The travel daydreams have officially reached fever pitch - To soothe my travel-starved soul, I’ve developed a full-blown obsession with Spanish TV shows. And while I can’t speak the language fluently, reading subtitles while soaking in the lyrical beauty of Spanish dialogue has become its own kind of escape.

Even better? The storylines go deeper, darker, and grittier than many of their Western counterparts. Spanish TV creates a cinematic feast of intensity, emotion, and gorgeous visuals. From rebellious schoolkids and twisted mysteries to fierce women owning their power, these shows are chef’s kiss addictive.

So whether you’re here to brush up on your Spanish or simply craving your next big binge, these 5 must-watch Spanish TV shows are guaranteed to transport you and the best bit - no passport required.

1. Valeria – Netflix

Genre: Comedy / Romance / Drama

Seasons: Four

Valeria is Spain’s answer to Sex And The City, but with way more sex. The language oozes passion (watch in Spanish with subtitles!), and the lead characters are both likeable and relatable. 

Valeria centres around a writer in her 30s going through a creative and romantic crisis, supported by her fabulous and funny best friends. It’s witty, steamy, relatable, and full of heart, highlighting the trials and tribulations commonly experienced by 30-somethings with busy careers, lukewarm marriages, and undiscovered passions. It’s based on the novels by Elisaber Benavent. 

2. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) – Netflix

Genre: Heist / Thriller

Seasons: Five

My hubby Ant loved this show, and I’m a willing co-binger. If you want a show with crime, drama, and great character development, La Casa de Papel is for you. The series follows a criminal mastermind, The Professor and his crew of thieves, including several fiercely complex women, as they attempt the greatest heist in Spanish history. It’s gripping, emotional, and addictive.

3. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls) – Netflix

Genre: Historical Drama / Feminism

Seasons: Five

Set in 1920s Madrid, Las Chicas del Cable follows four women at the National Telephone Company who manage friendships, romance and life as modern working women. 

If you have a penchant for 1920s fashion (who doesn’t?!) and want a good drama, I reckon this might be for you. 

4. Elite – Netflix

Genre: Teen Drama / Thriller

Seasons: Eight

Another one on my list, Elite, is a Spanish thriller/teen drama with a Cruel Intentions vibe. It centres around a fictional elite high school and revolves around three scholarship students who struggle to fit in with their ‘elite’ schoolmates. 

It sounds pedestrian, but it’s absolutely not - think thriller with dark themes. Each season takes place with two timelines which keeps you guessing and binging! 

5. Toy Boy (Netflix)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance 

Seasons: Two

Toy Boy is the show for you if you like your drama with a side of scandal. It follows a male stripper wrongfully accused of murder who tries to clear his name while exposing deep secrets in a wealthy coastal town. Equal parts eye candy and courtroom drama.

Ready to get lost in stories that spark emotion, fuel curiosity, and maybe inspire you to book that long-overdue trip to Spain? Pop the popcorn, pour the wine, and get binging—Spanish-style. 💃

Nae xx