If you’re itching to get a taste of Argentine culture before joining us for your Mente Argentina program, check out some of these shows. Argentinians will definitely be pleasantly surprised and impressed when you start talking about your favorite member of Los Simuladores (team Betún all the way) or your own theory about what happened to María Marta.
One of the best ways to get to know a country and practice a language is through at-home immersion. A great medium for this is television show, and fortunately these days it is easy to do so through streaming services like Netflix. Netflix has invested in the production of several Argentine shows over the last few years so we have decided to share a few that we recommend. This selection has a little bit of everything so check out the descriptions and start binge-watching now!
Los Simuladores – YouTube – Comedy, Thriller
I dare you to try and name a more iconic Argentine television show than Los Simuladores. On air for only two seasons, just after the economic collapse in the early 2000s, Los Simuladores is a national treasure. A group of four men solve the problems of regular people through extremely thorough (and often ridiculous) “simulations” or cons using their very special skills and connections. With an awesome cast of recurring characters, Los Simuladores is a must-watch for anyone looking for a great Argentinian show.
Los Simuladores is available on Netflix in Argentina and on YouTube internationally with English subtitles (link above).
El Marginal – Netflix – Drama
El Marginal is the current hit in Argentine television. The show has won many awards and gained international attention for its entertaining cast of characters compelling storytelling. The show takes place in a Buenos Aires prison, documenting the lives of those living there. From kidnapping, to overthrowing prison gang bosses, El Marginal features all sorts of intense storylines while also welcoming moments of humor. It is highly recommended that you watch with subtitles as the dialect of the characters can be difficult to understand, even for native Spanish speakers.
Having originally aired on Argentina public television, Netflix picked up El Marginal for its third season and now all the 5 seasons are available on Netflix internationally (link above).
Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta – Netflix – True Crime
Rich people, family secrets and an unsolved mysterious crime; what more could you possibly ask for? Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta is a Netflix true crime docu-series about one of the most iconic and puzzling crimes in recent Argentine history. With the country in economic crisis in the early 2000s, a woman from a wealthy family dies under suspicious circumstances in her vacation home just outside of the city of Buenos Aires. Initially thought to be an accident, it is soon discovered that a heinous crime has been committed and her familyy members who initially seem sympathetic start to become suspects themselves.
This series is available internationally on Netflix (link above).
Apache: The Life of Carlos Tevez – Netflix – Sports Biopic Series
One of the best footballers in Argentine history, Carlos Tevez is known as being an amazing player with an extremely difficult past. This is something he carries with him, having severe burns across his face and down his chest. Originally from a rough neighborhood just outside of the city of Buenos Aires, Tevez fought through a lot to get to where he is today. Having played internationally, he has returned to the team where he belongs, Boca Juniors. This biopic series documents his difficult upbringing and his journey to becoming the iconic player he is today.
This is an original series from Netflix so it is available internationally on the platform (link above).
Nisman: the Prosecutor, the President, and the Spy – Netflix – True Crime
“A Nisman lo mataron” is a common phrase that you’ll hear in Argentine meme culture, suggesting the conspiracy behind the 2015 death of Alberto Nisman. Four days after accusing then-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of covering up the worst act of terrorism in Argentinian history, the bombing of the AMIA Jewish cultural center in 1994, prosecutor Alberto Nisman was found dead in his home with a single bullet in his head. The next day he was due to testify before congress with the findings of his investigation. His death was officially declared a suicide but most Argentines know that not to be true. The flame of injustice is fueled by the fact that no one has been prosecuted for the 1994 attack that killed 84 people. This docu-series follows the story of his life, investigation and still unsolved death.
This is a Netflix docu-series so it can be streamed on the platform internationally (link above).
No Time For Shame – Netflix – Fashion Reality TV
This reality mini-series follows the life of extremely extra celebrity fashion designer Santiago Artemis. Originally from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, he moved to Buenos Aires at an early age to follow his passion for fashion. The show follows his life, both personal and professional, in the context of the city of Buenos Aires where his huge personality certainly stands out. If you’re interested in reality TV, fashion, or both, this series is definitely worth checking out.
No Time for Shame is a Netflix original and thus can be streamed internationally (link above).
Almost Happy – Netflix – Irreverent Comedy
One thing that you’ll notice is that radio is very much alive and well in Argentina. Radio personalities are considered celebrities in Buenos Aires and many have a radio program that they are die-hard fans of. Argentine comedian and radio personality Sebastián Wainraich wrote and stars in this series about a radio personality and comedian named Sebastian. Conceptually similar to shows like Seinfeld, Louie, or Curb Your Enthusiasm, this show follows the professional and personal life of this fictional character. This series gives you a fun look at some parts of the culture in Buenos Aires.
This is a Netflix show and is available internationally (link above).