Netflix is revving up production in Colombia as it revels in the success of its mega-budget series “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” In the lead up to Season 2 of the series adaptation debuting next year, Netflix is unveiling nine other titles, some based on actual events, others produced by seasoned television networks RCN and Caracol as well as a feature film spin-off and a soccer docu-series. “Every corner of Colombia has a story and… every story deserves its own voice,” the company pronounced. Four other shows dropped earlier this year, including Laura Restrepo adaptation “Delirio” on July 18.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Netflix VP of Latin American Content Paco Ramos said that the streamer had been “working hard to shape a strong local content strategy in Colombia,” pointing out that historically, the ecosystem had been dominated by linear television, and more recently, by complex productions from streamers and inbound projects from the U.S.
Colombia’s production landscape had largely been split between two dominant players [RCN and Caracol] with a proven track record in globally successful telenovelas, he noted. These companies built a solid business, supported by the strong international appeal of Colombian content. Aside from a few local films and foreign-led productions, the space remained relatively narrow until Netflix began expanding its local slate, launching its first Colombian series, “Wild District,” in 2018.
“We discovered that the ecosystem was strong,” he said, adding that: “the below-the-line efficiency is astonishing.” However, despite the superior levels in crew and talent, few in Colombia had produced high-end television, like in most of Latin America, with the exception perhaps of Mexico, which has had more experience with large-scale U.S. productions, he said.
“We value gradual growth. For us, steady progress is key, as rapid spikes often create unsustainable bubbles that eventually burst. Taking measured steps forward has brought us to where we are today—and it’s the approach we trust,” he noted.
Their slow but steady approach has worked. According to research firm Omdia, in just the second half of 2024, Spanish-language content on Netflix recorded an estimated 2.59 billion hours viewed, with Colombia leading the Latin American market with 24.6% of that total, second after Spain which contributed 38.7%.
“Colombian popular culture—whether in film, television, or music—is enjoying global success, and we’re excited by the momentum,” Ramos asserted, adding that they were seeing clear signals of a growing, improving market, supported by a government committed to strengthening audiovisual infrastructure through its ‘orange economy’ initiatives.
The country has a solid production ecosystem in place and a wide range of companies—large and small—eager to scale up, while local directors and producers are increasingly ready to take things to the next level, he observed.
“I really feel that for a very unique, complex, diverse and contradictory culture like Colombia’s, which is not monochromatic, we need to be very good,” he mused, adding that they have doubled their staff to nearly 20 in their Colombian outpost and aim to further explore various locations across the country where distinctly different cities like Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla offer their unique flavors to each show.
Asked whether they would consider another huge undertaking like “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” he replied: “For sure!” adding that they’re constantly reading and on the lookout for big IPs: “We want it to be crazy and completely out of the paradigm of what people are expecting.”
Apart from “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” Season 2, here are the other Colombian titles coming to Netflix:
“Palace” (“Palacio,” Jayro Bustamante, Edgar Nito, Samir Olivares. Prod: Dynamo)
Led by showrunner Natalia Santa, who was a head writer on “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” this is likely Netflix’s second most ambitious project in Colombia, after the Gabriel García Márquez adaptation. Series revolves around the storming of Colombia’s Palace of Justice by the armed group M-19 in November 1985, sparking an outbreak of violence that would impact the country forever. Netflix’s Ramos described it as “a huge undertaking, even by our own standards, because we built a replica of the Palace and we’re of course, going to take it through what happened through the coup attempt,” stressing that authenticity is key at Netflix.
Based on exhaustive research, the ambitious series revisits that harrowing moment through the eyes of those who endured it, capturing the deep and lasting scars borne by survivors and the families who, even today, continue their pursuit of justice. It aims to offer a powerful exploration of the event’s enduring impact on the victims, the justice system and Colombian society at large. The cast includes Natalia Reyes, Luna Baxter, Mariana Gómez, Robinson Díaz, Santiago Alarcón, Carlos Manuel Vesga, Jose Restrepo, Camilo Amores and Andrés Castañeda
“Medusa,” Final Season (Felipe Cano, Liliana Bocanegra. Prod: TIS Prods)
In the second and final season of the hit series, slated for a 2026 debut, a new threat is closing in on Bárbara, forcing her to take charge of her family company, Medusa. The new season brings more tension, surprises and twists in the story that drew millions to the complex world of the Hidalgo family. Featuring new cast members Juan Pablo Urrego and Karen Martínez. Written by Said Chamie and Claudia Sánchez. Executive produced by Juliana Valdivieso.
“Eva Lasting,” Season 4 (“La primera vez,” Mónica Botero, Laura Tatiana Bohórquez. Prod: Caracol Television)
Netflix’s first Colombian franchise returns with its fourth and final installment. Set in tumultuous 1980s Colombia, Camilo, Eva and their friends face the complexities of adulthood, love and identity, holding on to their chosen family as they deal with matters of the heart. In a world ruled by turmoil, danger and deception, they come to realize that their only refuge is the unshakable bond of friendship. The cast includes Francisca Estévez, Emmanuel Restrepo, Sara Pinzón, Sergio Palau, Julián Cerati, Brandon Figueredo, Mateo García, Verónica Orozco, Santiago Alarcón and María Cecilia Botero. Executive Producers: Caracol VP of Production/showrunner Dago García, Maria Isabel Páramo.
“The Guest,” (“La Huésped, Klitch López, Israel Sánchez. Prod: CMO)
Silvia’s life begins to unravel when Sonia, a long-lost friend, makes an unannounced visit to her home. Silvia is already facing the collapse of her marriage to Lorenzo, a rising political figure running for Attorney General, while struggling to support her daughter Isabela through a battle with drug addiction. Sonia’s presence quickly upends the fragile balance within the household, further destabilizing Silvia’s world. Bound by a complicated past, the connection between the two women runs deep – but Sonia’s motives are anything but innocent. Her goal is clear: to drive a wedge between Lorenzo and his family and bring about his downfall. Cast includes Carmen Villalobos, Laura Londoño, Jason Day, Víctor Mallarino and Juan Fernando Sánchez. CMO’s Clara Maria Ochoa serves as executive and creative producer.
“James Rodríguez,” Official title unannounced (Simon Brand. Prod: Clover Studios)
Docuseries. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Netflix will debut a compelling docuseries chronicling the life of Colombia’s iconic Number 10, James Rodríguez, who has helped Colombia’s national team to consolidate as one of the best in Latin America. Told through an intimate and revealing lens, this three-part series uncovers never-before-seen moments from his personal life and storied career – from his years with legendary clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to his recent appearance at the 2024 Copa América, and the road that lies ahead in the World Cup qualifiers.
“Just Alice,” (“Simplemente Alicia,” Rafael Martínez, Catalina Hernández. Prod: RCN Studios)
When fate demands that Alicia choose between Alejo, her dreamy, sci-fi-obsessed husband, and Pablo, a magnetic community leader willing to leave the priesthood for her, Alicia refuses to sacrifice one love for the other. Instead, she chooses both. With a mix of bravery and reckless charm, she sets out on the chaotic adventure of living a double life – juggling two marriages and deceiving not just her husbands, but also her families, friends and colleagues. But in her pursuit of everything, Alicia risks losing it all – because while female bigamy may not be a crime, the fallout can be life-altering. Cast is led by Verónica Orozco, Cony Camelo, Sebastián Carvajal and Michel Brown. Juan Pablo Posada and Daniel Ucrós executive produce.
“Fugue State 1986” (“Estado de fuga,” Carlos Moreno and Claudia Pedraza. Prod: AG Studios)
León, a young literature student at the start of his writing journey, is shaken to the core when he learns that his friend and classmate, Jeremías, has committed a brutal massacre in a well-known Bogotá restaurant. What began as a shared passion for literature gradually evolved into a disturbing bond – one that nurtured dark thoughts and violent fantasies. Their friendship, once rooted in ideas, became a dangerous mirror reflecting their most terrifying impulses. Set against the backdrop of true events, “Fugue State 1986” revisits one of the most harrowing moments in Bogotá’s history: the massacre carried out by Vietnam War veteran Campo Elías Delgado at a prominent Italian restaurant on December 4, 1986. Andrés Parra, renowned for his gripping portrayal of drug lord Pablo Escobar in Caracol’s hit series “Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal”, is joined by Carolina Gómez, José Restrepo and Camila Jurado. Mario Mendoza and Rodrigo Guerrero serve as executive producers.
“Fake Profile” (“Perfil falso,” Klitch López, Camilo Vega. Prod: TIS Prods.)
In this third and final season, a dream honeymoon in a tropical paradise takes a sinister turn, pulling Camila and Miguel into a tangled web of secrets and betrayal. Their budding friendship with an enigmatic millionaire couple exposes buried family ties and hidden identities. Meanwhile, Ángela is released from prison with a singular goal: to destroy Camila’s life. As a mysterious killer targets the dancers of Labios de Oro, deception deepens and danger closes in. Love, loyalty and survival are all pushed to the edge in this high-stakes chapter of the series. The cast includes Carolina Miranda, Manuela González, Lincoln Palomeque, Rodolfo Salas, Eduardo Pérez, Asia Ortega, Alejandra Borrero, Marcela Carvajal, Emmanuel Esparza, David Palacio, Penélope Guerrero and Laura Osma. It’s executive produced by Silvia Durán.
“Susana and Elvira,” (“Susana y Elvira,” María Gamboa. Prod: Púlsar Studios)
The feature film spin-off based on the popular blog-based web series “Susana and Elvira,” portrayed by Manuela González and Mabel Moreno. Slated to begin production soon. It follows the longtime friends as they are in the coastal town of Santa Marta to plan the wedding of the year and face more than just the pressures of a high-profile event. Beneath the surface, both are grappling with personal wounds, career setbacks and lingering tensions between them. As their lives teeter on uncertain ground and a multimillion-dollar wedding hangs in the balance, the stakes have never been higher. Set against stunning backdrops, this emotional journey explores the fragile boundaries of love, loyalty and true friendship—pushing Susana and Elvira to confront what matters most before everything slips away. “Susana and Elvira” will stream on Netflix after its theatrical release.
variety.com
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