Puerto rican telenovelas: The 13 Best Telenovelas for Learning Spanish on Your Own

Puerto Rican telenovela actors – FamousFix.com list

7 Binge-Worthy TV Series and Telenovelas for Intermediate Spanish Learners » Learn Spanish con Salsa

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There is a ton of Spanish content on TV––you just have to know where to look.   In the US, you can find plenty of telenovelas, news shows, sports, and kids programming on both the Univision and Telemundo networks.

Expert Tip: Call your cable provider and ask for the Latino package to get more Spanish language channel options.  You’ll find the prices are comparable to your current package, but you’ll just have more Spanish exposure!

If you’re like me, you might be found hibernating like an oso (bear) during the cold winter months.  While you’re sitting in the bed or on the sofa wrapped in your snuggie (do they still make those?), sipping on hot cocoa (mmm, chocolate *in my Homer Simpson voice*), you’ll probably be looking for something good to watch.

I’ve got you covered.

Here are 7 TV series you will find entertaining, addictive, and informative.  Most importantly, they’ll increase your Spanish exposure and help you improve or maintain your level of fluency.

1 ???? Celia

This series is loosely based on the life of beloved Cuban singer Celia Cruz.  The characters and story will have you hooked from the first capítulo (episode), and you’ll also learn some Cuban Spanish words like asere (buddy, amigo).  The accent may take getting used to, and spoiler alert: the real life romance between Celia and Pedro wasn’t nearly as colorful as presented in the series.

Note: Celia originally aired on Telemundo in 2015 and is available on Netflix at the time of this writing.  I’d recommend, however, that you view the series on the Telemundo website because you’ll be able to turn on accurate closed captioning in Spanish.

2 ???? Ingobernable

Kate del Castillo stars in this Netflix original series, a political drama based in Mexico City.  It begins with Castillo, who plays the first lady of Mexico, experiencing a shocking event that she spends the rest of the series trying to reconcile.   You’ll be exposed to the Mexican accent and slang, and after the first episode I challenge you not to binge watch the whole series.

3 ???? Narcos

Narcos is the wildly popular Netflix series about drug traffickers.  Although the lead actor who plays Pablo Escobar in the first season is actually Brazilian and only learned Spanish to play the role, the series is based in Colombia.  The family scenes are laughable if you’re looking for an authentic Colombian accent.  Instead, you’ll hear a variety of accents from throughout Latin America, but you’ll be so into the story you won’t really care. 

The narration is in English but many of the scenes are in Spanish.  This is about drug trafficking so it’s full of cursing and violence, but the stories about Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel are intriguing nonetheless.  And with the recent release of Narcos Mexico, you’ll have plenty of shows to binge watch into the new year.

4 ???? ¿Quién fue?

This original and quirky show gives you a comical look at some of history’s most infamous figures.  The series recounts stories from their lives with hilarious reenactments (picture Ben Franklin with abs of steel).  Good for a laugh when you have some down time.

5 ???? The Cuba Libre Story

This series isn’t about rum and coke with a twist of lime (although that would be equally as awesome).  The Cuba Libra Story tells you all about Cuba’s struggle for freedom beyond Castro’s infamous 1959 revolution.  I’m glad I watched this before my visit to Cuba, since it tells the country’s history from their perspective.  Make sure you watch the Spanish version, although you’ll still hear English, German, and French in some of the interviews. 

6 ???? La Reina del Sur

Another series starring Kate del Castillo and based on the book by the same name, this is a critically acclaimed series.

7 ???? En pocas palabras

This docu-series covers a different topic in each episode, covering everything from fad dieting to cryptocurrency.  Each episode is also pretty short, so it’s a great show to watch if you have a little free time.   It also has the fun side effect of learning about an interesting topic.

Caution: If you’re going to watch this (or any other show for that matter) with Spanish subtitles, be mindful that the words on the screen often won’t match the words being said by the characters.  I think the creators assume that if you’re watching the show in one language, you’d only need subtitles in another language.  This can be mildly annoying, but you’ll still get the general idea of the story.

There you have it! Seven Spanish language shows to binge watch into 2019.  Which one is your favorite?

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Latin American serials – 20 best novelties of recent years

There is no place for faded landscapes, sluggish plots and unprepossessing characters in these serials. It is always hot here from the bright sun and passions are boiling, ready to warm the audience anywhere in the world. So, we present to your attention the Latin American series, released in Russian with professional voice acting, which has preserved the stormy intonations of temperamental actors.

Who killed Sara? (2021)

18 years ago, Alex was imprisoned for the murder of his sister Sarah. After being released, the man tries to clear his name and find the real killer. His suspicions fall on the Lazcano family – the deceased girl knew too many secrets of an influential clan. Over time, it is in this family that Alex will find allies in the fight. The novelty of the movie was continued immediately after the end of the first season. nine0003

Don’t miss: 15 new TV series of 2021

Trailer

original title: ¿Qué pasó con Sara?
Genre : Detective, Drama, Thriller, Crime
Actors : Manolo Cardon, Hins Garcia Milian, Carolina Miranda …
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Age limit : 18+

Good morning Veronica! (2020)

A new Latin American crime series with a detective story dedicated to the problems of domestic violence and its consequences. The main character works in the police department for the investigation of especially serious crimes. After witnessing a suicide, Veronica tries to discover a connection between this victim and previous ones who died under similar circumstances.

Related selection: 25 interesting Brazilian series

This captivating new Latin American drama series takes place in a Mexican high school. An unknown hacker breaks into teenagers’ equipment and publicly reveals their secrets. While everyone is busy sorting things out and trying to keep the remaining secrets from the ubiquitous burglar, high school student Sophie tries to find the culprit using the deductive method.

20 best TV series of Mexico, released in Russian

View: 25 Popular series of 2019

Trailer

Original name : Monarca
Drama
Osvaldo Benavidez…
Country : Mexico
Rating : IMDb – 8. 0

Always a Witch (2019)

5

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Latin American series with Russian voice acting and subtitles about a witch from the 17th century. A girl with a magical gift is about to be burned at the stake, but she makes a time jump – into the 21st century, and finds herself in modern Cartagena. Now the sorceress must not only deal with her own abilities that have thrown her through the centuries, but also find a way to survive in the new world and save her beloved, who is threatened with death in Cartagena in the 17th century. Fantasy movie – adaptation of the novel “Yo Brujah” by Isadora Chacon. nine)

Alejandra is preparing to marry her beloved, but the wedding is canceled – the police arrest the groom on the day of the wedding. To prove his innocence and help other people in trouble, the girl gets a job at the Vega y Asociados law office. Passion flares up between her and fellow lawyer Ricardo. A remake of the Colombian telenovela Law of the Heart.

Related selection: Top 25 TV series about love

Trailer

Highly rated Latin American hit about a provincial woman who dreams of becoming a model. The main character moves to Sao Paulo – a large Brazilian city where you can realize any ambitions. The desired job was found immediately – the young beauty was taken to a modeling agency headed by Fanny. But Arlette does not yet know that in fact the agency is just a front. And she herself, like other girls, will be forced to provide escort services to wealthy clients.

30 new Turkish series, which is worth watching

Trailer

Original name : Verdades Secretas
Drama, Camea

, Agata Moreira…
Country : Brazil
Rating : Movie search – 7. 6, IMDb – 8.3

(92 among 15 cannibals)0005

17-year-old Ariana was brutally raped and almost killed by four men. 20 years later, the victim seeks revenge on his abusers, one of whom is running for president. The woman’s son, born after that night, never saw his mother and grew up under the care of a priest, Father Martin. The multi-episode drama with an exciting plot about revenge got into the list of the best because of the excellent reviews of the audience and the participation of the popular Natalia Oreiro in the series.

Trailer : 18+

Violetta (2012 – 2015)

Comedy Latin American show in the genre of youth melodrama. In the center of the plot is the blond beauty Violetta, who has recently become a popular soloist. While the singer is creating a pop group, her loved one is leaving overseas. Experiencing the loss, Violetta moves away from friends and admirers. But soon a new candidate for the hand and heart appears in her life – the charismatic Diego. The show is worth watching for fans of music and light youth comedies. nine0003

Selection on the topic: 20 cool youth series

Trailer

Original name : Violetta
Martina Stoessel, Jorge Blanco…
Country : Argentina
Rating : Movie search – 6.6, IMDb – 5.2
Age restrictions : 12+

Roads of India (2009)

The plot of the popular Brazilian melodrama covers events from the 50s of the last century to the present day. Love between representatives of different castes is shown against the backdrop of the socio-political structure of India, where such ties were banned. Further, the action of the series is transferred to Brazil, where there are more and more intrigues, and one of the heroes fakes his death, subsequently changing his name. The contrast between the “Indian” and “Brazilian” episodes became a highlight of the series. nine0003

25 Modern Indian series, which is worth watching

Trailer

Original name : Caminho das índias Surging Paez, Laura Cardoso, Christiane Torloni…
Country : Brazil
Rating : Movie search – 7.8, IMDb – 6.8
Age limit : 16+

Amanda O (2008 – 2009)

The list of Latin American series continues with a comedy drama with elements of mysticism. Her main character is a successful pop star who is forced to respond to accusations from the press. In the hearts of a woman, she wants not to be herself, which eventually happens: after waking up after an accident, Amanda realizes that another woman has taken her place . .. In Russia, an attempt was made to adapt the series, but she failed to achieve the success of the original. nine)

Marichuy is an orphan who ran away from an orphanage at the age of 14. On the street, the girl becomes a victim of rape, which leads to nightmares and a desire to take revenge on the offender. For another petty theft, the girl ends up in prison, where she meets psychologist Juan Miguel. He persuades the judges to release Marichuy under his personal responsibility and begins to court the former criminal. But soon the woman remembers the face of her offender…

See also: 0003

Trailer

Original name : SOS Mi Vida
Genre : Melodrama, Comedy, Sport
: Fakunda Arana, Natalia ORENA, CARLOS ORENA, CARLOS : Argentina
Rating : Kinopoisk – 7. 8, IMDb – 6.8
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Anastasia and her sisters become part of an influential family of jewelers. A shocking and creative woman skillfully uses her appearance and mind to increase the profitability of her business, which deserves the love of Don Aureliano, the head of the family. Anastasia’s husband does not like his wife’s activities, but he cannot go against the will of his grandfather. Everything changes when the cross of dreams is returned to the family – the legendary decoration that belonged to Catherine II herself. The mystical images and ghosts that this cross evokes have become the most interesting storyline in the crime melodrama. nine0003

30 Russian series, which is worth watching to each

trailer

Original name : Estrambótica anastasia
: Horriers, Drama, Melodramal : Mayra Alejandra, Carlos Felipe Alvarez, Norquis Batista…
Country : Venezuela
Rating : Kinopoisk – 7. 1, IMDb – 7.6
Age limit : 16+

Macho (2003)

South American TV series tells the story of a conservative Chilean family. Its leader did everything for the seven sons to grow up to be successful and influential people: he gave them a decent education, instilled moral principles and taught them how to achieve their goals. But, looking back at his life, Angel Mercader realizes that everything is not going the way he planned at the very beginning. The popular series is dedicated to the age-old problem of fathers and children, as well as unjustified parental expectations and the need to put up with the situation, and not try to remake the world to fit your ideas. nine0012 : 16+

Rebellious Spirit (2002 – 2003)

The action of the Latin American serial melodrama takes place on the territory of a closed private school. United by love for freedom and truth, children from families of different social status are trying to find their place in life. The created musical group helps them in this. Interestingly, the Erreway group, invented for the film project, went beyond the screen existence and continued to perform in real life. nine0003

Similar selection: 25 The best series for adolescents

Trailer

Original name : Rebelde Way Genre : Drama, Comedy, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family : Camila Bordonaba, Benjamin Rojas, Luisana Lopilato…
Country : Argentina
0016 Age limit : 16+

Wife of Judas (2002 – 2003)

Altagracia, a woman falsely accused of murdering a priest, is released after 20 years of imprisonment. Once she vowed revenge. After her appearance, terrible events begin to occur in the city. Many blame Altagracia for them, but her relative Gloria does not believe in these rumors. The girl decides to figure everything out on her own and soon begins to encounter a bloodied woman in a wedding dress, who is popularly called the “wife of Judas.” In Russia, Latin American cinema was released under the name “Wine of Love”. nine0003

Trailer

Original name : La Mujer de Judas
Genre : melodrama, Drama, Crime, Detective
Changia, Khuanta, Khuantal Hangan.
Country : Venezuelaa
Rating : KinoPoisk – 8.1, IMDB – 8.7
Age restrictions : 16+

Looking Back: 12 Soap Operas We Forgot About

Editor’s ChoiceNostalgia

Photo

Still from Just Maria

If The Rich Cry Too, Santa Barbara, Wild Angel and with a dozen other series still on the ear, these sentimental epics have been forgotten a little. And we will remind you! Whole families followed the stories of these heroes, discussed them in queues and hurried to the screens after work to see the next series.

“Antonella”

Argentina, 1992

The number of episodes: 165

in the main roles: Andrea del Bock and Gustavo Bermudes

Favorite to all “soap” scripts with the history of the Cinderella with elements of the children Poor but beautiful Antonella makes a living performing on the streets of the city under the mask of a cheerful clown. She meets Nicholas, the son of a local rich man, who falls in love with a girl. Antonella’s sister Natalia, by coincidence, works as a secretary for Nicholas. She is unrequitedly in love with her boss and is ready to fulfill any of his instructions. In the hands of the guy is compromising evidence on influential politicians, which he passes into the hands of Natalia. Nicolas Gaston’s cunning cousin, wanting to get this folder, kills Natalya, making it look like suicide. Antonella decides to conduct her own investigation, she gets a job as a secretary to Nicholas’s grandmother. nine0003

In the best traditions of soap operas : treacherous villain, no less treacherous bride of Nicholas, intrigue, illness, loss of a child, black magic and, despite all this, a happy ending.

Celesta

Argentina, 1991

The number of episodes: 189

Cast: Andrea del Bock and Gustavo Bermudes

The usual acting, but the new heroes and the new love line . Celeste is poor, but kind and beautiful. Before her death, her mother asks the girl’s father, Leandro Ferrero, the head of a powerful corporation, to take care of her daughter. Celeste never knew her father and, at the urging of her mother’s friend, goes to Ferrero’s house as a servant. The evil wife of Ferrero disliked the new servant at first sight. But one of her sons, Franco, on the contrary, fell head over heels in love. nine0003

In the best traditions of soap operas: a treacherous stepmother, the alleged death of a child, betrayal, betrayal, doubts, the news that Franco and Celeste are brother and sister, and again a happy ending.

Celesta, always Celesta

Argentina, 1994

The number of episodes: 200

Cast: Andrea del Bock and Gustavo Bermudes

If you think that the Heppy Endo it’s all over, then you’re wrong! Old heroes are waiting for even more exciting, and the viewer – confusing and impossible events in real life. After the honeymoon trip, Celeste tries to kidnap and kill the evil mother-in-law (remember the false stepmother from the first part!). The assassination fails, but Celeste falls, crushes her head, and loses her memory completely. While Celeste is unconscious in the hospital, her husband meets (and now attention!) … Celeste’s twin sister Clara, who was abducted in infancy! Clara wants money, so she convinces Franco that she is Celeste. And Celeste at this time gets into Clara’s house and becomes the wife of her husband. nine0003

In the best tradition of soap operas: kidnapping, memory loss, poisoning, threats, blackmail, a new pregnancy and a new wedding. This time the happy ending is final!

Manuela

Argentina – Italy, 1991.

Number of episodes: 193 episodes

Cast: Grecia Colmenares and Jorge Martinez

The young girl Bernarda became pregnant by her lover Corrado Verezzo. The guy turned out to be a scoundrel and, leaving the girl, escapes from Italy to Argentina. The girl is kicked out of the house. Wandering the streets, she ends up with a childless family, who, taking pity on the girl, sheltered her. Having given birth to the girl Isabel, Bernard writes an official rejection of the child. The family adopts Isabel, while Bernard stays at the house as a nanny. Corrado’s failed fiancé marries another. He has a daughter, Manuela. nine0003

After 20 years, Isabelle is a beautiful girl who is studying at an elite college. She has a fiancé with whom she makes plans for the future. But soon a young rich man Fernando appears in her life, who, of course, falls in love with a girl. And then Bernarda admits that she is Isabel’s mother, which brings her adoptive mother to a heart attack. A huge amount of money is required for the treatment of the mother, but, as it turns out, the family is on the verge of ruin. Isabel is forced to accept a marriage proposal from the unloved Fernando ( read also : How Dyuzhev, Priluchny, Agutin and other stars proposed to their wives).

Isabel meets her father by chance – both of them are unaware of the relationship. And Corrado realizes that Isabel is like two drops of water similar to his daughter Manuela. And soon Fernando meets Manuela and already falls in love with her. And then the horror begins!

In the best traditions of soap operas: murders, intrigues, blackmail, pregnancy, loss of a child, revenge, more murders, betrayal and a little bloody happy ending. nine0003

“Wild rose”

Mexico, 1994

The number of episodes: 199

Cast: Veronika Castro and Guillermo Capetlico

Poettt – daughter of rich parents – fell in love gave birth to a daughter, Rose. For this, she fell into disgrace of her parents. In a fit of rage, the father of the family shot his daughter’s beloved. Paulette, in desperation, gave Rose to the washerwoman Thomas and told her not to come back.

A few years later, the grown-up Rosa climbed into the garden for plums of the Linares family, where she was captured by the young master Ricardo. To spite his wealthy family and especially his sisters Dulcina and Candida, Ricardo decided to marry Rosa. After the wedding, the young people settled in the house, and the evil sisters are trying in every possible way to survive the savage. Soon Rosa learns that Ricardo married her only in order to annoy his father and sisters. The girl leaves, and Ricardo, realizing that he has truly fallen in love, tries to return her.

In the best tradition of soap operas: kidnapping, loss of a child, revenge, murder, intrigue, blackmail, memory loss, accident, but still everyone is happy!

“Just Maria”

Mexico, 1989

The number of episodes: 150

Cast: Victoria Rufffo and Haime Garce

Young Nickname Maria come from a village to the capital. She meets a young rich guy, Juan Carlos del Villar, and becomes pregnant from him. The guy’s father forces him to abandon the child, and Maria tries to survive alone and without a livelihood. She is pitied and taken into the house by Dona Matilde, whose son, Victor, falls in love with Maria. A few years later, Maria becomes a famous designer, and her son José Ignacio falls in love with his father’s niece. nine0003

In the best tradition of soap operas: deceived girl, revenge, loss of a child, accident, memory loss, murder, death during childbirth, happy ending.

“No one except you”

Mexico, 1985

The number of episodes: 120

Cast: Lucia Mendes and Andres Garcia

Antonio Lombardo miraculous survivor terrible plane crash. Upon returning home, he learns that he is married to a beautiful girl, Raquel. It turns out that Antonio’s half-brother Max set up the accident, and during this time, under the name Antonio, married Raquel to get his brother’s fortune. It is not clear how he was going to do this – apparently, Mexican laws are far from generally accepted. Be that as it may, Antonio truly falls in love with Raquel. And his brother does not stop trying to kill Antonio and take possession of his money ( read also : “The Tinder Swindler” and other intriguing films about famous scams).

In the best traditions of soap operas: accident, blackmail, murder, insidious rival, kidnapping, attempt, happy ending.

Marilena

Mexico – Spain, 1992

The number of episodes: 228

In the main roles: Lucia Mendes and Eduardo Yanes

Marielena – refugee daughter who works as a saleswoman. flowers in Miami. One day, when she returns home, she is almost hit by a car driven by a young and, of course, rich Luis Felipe Sandoval. Young people first quarrel, then fall in love. But Luis Felipe is married – his wife is much older and cannot have children. And the guy dreams of a big family. Marielena becomes his mistress, as Luis’s wife, Claudia, finds out. Enraged, she gets into a fight with the already pregnant Marielena and rips off the cross given to her by Luis. The next day, Claudia is found murdered. Luis, seeing the cross, decides that the killer is Marielena and takes the blame. An unfaithful husband is imprisoned for 25 years. But this is only the beginning…

In the best traditions of soap operas: the total pregnancy of all the heroines – both real and fake, an accident, an attempted rape, blackmail, treason, blindness and pseudo-blindness, a magnificent wedding at the end.

“My second mother”

Mexico, 1993

The number of episodes: 200

in the main roles : Enrique Novosti and Maria Service

Deceived by her husband Daniela, deceived by her husband Daniela, leaves for a circle, leaves for a round where he meets widower businessman Juan Antonio and his little daughter Monica. Daniela and Juan Antonio fall in love with each other. But the man had an insidious mistress who craves Juan’s money, and then, inappropriately, Daniela’s husband comes out of prison. The evil couple unites and builds a terrible plan for revenge. nine0003

In the best traditions of soap operas: revenge, murders, assassination attempts, the death of an unborn child, an insidious rival, intrigues. But the heroes don’t care!

“Rich and famous”

Argentina, 1997

The number of episodes: 180

Cast: Natalia Oreiro and Diego Ramos

History of Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of Argentine scriptwriters. Young Valeria almost gets into an accident. After yelling at a young man driving another car, the girl leaves him confused. In the evening, Valeria comes to the party of her friend Sabrina, who wants to introduce her to her fiancé. But in vain! The groom turns out to be the same guy with whom Valeria quarreled on the road. The groom forgets about the bride and is fond of a new acquaintance. The guy’s parents are against the union of the young and predict a more profitable match for their son. And the already pregnant Valeria must hide from enemies in a remote village …

In the best traditions of soap operas: a deceived girl, pregnancy, an insidious rival, parents’ disagreement, blackmail and beautiful Natalia Oreiro in a luxurious wedding dress in the finale.

“Tropicanka”

Brazil, 1994

The number of episodes: 194

Clean: Sylvia Feifer and Erson Capri

Young Pretty Open-Bogachchka Letica fell in love with a simple, but Brutal Ramer . Spitting on the prohibitions of her parents, she went to live with him in a modest hut on the seashore. Somehow Ramiro goes to sea for a catch, promising to return in a month. It’s been three months! And without waiting for her lover, Letizia leaves for Europe.