September 15th marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts until October 15. That’s thirty days of awesome content that you could be viewing right now. And while there are some great films you could watch in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, there are also some awesome Latinx TV shows that are available to stream right now, that are just as good, if not better.
From some newer editions like The Most Beautiful Flowers to popular shows on Netflix like Money Heist, there are so many amazing Latinx shows that you have access to right here on your phone or computer. If you’re craving something new to stream, check out these ten picks.
Love, Victor (Hulu)
In this Hulu spinoff of the movie to Love, Simon, the comedy drama Love, Victor follows the titular character, Victor Salazar, as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, growing up, and learning to love who he is while struggling through the ups and downs of high school.
What makes Love, Victor such a fun show to watch is its heart. The first couple of seasons are a great example of storytelling because while the beginning is all about Victor learning to come out and accept himself, the second season sees him explore that while also learning to grow into this new version of who he is, as well as a heartwarming third season. The Love, Victor cast is also fantastic too, led by the wonderful Michael Cimino and a great ensemble crew behind him. It’s a shame that it was cancelled after three seasons.
The Fosters (Hulu)
In The Fosters, we follow the lives of a police officer named Stef Foster, and her partner, Lena Adams, a school vice principal. Together, they had a multi-ethnic, blended family, all growing up and experiencing their own problems, while trying to get through them together.
This family drama truly can be very simple at times, but it’s not afraid to tackle darker themes and show how serious life can be, from the portrayal of LGBT themes to how broken the foster care system is. The ensemble cast of The Fosters is led by Teri Polo and Sherri Saum, two very talented actors, only amplified by a stellar, younger cast behind them. It’s honestly great.
Elite (Netflix)
If you want high school drama, look no further than Elite. In this popular Spanish teen thriller, three working-class students enroll at an elite secondary school through a scholarship program, and the wealthy students there see that as a challenge to their hold of the school hierarchy.
When I watch Elite, it sort of reminds me of shows like The Chair or Gossip Girl. There’s so much drama that happens at these schools that it’s almost laughable, but at the same time, it’s not afraid to touch on more serious issues such as the divide between classes, and the equality amongst peers when it comes to looking for colleges or new chances once high school is done. It’s definitely one of the best international Netflix shows, and everyone should give it a chance if they haven’t watched it yet. There are plenty of seasons with different characters, so it’s the perfect show to binge.
Gentefied (Netflix)
In this Netflix original series, Gentefied (a play on the word “gentrified”) is all about three Mexican-American cousins, who are struggling to chase the quote unquote “American Dream,” even when that same sort of dream threatens their home, their neighborhood, and their family taco shop.
I love Gentefied so much. While the show is full of fun jokes and moments that will make you laugh, the whole entire series is about what happens to lower-income neighborhoods when developers swoop in and decide they want to rebuild the whole entire place. Their homes get interrupted, their lives moved - everything is up and destroyed. But it’s such a complicated situation because these cousins want to succeed, but they don’t want their home to be completely erased - it’s such an underrated show on Netflix and deserves way more praise that it has gotten. I’m so upset it was canceled after two seasons, but at least that means a quick binge for you.
Ugly Betty (Netflix)
Capped at four seasons and starring America Ferrera, Ugly Betty was a popular show on ABC that was based on a telenovela, Yo soy Betty, la fea. This series follows a young woman named Betty, who isn’t necessarily known for her style or her beauty. But somehow, some way, she lands a job at a fashion magazine, completely changing her life forever.
The show was a huge hit for ABC, and launched the career of Ferrera – which we will see more than once on this list. It features some awesome romance and some hilarious comedy, so if you’re looking for a binge that’ll last you for a week, then Ugly Betty is the one for you.
Money Heist (Netflix)
In Money Heist (otherwise known as La Casa de Papel), is a Spanish heist crime drama that tells the story of “The Professor,” a mysterious man who selects a group of eight people, choosing cities for code names, to carry out a plan that involves entering the Royal Mint of Spain and escaping with millions.
Money Heist has gotten a lot of attention and set records in the last few years, and for good reason. It’s a very suspenseful show full of action, but what really makes Money Heist such a great addition to this list is that you are thrown right into the action. They do not waste your time with this, setting up for a whole season before going in for the kill - you are completely in this crazy heist from the first episode to the beginning, filled with drama, thrilling fights, and so much more in-between. With five seasons, you should certainly check out this show.
Stream Money Heist on Netflix.
Mr. Iglesias (Netflix)
Starring comedian Gabriel Iglesias, Mr. Iglesias was a sitcom that was released on Netflix and followed a public high school teacher in both his personal and professional lives, mainly with how he teaches a group of misfit kids so that they can have a future.
When I tell you I was so angry when this series was canceled after two seasons, I mean it. I loved Mr. Iglesias. Granted, it could be because I already loved Gabriel Iglesias as a whole, but the show itself is so wholesome. It was exactly what I needed when it came out, and featured some family friendly comedy that was the perfect way to unwind after a long day. While it may only have two seasons, it lives forever in my heart.
Stream Mr. Iglesias on Netflix.
One Day At A Time (Netflix)
Based on the 1973 sitcom of the same name, One Day at a Time follows the story of a Latino family in Los Angeles, this time following a single mother who has PTSD from serving in the war, and how she takes care of her children as well as her Cuban mother.
This show is the perfect example of how a show can be super funny but cover interesting and topical issues. While you’ll be laughing one second, you’ll end up learning something new the next. One Day at a Time isn’t afraid to dig deep into modern-day discussions on immigration, sexism, racism, and so much more. It really is worth your time and more.
Stream One Day at a Time on Netflix.
The Most Beautiful Flower (Netflix)
If we’re talking about more awesome international shows, The Most Beautiful Flower has to be on this list. This series mainly follows Mich, a young girl who knows she’s awesome, but the hard part is trying to convince her school of that too.
This series is all about love and self-acceptance, which is really why I love it. Mich isn’t afraid to show off who she is and how much she loves herself, but it also digs into the complicated feelings of being a teenager and growing up in a different country other than the United States. It really shows Latina representation beautifully and it’s a show I would love more people to see.
Stream The Most Beautiful Flower on Netflix.
Jane The Virgin (Netflix)
In this popular CW show, Jane the Virgin is about Jane, a young Hispanic virgin who is saving herself for marriage, when one day, she is accidentally inseminated by her gynecologist, causing her to get pregnant.
I know that the premise sounds way out there, but trust me when I say that Jane the Virgin is a great choice to watch. The premise is based off of many of the crazy ideas that Spanish telenovelas have, but at the same time, it’s also a very interesting and hysterical story with plenty of twists and turns that you wouldn’t expect, including love triangles, sudden deaths, and so many more. The Jane the Virgin cast play their roles perfectly, especially the lead, Gina Rodriguez, so you’re hands down going to have a fun experience.
Stream Jane the Virgin on Netflix.
Superstore (Hulu)
America Ferrera was already the star of one show on this list, but now, we need to talk about Superstore. This hit show follows the lives of retail workers in a superstore, and their day to day work, mainly telling the story of Amelia ‘Amy’ Sosa, a Honduran-American who had worked her way up to a management position at the store.
This series ran for six seasons and was a huge hit for NBC, and while it was a great workplace comedy and a fun sitcom, it also addressed a lot more modern day issues as well, including the issues that many Latinos nowadays may face in the workplace. And of course, America Ferrera is amazing – as is the rest of the Superstore cast.
On My Block (Netflix)
In this coming-of-age comedy on Netflix, On My Block is about four street-savvy friends who are trying to navigate their lives through the epic highs and lows of starting out high school in the rough inner city, all while sticking behind each other’s backs.
With four seasons, On My Block is a wonderful coming of age story. It’s everything you could want in a series like this, full of teenage love, angst, random crazy storylines, and all the drama in-between. Each episode is told in chapters, and it almost feels like you’re reading a book from beginning to end with each season, capping off each character before setting everything up for another awesome story.
Stream On My Block on Netflix.
Selena: The Series (Netflix)
Last but not least, we take a look at Selena: The Series. In this biographical drama, we learn the story of Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla-Perez, her rise to fame, and the sacrifices she’s had to make along the way to get there.
If you grew up in a Spanish household like I did, you know about Selena very well. If you don’t, you have to watch this series. Not only is leading actress Christian Serratos awesome in the role as Selena, but the rest of the cast is amazing as well, really bringing the singer’s story to life. Plus, you also get to hear the original Selena music from way back when, so if you’ve never heard her sing before, now is the time to listen.
Stream Selena: The Series on Netflix.
With so much coming out on the 2023 TV schedule, maybe it’s time to take a break and binge some awesome Latinx series’ until your favorite show releases. Or, you can wait until these shows have new seasons. Regardless of what you pick, you’ll hands down enjoy any series from the list, and hopefully, stick around for the next season if there is one. ¡Feliz viendo!
