Netflix announces the premiere of Machos Alpha on December 30. The new series from the Caballero brothers, creators of La que se avecina, delivers a finished work of fiction consisting of ten half-hour episodes. It stars Gorka Otxoa and Paula Gallego as a father and his teenage daughter who hold markedly different values and worldviews. To mark the launch, YOTELE sat down with the two leads to discuss what audiences can expect from this comedy.
What can viewers anticipate from the series in general?
Gorka: It is a witty, laugh-out-loud show with stories and characters that audiences will connect with deeply. The themes explored resonate, yet the primary aim is pure, fast-paced entertainment that delivers laughter for thirty minutes without apology. Regardless of their beliefs, viewers are guaranteed a good time.
Paula: I share that sentiment. It’s a drama in which truth keeps slipping away, used for humor and lighthearted fun. The material raises thought-provoking topics that stay with you after the credits roll.
And especially your characters?
Gorka: The cast is shaped by three couples, with the father-daughter dynamic at the core. We offer a fresh color and viewpoint. The 16-year-old character brings a distinct take on equality, gender, and machismo. In fact, he drives many of the series’ conversations and I find myself absorbing his rhetoric to better portray those alpha archetypes while gradually deconstructing masculinity on screen.
Paula: She is a 16-year-old voice that represents the new generation’s views on machismo, feminism, and equality. It’s fascinating to see the show mine youthful perspectives and observe how the characters evolve as a result.
Gorka, you’ve appeared in other comedies. Was this project different?
All series offer unique experiences. This one sticks to a thirty-minute format, which poses its own challenge for sustaining comedy. Pairing that constraint with two seasoned writers and directors like the Caballero brothers makes every season feel like gold. I learned pacing, silent moments, and expressive gestures in a way that felt like an apprenticeship. The collaboration, along with brilliantly crafted scenarios, made interpretation endlessly enjoyable.
Paula, you’re often seen in more dramatic roles. What drew you to this project, and was it challenging to find the character?
Paula: It was a new territory for me, comedy. It was a genuine challenge to make people laugh, but the experience was rich and with the Caballero brothers’ support, it became a rewarding journey.
What came easiest or hardest in portraying the roles?
Gorka: Not so much a matter of ease as the opportunity to venture outside my comfort zone. Playing a father to a 16-year-old required stepping into unfamiliar dynamics, which is always intriguing for an actor. The presence of two strong directors who also write and shape the comedy simplified the process and provided a steady compass for the performances.
Paula: Comedy presented the biggest challenge, yet it was incredibly gratifying. My favorite aspect of Alex, the character she plays, is her role as a manager—an angle that felt new to her and offered room to explore humor from a fresh perspective.
How does the collaboration with the Caballero brothers and Netflix work?
Gorka: The brothers oversee much of the comedy through writing, directing, and editing. In comedy, timing, silence, and who appears on screen matter more than anything. Working with them revealed a lot and offered true joy; they’re both intensely creative. The prospect of many more seasons to continue this collaboration is exciting.
Paula: I had known them but hadn’t worked with them before. It was a wonderful experience, the whole cast and crew contributed to a very positive and enriching process.
Do you have a memorable moment from filming to share?
Gorka: There were many. The shoot days brought heat waves that turned the house set into a furnace, while other days in March were freezing. A street scene near a storefront posed a real challenge when a shop door slammed shut, temporarily halting a scene. We found a creative solution and kept moving forward, with countless small adventures along the way.
Why should audiences not miss Machos Alpha?
Gorka: Because it promises genuine fun. Viewers will momentarily forget their worries as they dive into a world of entertaining misadventures. The humor sits alongside meaningful moments about equality that quietly enrich the narrative in the background.
Paula: Expect a lot of laughs and a thoughtful reflection on the issues the show raises. It’s entertainment with substance, designed to be enjoyed while also provoking discussion among viewers.