads fast. Money Heist is the poster child of this phenomenon, exploding from a local TV run into a binge-worthy global hit once it hit Netflix. In fact, Netflix noted that several Spanish series were among its most-watched globally in recent years, with Money Heist Parts 3 and 4 breaking records in dozens of countries.
Furthermore, improved dubbing and subtitles have lowered the barrier for non-Spanish speakers to enjoy these shows. Netflix reports that a majority of U.S. viewers chose the dubbed versions of Money Heist, for example, thanks to high-quality voice work. This means Spanish web series can compete head-to-head with English content for viewers’ attention – and they’re winning those eyeballs.
Lastly, the genre diversity and production quality of Spanish web television series are stronger than ever. Whether you crave teen drama, heist action, supernatural horror, or comedy, there’s a Spanish series delivering it with cinematic production values and stellar acting. These shows have proven their mettle by winning international awards (like Money Heist’s International Emmy and Veneno’s GLAAD win) and appearing on “Most Popular” lists year after year.
In summary, Spanish web series are dominating global streaming because they’re simply great television – innovative creators, unforgettable characters, and stories that hook you regardless of the language. They showcase Spain’s creativity to the world, and the world is responding with a resounding “¡Sí, queremos más!” (Yes, we want more!). So if you haven’t already, dive into these must-see series. You’ll not only be entertained, but you’ll also understand why Spanish content has planted its flag at the top of the streaming charts. ¡Feliz maratón! (Happy binging!)