Telenovelas…getting started

My wife loves telenovelas, so much so that she has been dragging me into watching them. We have completed a couple of series, and the nice thing is my Spanish has gotten a bit better. Although, I have picked some profanity along the way too. some have been slightly slow or boring, but these three would be good ones to get a good start:

4. El Senor de Los Cielos

Epically long series full of narcos trying to play a game of thrones. If you like love, sex, and random gun fights along with some twists, you will like this one. Just be prepared to watch this one for months since there are serval seasons…seasons in telenovelas are almost complete series here in the US. It is also a spin-off of our number two pick in this list.

3. La Dona

Although this one has some drug lords in it (narcos), it is complete revenge saga where there are plenty of twists to keep it interesting. As much as you want to root for the good guys, you keep hoping for her revenge. Decent dialogue and several plot lines also help support this one.

2. Escobar: El Parton Del Mar

Goes by several names, but easily found on Netflix. This one is different as it tries to be a documentary within the normal telenovela framework. Surprisingly, it pulls it off. It is also chalked full of historically accurate sets including a vast number of Land Cruisers, sat ponds, and Miami Vice inspired attire. I really enjoyed this one.

1. La Reina del Sur

This one is so good that it inspired its own USA Network version which is also highly enjoyable as well. There are currently two seasons with the third one starting production. The first one is dated, but still very enjoyable. It will also have you rooting for the bad guys. Once you make it through the first season’s twists and turns, you get the more non-telenovela action series that ties all of the loose ends of season one along with wishing you can binge on season three.

Start with these and you be hooked as I am on the great tv options from south of the border. Enjoy,