Certain shows capture interest right from the initial episode, and La Promesa is among them. This Spanish drama intertwines a captivating story of intrigue, vengeance, and fidelity amid the luxury of early 20th-century Spain. The narrative centers on Jana, a young lady resolute in her quest to reveal the reality behind her mother's vanishing and her father's killing.
Her probe takes her to penetrate the magnificent estate of La Promesa as a maid, where familial secrets are profound and treachery hides behind every gleaming grin. It's a gradually unfolding drama with just enough plot twists to captivate the audience. The cast provides outstanding performances, with Ana Garcés excelling as the passionately driven Jana. Auxiliary characters contribute depth to the story, ranging from treacherous aristocrats to the intricately drawn personnel of the estate.
Viewers lauded La Promesa for its engaging plot, rich historical details, and its ability to balance romance with tension. It's the type of program that causes viewers to scrutinize every look, every statement, every hint. For anyone who craved more of La Promesa and its complex tapestry of drama, there are plenty of series that reflect a comparable vibe. Here’s a compilation of six titles that are worth exploring next.
Disclaimer: This article contains the opinion of the writer. Reader's discretion is advised.
Invisible, Vis a vis, and 3 other shows similar to La Promesa.
1) Invisible (2024)
Invisible, a short series on Disney+, based on Eloy Moreno's book, tells the story of 12-year-old Capi. He faces a hard event that leaves him with deep post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While Capi deals with growing up, he finds he can turn invisible—a sign of his sense of being alone and feeling left out. The series looks at themes of bullying, finding oneself, and the weight of new powers, creating a tale that is both moving and thought-provoking.
Eric Seijo shines as Capi, delivering a nuanced performance, while Aura Garrido and Miki Esparbé add depth as key supporting characters. Fans of La Promesa will find a similar intensity in Invisible. While La Promesa unfolds in the grandeur of early 20th-century Spain, unraveling secrets and betrayals within a noble household, Invisible takes a contemporary route, exploring a young boy’s internal struggles alongside a supernatural twist.
Both shows thrive on their layered storytelling and complex characters, pulling viewers into emotionally charged narratives. For those who appreciate La Promesa’s ability to balance suspense with heartfelt moments, Invisible offers a fresh yet equally gripping take on personal challenges and hidden truths.
2) Vis a vis (2015)
Life in prison isn’t for the weak, and Vis a vis also known as Locked Up portrays it candidly. This Spanish drama on Netflix dives directly into the turmoil of Cruz del Sur, a maximum-security women's prison, where survival is a constant struggle. At the heart of the story is Macarena Ferreiro, a sheltered young woman who finds herself in prison after being coerced into engaging in financial crimes.
Her seven-year sentence disrupts her life completely, compelling her to confront tough inmates, dishonest officials, and the harsh truths of life behind bars. Maggie Civantos excels as Macarena, portraying her evolution from innocent to resilient. The supporting actors bring significant strength, featuring Najwa Nimri as the perilous and erratic Zulema and Berta Vázquez as Rizos, a character full of deep emotion and appeal. It’s chaotic, passionate, and hard to turn away from.
For enthusiasts of La Promesa, Vis a vis provides a similar exploration of complex characters and intense drama. While La Promesa delves into mysteries and treachery within a lavish mansion, Vis a vis swaps sophistication for rawness, plunging deeply into conflicts for power and survival in a tight environment. Both programs captivate their viewers with narratives rich in suspense, surprises, and memorable characters.
3) Breathless (2024)
Breathless a Netflix Spanish drama transports viewers to a public hospital in Spain, where medical staff are on the brink of striking over poor working conditions. In this context, the series delves into the personal and professional journeys of the medical team, blending critical medical cases with the daily struggles of functioning in an overloaded system. It's a sincere, heartfelt insight into the difficulties of sustaining a hospital's functions during times of turmoil.
Starring Najwa Nimri as Patricia, a doctor balancing the demands of her profession and an impending strike, the ensemble features Aitana Sánchez-Gijón and Blanca Suárez, who enhance the emotional weight of the story. Their performances emphasize the intricate relationships that develop in the high-pressure realm of medicine. For enthusiasts of La Promesa, Breathless provides an alternative type of drama while maintaining similar tension and complex character growth.
While La Promesa revolves around family secrets and power conflicts within an estate, Breathless centers on the challenges faced in a hospital environment. Both series flourish with suspense, emotional complexity, and characters dealing with profound personal challenges. If La Promesa is captivating, Breathless will not let you down.
4) Past Lies (2024)
Past Lies begins with great intensity, delving into the enigmatic vanishing of a woman called Mati. Twenty-five years have passed since she disappeared, but when fresh evidence emerges, a circle of long-time friends must confront the hidden truths they've concealed for years. The show is a thrilling ride of suspense, filled with tension, unexpected turns, and instances when you can’t be certain whom to trust.
Elena Anaya stars as Rita, supported by a talented ensemble of actresses, including Belén Cuesta and Irene Escolar. Every individual adds a distinct layer to their character, causing every dialogue to seem rich with history and emotion. Admirers of La Promesa will discover many appealing elements in Past Lies.
While La Promesa focuses on managing power conflicts and hidden secrets in a 20th-century estate, Past Lies offers a contemporary, intense twist on the concept of buried truths—this time within friendships. Both series explore intricate relationships, unexpected twists, and flawed characters. If La Promesa made an impact, Past Lies is guaranteed to resonate similarly.
5) Intimacy (2022)
Intimacy kicks off with a jaw-dropping twist. Malen, a rising politician, suddenly finds her world turned upside down when a private video of her is leaked to the public. It’s not just her career at risk—it’s her entire life. As the fallout spirals, the show takes a hard look at how privacy and power clash in today’s world. It’s raw, emotional, and full of moments that make you think twice about the cost of secrecy.
Itziar Ituño plays Malen with incredible depth, capturing the weight of a woman trying to reclaim control after her life is turned into a spectacle. The rest of the cast—Patricia López Arnaiz, Emma Suárez, and others—bring the tension to life, making each scene feel charged with urgency and emotion.
Sure, La Promesa is set in an old-world estate, full of secrets and royal intrigue, but both shows tap into the same core: complex characters navigating explosive situations. Whether it's power struggles in a grand house or the battle for dignity in the digital age, Intimacy keeps the intensity and suspense that makes La Promesa addictive.
6) The Mess You Leave Behind (2020)
The Mess You Leave Behind is a Spanish thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats Raquel, an instructor of literature, secures a position in a tiny town in Galicia. She quickly discovers that her predecessor, Viruca, passed away under enigmatic conditions. As Raquel explores further, she reveals sinister truths about the town and its inhabitants. The series is full of suspense, featuring twists and changes that keep the audience on their toes.
Inma Cuesta portrays Raquel, adding richness and intricacy to the character. Bárbara Lennie plays Viruca, whose influence remains significant even posthumously. The supporting ensemble, featuring Tamar Novas and Arón Piper, enhances the tale, with each character contributing a distinct dimension to the narrative. Viewers of La Promesa will find The Mess You Leave Behind captivating.
Both shows explore the intricacies of human connections and the mysteries that unite individuals. While La Promesa takes place in an early 20th-century estate, delving into power conflicts and family relationships, The Mess You Leave Behind occurs in a modern school context, centering on the enigmas that arise within a tight-knit community. Both programs provide thrilling narratives and intricate characters that captivate audiences.
If La Promesa is captivated by its intricate storytelling and unforgettable characters, these five shows are sure to hit the spot. Each offers a unique mix of suspense, drama, and unforgettable twists that will keep anyone hooked.