TVE has been seeking to extend the positive momentum of afternoon audiences as the new daily period drama begins to take shape for La 1, aiming to round out its evening fiction slate. The series is adapted from a well-known national novel and centers on a group of people who work at a chic tearoom near Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, during the early 1930s.
The RTVE Board of Directors approved the new project last Thursday, marking a major commitment for the upcoming season. The production will be co financed with Boomerang TV, a studio already behind the long running daily fiction Acacias 38, which spans nearly 1,500 episodes and has been a staple for RTVE over the years.
Tea Rooms is regarded as one of the most recognized novels in its time, celebrated for its sharp portrayal of life inside and outside the tearoom. The story drew inspiration from real experiences in Madrid where wait staff faced daily challenges and moments of resilience. The narrative serves as a vivid chronicle of women navigating their roles, aspirations, and evolving social expectations during a period of rapid change.
Set in Madrid, the plot follows the daily rhythms of the tearoom and the lives of its employees and customers. It captures a moment of transformation when old certainties begin to blend with new possibilities, a time when luxury and social display sit alongside struggles for autonomy and dignity.
The work examines the paradoxes and tensions of life within the tearoom. The opulent surroundings and the refined tastes of patrons stand in contrast to the authentic, often demanding, experiences of the workers who keep the place running. The story centers on a group of decisive and dynamic women who face suffering, affection, humor, and action as they strive to alter their own destinies.
A key strength of the new series is its enduring relevance. By reflecting the social atmosphere of the era, emotion becomes the driving force of the plot, guiding character choices and relationships as the narrative unfolds.
At the heart of the series is a commitment to telling powerful stories about women who balance personal ambition with collective solidarity, and who find strength in friendship and resolve in the face of adversity. The creators emphasize authentic character development, period detail, and a storytelling voice that resonates with contemporary viewers while honoring the historical setting. The project positions RTVE as a leader in high quality, long form drama, offering audiences a rich, character driven experience that pairs historical texture with modern emotional immediacy. The collaboration with Boomerang TV is expected to bring together proven production expertise with fresh storytelling perspectives, delivering a compelling addition to the network’s drama lineup. [citation RTVE]