Hello, everyone! Hope you’re doing well! Today, I’m diving into a review of the series Valeria, often dubbed as Netflix’s Spanish take on Sex and the City. This beloved show delves into the dynamics of modern female friendships and romance set against the backdrop of Madrid.
Debuting on May 8, 2020, Valeria offered viewers 8 episodes per season, each around 40 minutes, on Netflix. The series reached its conclusion with the fourth season on February 14, 2025. Adapted from the novel series “En los zapatos de Valeria” by Elísabet Benavent, this Spanish comedy-drama was developed by María López Castaño.
The narrative centers around Valeria, a writer grappling with creative blocks and romantic challenges, who finds solace and support in her trio of friends as they embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. Set in the vibrant city of Madrid, the series captures the essence of contemporary Spanish life while exploring universal themes of friendship, love, and self-exploration.
Diana Gómez stars as Valeria, joined by Silma López, Paula Malia, and Teresa Riott as her close friends, forming a dynamic ensemble that anchors the emotional depth of the series throughout its four-season trajectory.
A Writer Facing Creative and Marital Challenges
The storyline of Valeria revolves around a writer at a crossroads in both her creative endeavors and marriage. Facing difficulties in her writing career and strained relations with her husband Adrián, she leans on her three best friends, Carmen, Lola, and Nerea, who each offer unique insights and support during her personal struggles.
Set against Madrid’s dynamic social backdrop, the series portrays how the women juggle their careers, romantic lives, and personal growth. Each of them confronts individual trials, from professional setbacks to complex love scenarios, weaving together multiple interlinked narratives.
The show candidly addresses contemporary issues like infidelity, career hurdles, sexual empowerment, and the intricacies of adult friendships, maintaining a tone that is both light-hearted and engaging.
Valeria’s Path to Self-Realization
Diana Gómez skillfully portrays Valeria, a woman caught between her creative dreams and the stagnancy of her marriage. Her character’s journey transitions from a frustrated writer stuck in routine to someone who learns to prioritize her own happiness and artistic goals.
Gómez authentically captures Valeria’s internal battles, showcasing her vulnerabilities and growing strength as she faces tough choices about her marriage and career. Her character’s evolution is particularly compelling as she discovers new facets of herself through her experiences and relationships.
Valeria’s journey of self-discovery resonates with audiences who have encountered similar crossroads in their lives, presenting her as a relatable and inspiring figure who undergoes significant growth over the series’ four seasons.
Supporting Characters and the Bonds of Friendship
The supporting cast of Silma López (Carmen), Paula Malia (Lola), and Teresa Riott (Nerea) creates a vibrant tapestry of female friendship that serves as the emotional cornerstone of the series. Each character offers diverse traits and life experiences that both support and challenge Valeria’s viewpoints.
The chemistry among the four actresses is palpable, establishing authentic friendships that feel genuine and relatable. Their candid conversations about love, careers, and life add to the show’s reputation as a modern exploration of female friendships.
The series adeptly illustrates how these women support each other through various life challenges while continuing to maintain their individual identities and pursue their own ambitions and relationships.
Exploring Love and Relationships
Valeria’s romantic narratives are intricate and realistic, steering clear of fairy-tale conclusions in favor of genuine relationship dynamics. Maxi Iglesias and Ibrahim Al Shami offer captivating love interests that challenge Valeria’s notions of love and commitment.
The series examines various relationship forms, from enduring marriages to intense affairs, casual dating to profound emotional bonds. Each romantic storyline is approached with sensitivity and realism, depicting both the joys and heartaches of modern love.
The show’s treatment of sexuality and romance is refreshingly transparent, addressing subjects often overlooked in other series while respecting the emotional journeys of its characters.
Achievements on Netflix
Valeria boasts a 6.7/10 rating on IMDb and has been lauded for its genuine representation of modern Spanish womanhood. While comparisons to Sex and the City are frequent, the series has nonetheless forged its own distinct identity within the Spanish-speaking community and beyond. The fourth and final season premiered on February 14, 2025, offering a Valentine’s Day finale to Valeria’s story. Known as a light-hearted, engaging dramedy, the series, while not revolutionary, features appealing characters and sharp writing that make it thoroughly enjoyable.
If you’re drawn to tales of female friendships, contemporary romances, and Spanish cultural nuances with a Sex and the City flair, Valeria is an ideal choice to binge on Netflix.
Valeria captures the essence of contemporary female bonds while exploring universal themes of romance, career, and self-discovery within an authentic Spanish setting that is both engaging and entertaining.
Series Information:
Number of Episodes: 8 per season (4 seasons total, concluded)
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 6.7/10
Genre: Comedy-Drama / Romance
Main Characters: Diana Gómez (Valeria), Silma López (Carmen), Paula Malia (Lola), Teresa Riott (Nerea), Maxi Iglesias, Ibrahim Al Shami
Antagonist: Life circumstances and personal challenges rather than a single antagonist