Serve and Protect returns with a bold refresh that expands the world fans know while keeping the heart of the show intact. The daily afternoon staple airs at 5:25 p.m. on La 1 and marks a milestone of 1,250 episodes across six uninterrupted seasons. To celebrate this moment, Plano a Plano premieres on Wednesday, July 6, bringing fresh plot twists, new locations, and approximately a dozen new characters into the neighborhood’s intricate tapestry. The evolution signals a deliberate effort to renew storylines while preserving the series’ core spirit that viewers have come to expect (RTVE).
Season regulars such as Luisa Martín, Juanjo Artero, Pepa Aniorte, Mamen Camacho, and Roberto Álvarez return, joined by three fresh faces: Unax Ugalde, Candela Serrat, and Juan Carlos Vellido. In the weeks ahead, Berta Galo, Jorge Silvestre, Guadalupe Lancho, Juan Díaz, Caterina Mengs, and Santi Marín will also become part of the neighborhood’s dynamic, each bringing a distinct energy to the community’s rhythm (RTVE).
Character introductions and fresh dynamics
Unax Ugalde steps into the role of Matías Medina, a physician at the local health center. His approach differs in tone from longtime neighbors, yet he quickly forges bonds with Antonio and becomes part of the street’s daily cadence. Ugalde has a diverse career spanning film, theatre, and television, with credits in RTVE productions such as Gran Reserva and La Trama. He communicates through his performances and through moments that test trust within the community (RTVE).
Candela Serrat Julia debuts as a lawyer who leaves a major firm to champion ordinary people in need. Opening an independent practice centers her work around the Civic Center, where she aims to defend those lacking power. Serrat is known for roles in Six Sisters and I Am Alive, with a theatre background under prominent directors. Her character signals a move toward civic engagement and hands-on advocacy (RTVE).
Juan Carlos Vellido portrays Isidro Galván, a former boxer who runs a secondhand shop with his wife Noemí and occasionally accepts protection assignments to support the family. A hardworking veteran of the neighborhood who values loyalty, Isidro’s arc underscores the tension between making ends meet and doing what’s right. Vellido’s film and television work spans collaborations with renowned directors, highlighting a performer known for tough, grounded roles (RTVE).
Guadalupe Lancho appears as Noemí Padilla, Isidro’s perceptive partner who manages the business finances and guides decisions with a sharp, strategic mind. Raised with a practical sensibility, Noemí blends warmth with pragmatism, though she worries about her son Saúl’s future as he charts his own path (RTVE).
Jorge Silvestre embodies Saúl Galván, the son of Isidro and Noemí. Saúl makes a return after a period in Ibiza’s nightlife scene, and his evolving relationship with his father introduces heightened tension around acceptance and family expectations. The character’s journey explores adolescence, identity, and belonging within the fabric of the neighborhood (RTVE).
Berta Galo comes in as Iris Quiroga, a young police officer with a sharp memory and analytical prowess. Iris earned a degree in Computer Science rapidly, becoming one of the academy’s youngest inspectors. Her intellect and drive position her as a rising force in investigations, while her sensitivity to human stories adds depth to high-stakes cases. Galo brings life to a role that connects RTVE Play’s teen drama To Be or Not to Be while demonstrating versatility across projects (RTVE).
Juan Díaz takes on the translator role for Gael Cruz, who returns to the neighborhood after a fifteen-year absence. Gael previously faced a challenging period as a young offender with a daughter, spent time in prison, and now seeks to rebuild his life. His return emphasizes a focused effort to support his daughter and rebuild family ties within the community (RTVE).
Caterina Mengs depicts Gael’s daughter, Cata Cruz. Her character has endured time at Cerro Alto prison and masks a tough exterior. Beneath that facade lies vulnerability and a fear of not fully belonging in the surrounding streets, shaping a nuanced, resilient young woman (RTVE).
Santi Marín portrays Fabián Soto, a psychologist who specializes in crime profiling. Recently separated and on the cusp of a major life change, he relocates to the neighborhood for a fresh start. His presence adds an investigative lens to the ensemble and invites new collaborations with local professionals (RTVE).
The new season weaves together actors from multiple generations, creating a richer mosaic of neighbors, professionals, and the people behind the scenes who keep the community moving. The refreshed cast broadens the spectrum of stories and invites both longtime fans and new viewers to explore what life looks like when trust, loyalty, and ordinary courage are tested in everyday places (RTVE).