Atresmedia is poised to dominate the 2026-2027 television season with an unprecedentedly robust slate of new and returning fiction, spanning across its premium streaming platform Atresplayer and flagship broadcast channel Antena 3. The media group’s upcoming programming lineup promises a diverse array of genres, from sweeping historical epics and gripping thrillers to compelling dramas and beloved continuations, signaling a significant investment in high-quality Spanish storytelling. With over a dozen new titles and numerous returning series, Atresmedia is strategically positioning itself to capture a wide audience and solidify its leadership in the Spanish television landscape.
‘Sira’: The Highly Anticipated Return of a Beloved Spy
Headlining the new offerings is "Sira," the eagerly awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed "El tiempo entre costuras" (The Time In Between). The series, based on the best-selling novel by María Dueñas, sees Adriana Ugarte reprise her iconic role as Sira Quiroga. Having concluded its extensive filming in late May, with production spanning Madrid, Bizkaia, and Morocco, the eight-episode series delves into the world of espionage and the post-war era. The narrative promises to pick up Sira’s story, further exploring her complex life and dangerous endeavors.
The ensemble cast features returning faces such as Peter Vives, Rubén Cortada, Carlos Santos, Carlos Olalla, Francesc Garrido, and Elvira Mínguez. The production also boasts significant guest appearances from acclaimed actors like Darío Grandinetti and Cecilia Suárez, alongside a host of international talent, including Jeremy Neumark Jones and Orla O’Leary. Directed by Marina Seresesky and Olga Osorio, with a script penned by Tatiana Rodríguez and María Dueñas herself serving as creative executive producer, "Sira" is positioned as a major production. The series is slated for its premiere at the San Sebastián Film Festival in September, a prestigious platform that often heralds the launch of significant television events. While a definitive broadcast date is yet to be announced, its festival debut suggests a strategic rollout aimed at generating substantial buzz. The original series, "El tiempo entre costuras," which aired in 2013, was a phenomenal success, captivating audiences with its intricate plot, historical setting, and strong female protagonist, achieving an average rating of 17.4% and over 3 million viewers per episode in its initial broadcast on Antena 3. The sequel carries the weight of these high expectations, aiming to recapture the magic that made its predecessor a cultural phenomenon.
‘A la Deriva’: A Nautical Drama Anchored in Intrigue
Scheduled for a September 20, 2026 release on Atresplayer, "A la Deriva" (Adrift) marks another significant new drama. The series will adopt a weekly release model, with new episodes premiering on Sundays before transitioning to Antena 3. This ten-episode drama, each lasting fifty minutes, transports viewers to 1970s Bastuel, a fictional fishing village grappling with the return of five sailors who were presumed dead after a shipwreck two years prior.
The premise sets the stage for profound emotional and social upheaval. The returning men confront widows who have since rebuilt their lives, children who grew up without fathers, and a community forced to confront buried truths. Paula Echevarría, Daniel Grao, and Michel Noher lead a cast that includes Adelfa Calvo, Silvia Alonso, Albert Baró, and Mariam Hernández. The series, created by Susana López Rubio, Javier Holgado, and Juan Beiro, and directed by Humberto Miró and Menna Fité, promises a deeply human exploration of loss, resilience, and the enduring impact of the past. "A la Deriva" will also be showcased at the FesTVal in Vitoria, further underscoring its importance within Atresmedia’s fall programming. The setting in a close-knit fishing community offers a rich backdrop for exploring themes of isolation, tradition, and the psychological toll of prolonged absence.
‘Trazos Ocultos’: A Canarian Thriller of Domestic Deception
Rounding out the prominent new dramas is "Trazos Ocultos" (Hidden Traces), a six-episode domestic thriller filmed in Tenerife. The series stars Toni Acosta as Inés, an art restorer whose seemingly idyllic life unravels as she begins to suspect her husband, played by Rodolfo Sancho, is not who she believes him to be. This intricate plot, steeped in the atmosphere of the Canary Islands, explores the fragility of trust and the secrets that can lie beneath the surface of even the most seemingly stable relationships.
Directed by Javier Pulido, and with a script penned by Sara Cano, Paula Fabra, and Leire Albinarrate – the same creative team behind the successful series "Ángela" – "Trazos Ocultos" is poised to deliver suspense and psychological depth. The series is also set to be presented at the San Sebastián Film Festival, indicating its high production value and artistic ambition. The choice of Tenerife as a filming location not only provides a visually striking backdrop but also allows for the exploration of local culture and potentially unique narrative elements tied to the island’s history and landscape. The series’ focus on a seemingly ordinary woman uncovering extraordinary secrets resonates with a growing audience appetite for character-driven thrillers.
‘Las Hijas de la Criada’: From Atresplayer to Prime Time
The adaptation of Sonsoles Ónega’s Premio Planeta-winning novel, "Las Hijas de la Criada" (The Handmaid’s Daughters), makes its highly anticipated transition from Atresplayer to Antena 3. This series, which premiered on the streaming platform in November 2025 and was the most-watched fiction debut on Atresplayer in three years, will now reach a broader audience. Set between Galicia and Cuba in the early 20th century, the eight-episode series features a compelling cast including Verónica Sánchez, Carlota Baró, Alain Hernández, Martina Cariddi, and Judith Fernández. The second part of the series will have its pre-premiere at the FesTVal in Vitoria, from September 7th to 12th, mirroring the festival spotlight for "A la Deriva." The series’ journey from a successful streaming launch to prime-time broadcast demonstrates Atresmedia’s strategy of nurturing content across its platforms. The historical setting and the exploration of complex family dynamics within a specific socio-political context are expected to draw significant viewership.
Atresplayer’s Expanding Original Content Pipeline
Beyond these prominent premieres, Atresplayer continues to bolster its original content with three additional titles in various stages of development. "Las Vecinas" (The Neighbors) is a sprawling judicial drama featuring Ane Gabarain and Nora Navas as bitter rivals whose decade-long neighborly dispute escalates into a courtroom battle. The series, produced in collaboration with Suma Content (the production company of "Los Javis"), began filming in July and also boasts a strong supporting cast including Laura Weissmahr, Ana Rujas, Marian Álvarez, Manolo Solo, and Roger Casamajor.
"Crimen en España" (Crime in Spain), created by María Bastarós and directed by Claudia Costafreda, will follow a journalist over eleven years as she investigates various crimes, offering a narrative that explores the public’s fascination with true crime. The series aims to dissect this cultural phenomenon through the lens of persistent investigative journalism.
Finally, "Mi Querida Lucía" (My Dear Lucía) will adapt the novel by "La Vecina Rubia" into a psychological thriller. The story centers on an astrologer and single mother, with the narrative commencing in the summer of 2002. While these three productions represent significant additions to Atresplayer’s slate, neither has a confirmed release date nor, in the case of "Crimen en España" and "Mi Querida Lucía," a confirmed cast.
A Robust Lineup of Returning Favorites
Atresmedia is also committed to its established franchises, with several popular series set to return for new seasons. "FoQ: La Nueva Generación" (Física o Química: The New Generation) will launch its second season, continuing the stories within the Zurbarán institute. The erotic-romantic comedy "¿A Qué Estás Esperando?" (¿What Are You Waiting For?), based on Megan Maxwell’s novels, will also return, alongside the legal drama "Perdiendo el Juicio" (Losing the Case), starring Elena Rivera as a lawyer with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The continued success of these series underscores their strong connection with the audience and Atresmedia’s ability to cultivate loyal fan bases.
The universe of "Eva & Nicole" is set to expand and be rebranded as "Renata & Nicole." Belén Rueda and Belinda Washington reprise their roles, joined by new additions including Andrés Velencoso, Gonzalo de Castro, and Oliver Ruano. Created by Daniel Écija, this luxury thriller promises intrigue and secrets set against the backdrop of a five-star hotel. Furthermore, "Ágata y Lola," the police procedural set in Vigo starring Eva Martín and Mireia Oriol, which premiered on July 12th, will also receive a second season. The expansion and continuation of these series highlight Atresmedia’s strategy of building enduring fictional universes that can evolve and engage audiences over multiple installments.
Turkish Dramas and Daytime Successes Anchor Antena 3’s Prime Time and Daytime
In terms of broadcast television, Antena 3’s prime time continues to lean heavily on the enduring popularity of Turkish dramas. "En Tierra Lejana" (In a Distant Land) premiered its second season on August 24th, comprising 35 episodes scheduled to run until spring 2027. A third season is already in production in Turkey. This series, produced by Ay Yapım, filled the programming gap left by the cancellation of "Renacer" and the conclusion of "La Encrucijada." "Una Nueva Vida" (A New Life) maintains its Sunday slot, further diversifying the network’s prime-time offerings.
Daytime television remains a stronghold for Atresmedia, with "Sueños de Libertad" (Dreams of Freedom) consistently being the most-watched Spanish fiction. The series averaged a 14.2% share and 1,235,000 viewers last season. It is projected to reach its 700th episode between November and December. Eulalia Carrillo, the series’ script coordinator, has confirmed that the third season will conclude by early January, with the writing for the subsequent season already underway. This sustained success in the daytime slot demonstrates the enduring appeal of well-crafted serialized dramas.
Innovative Formats and Strategic Festival Showcases
Atresmedia is also embracing innovative formats, including "Una Novia por Navidad" (A Bride for Christmas), Flooxer’s first vertical micro-drama, comprising sixty short episodes designed for mobile viewing. This experimental approach showcases Atresmedia’s willingness to explore new storytelling mediums and reach audiences on diverse platforms.
The upcoming San Sebastián Film Festival in September will serve as a crucial platform for unveiling "Sira" and "Trazos Ocultos," allowing industry professionals and critics to preview these high-profile productions. Similarly, "A la Deriva" will be presented at the FesTVal in Vitoria, an event dedicated to showcasing new television productions. These strategic festival appearances are designed to generate critical acclaim and anticipation ahead of their respective releases.
The sheer volume of new and returning content signifies a significant strategic push by Atresmedia. The group is not only investing heavily in established intellectual property but also diversifying its genre offerings and exploring new creative avenues. With a slate that promises high production values, compelling narratives, and a blend of established stars and emerging talent, Atresmedia is clearly aiming to set a new benchmark for Spanish television in the coming seasons. The success of this ambitious plan will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences across multiple platforms and its continued commitment to delivering quality storytelling.
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