Atresmedia has announced the premiere date for a new documentary series that delves into the Spanish monarchy. The series, titled The Bourbons: A Royal Family, will debut its first episode on Tuesday, May 31, and will be available for streaming on Atresplayer Premium as well as on laSexta. In keeping with a weekly release strategy, new episodes will arrive on a consistent cadence, giving audiences across North America and beyond a chance to follow the unfolding narrative in real time. This approach mirrors how many contemporary documentary programs are structured for binge-friendly yet schedule-driven consumption, making it easier for viewers to fit the series into busy lives and to anticipate each subsequent installment.
In its storytelling, the program compiles a rich archive of documents, archival imagery, and testimonies that resonate with public interest while shedding light on the recent chapters of the royal lineage. The focus is on the succession and reign of Juan Carlos I, a monarch whose long tenure is among the most significant in European history. The series traces the arc from the early years of the modern constitutional monarchy to the moment of abdication, providing a throughline that connects past traditions with contemporary debates about monarchy, leadership, and national identity. The emphasis on accuracy and context helps Canadian and American viewers understand the enduring symbolism and the political dynamics that have shaped modern Spain, even as perceptions of monarchy evolve around the world.
What sets this production apart is its use of historical archives, never-before-seen documents, and carefully curated images that illuminate moments often discussed in public discourse. The program draws on the perspectives of historians, writers, journalists, collaborators, and individuals connected to the Royal Household to present a nuanced account of an institution in transition. This blend of primary materials and expert commentary aims to offer viewers a balanced portrait that respects the complexities of royal history while inviting critical reflection about how succession and governance have shaped Spain’s national story. The work invites audiences to consider how monarchy interacts with modern political life and public memory, an inquiry that resonates across regions where constitutional frameworks and ceremonial traditions coexist with contemporary democratic norms.
Directed by the team behind notable successes in documentary storytelling, the series brings together key creators who have previously delivered acclaimed programs on related topics. The project positions Gabilondo as the guiding producer while Ana Pastor lends her investigative journalism expertise to the project. The collaboration unites Newtral and Exile Content in partnership with Alea Media, combining investigative rigor with documentary craft to produce a series that aims to inform and engage. The collaboration underscores how international production partnerships can enrich storytelling, offering audiences a well-rounded view that respects both historical detail and present-day relevance. This multinational approach helps ensure a broad appeal to viewers in Canada, the United States, and other markets who are curious about European royal history and its modern implications.
By bringing together the talents behind previously successful projects such as Homeland, led by Aitor Gabilondo, and the documentary Nevenka by Ana Pastor, the new series signals a commitment to high-quality non-fiction storytelling. Exile Content, a Los Angeles and Mexico-based studio known for compelling documentary work, also contributed to the project, bringing international sensibilities to the narrative. The result is a program that seeks to balance rigorous historical investigation with compelling character-driven storytelling, offering an accessible entry point for viewers who may be new to the topic while satisfying long-time followers of royal history and European affairs. The end product is designed to inform, challenge, and perhaps even spark discussion about the role of monarchy in a modern republic, both in Europe and around the world.