There is a choice for every taste. Different genres blend comedy, drama, action, terror, and love stories. They portray times with stark realism, swing between humor and fear, mix live action with animation, and push self-parody. Youth remains a central theme, and episodes run up to 30 minutes, with as many as 11 in a season.
In the United States, many networks used to require longer runtimes, often around 50 minutes. Platforms in recent years have adapted to shorter formats, catering to viewers who want quick, bingeable episodes that fit into daily commutes.
Here are 10 strong examples:
‘When I Gave It to You’
This Netflix gem demonstrates how much story can fit into 11 minutes per episode. With six episodes, it feels like a compact feature. Created by Nadia from Santiago, featuring Alvaro Cervantes, it tells a breakup tale in a fresh way: each episode spends less on the past and more on the present.
SECTION DURATION: 11 minutes
SEASONS: One (10 episodes)
WHERE TO SEE: Netflix
‘Vote Juan’ / ‘Come on Juan’ / ‘Vamos Juan’
A trilogy following the life and career of Juan Carrasco, a disarming yet flawed politician. The arc takes him from mayor of Logroño to the center of power, through corruption and party schemes across titles like ‘Vote Juan,’ ‘Vamos Juan,’ and ‘Venga Juan.’ The show blends comedy with drama, created by Diego San José, known for sharp social satire.
SECTION DURATION: 30 minutes
SEASONS: One per title (23 chapters total)
WHERE TO SEE: The first two titles stream on Movistar Plus, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max; the third arrives on HBO Max
‘Thistle’
A groundbreaking series from Los Javis, with Calvo directing and writing. It stands out as a rare youth-focused drama that maps the 90s generation while balancing a vivid present and a hazy future. Maria emerges as a determined young woman, portrayed by Ana Rujas.
SECTION DURATION: 30 minutes
SEASONS: One (six chapters); a second season is in the works
WHERE TO SEE: Atresplayer Premium
‘Kings of the Night’
A comedy about two sports reporters who clash on air: Paco Cóndor and Jota. The show leans on the playful rivalry and the media spectacle surrounding sport journalism, touching on real-world controversies while delivering laughs.
SECTION DURATION: 30 minutes
SEASONS: One (six chapters); another season was announced but canceled
WHERE TO SEE: Movistar+
‘The Perfect Life’
A trio of women in their thirties — Leticia Dolera, María, and Esther — navigate modern life with humor and honesty. The series centers on female perspectives and timely issues affecting women today.
SECTION DURATION: 25 minutes
SEASONS: Two (14 episodes)
WHERE TO SEE: Movistar+
‘The Sky Is Red’
A dramatic thriller with sharp action and Tarantino-like energy. It follows the escape of three women from dangerous captors and the impact that pursuit has on their lives. The series sparked debate for its raw depiction of crime and survival.
SECTION DURATION: 25 minutes
SEASONS: Two (16 episodes); a third and final season has been announced
WHERE TO SEE: Netflix
‘Nasdrovia’
A quick, witty comedy about two lawyers turned unlikely restaurateurs, Edurne and Julián. Their midlife crisis leads them from law into a Russian-inspired eatery, with crime-crediting twists and plenty of humor along the way.
SECTION DURATION: 30 minutes
SEASONS: One (six episodes); a second season is in development
WHERE TO SEE: Movistar+
‘Paquita Salas’
A Los Javis creation that began as a web series and grew into a cult show. Paquita, a talent agent, guides a new generation of artists, with many guest stars and a tone that mixes satire with heartfelt moments.
SECTION DURATION: 30 minutes
SEASONS: Three (16 episodes); a fourth season has been confirmed
WHERE TO SEE: Netflix
‘Yreal’
A bold storytelling approach blending suspense, dark humor, and stylized animation. The storyline centers on a quest for truth surrounding a young woman’s disappearance, with a cast that navigates shifting loyalties and secrets.
SECTION DURATION: 20 minutes
SEASONS: One (six parts)
WHERE TO SEE: Playz; RTVE Play
‘Walkers’
A tense, mobile-only filmed thriller following pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago. Shot entirely on smartphones, the story delves into fear, survival, and community during a perilous journey through the Irati Forest in Navarra.
SECTION DURATION: 20 minutes
SEASONS: One (seven parts)
WHERE TO SEE: Disney+