In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Money Heist (La casa de papel), followed by Cuéntame cómo pasó and Aquí no hay quien viva.
Making a list of the 10 best Spanish TV series is asking for an argument, and that’s exactly what we want. We mixed international hits, after-lunch classics and streaming gems.
Is one missing? The Boarding School, Hierro, Merlí, Los hombres de Paco? Vote below: the most defended will enter the next review of the ranking.
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1. Money Heist (La casa de papel)
Antena 3 / Netflix · 2017–2021
The heist on the Royal Mint of Spain that turned the red jumpsuit and the Dalí mask into a global phenomenon. It won the International Emmy for Best Drama and opened the global market to Spanish TV.
2. Cuéntame cómo pasó
TVE · 2001–2023
The Alcántara family told Spain's recent history from their living room. More than two decades on air make it the longest-running prime-time series in Spanish television.
3. Aquí no hay quien viva
Antena 3 · 2003–2006
A block of flats at Desengaño 21 and a stock of catchphrases still repeated in every WhatsApp group in Spain. Comedy of everyday life at its purest.
4. The Ministry of Time
TVE · 2015–2020
A patrol that travels through secret doors to protect Spain's history. Clever, funny and with a legion of fans who saved it from cancellation more than once.
5. Patria
HBO · 2020
An adaptation of Fernando Aramburu's novel about two Basque families torn apart by ETA terrorism. Tough, restrained and with memorable performances.
6. Riot Police (Antidisturbios)
Movistar+ · 2020
Rodrigo Sorogoyen follows a riot police unit after an eviction ends in tragedy. Tension from start to finish and some of the best direction of the decade.
7. Veneno
Atresplayer · 2020
Los Javis tell the life of Cristina Ortiz, 'La Veneno', a 1990s TV icon. Moving, brave and with a cast that made history.
8. Elite
Netflix · 2018–2024
A luxury school, a crime and many secrets. It was one of Netflix's most-watched Spanish-language series worldwide.
9. Los Serrano
Telecinco · 2003–2008
A blended family, a bar in Santa Justa and a theme tune the whole country knows. A classic of 2000s evenings.
10. Paquita Salas
Flooxer / Netflix · 2016–2019
A washed-up talent agent played by Brays Efe. Surreal, very Spanish humour that started online and became a cult hit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Spanish TV series of all time?
In our ranking, Money Heist is number 1 for its global impact and its International Emmy, followed by Cuéntame cómo pasó and Aquí no hay quien viva.
What is the longest-running Spanish TV series?
Cuéntame cómo pasó, broadcast on TVE from 2001 to 2023, is the longest-running prime-time drama in Spanish television history.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.