Andalusian Spanish in TV Shows and Movies
With its distinctive cultural flair, the emergence of andalusian spanish in TV shows is redefining a narrative that had long favored the standard Spanish accent in Spanish cinema and television for its perceived neutrality in professional and social contexts.
What’s more, in recent 21st century productions, a shift is evident. They now incorporate Andalusian as another regional variety, not implying less sophistication or intelligence.
This change has allowed for a broader and more accurate representation of Spain’s linguistic diversity. Let’s take a look at five productions where at least one character brings the Andalusian touch to the screen.
La casa de papel (Money Heist)
La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) is one of the most successful Spanish series ever. It lacks an Andalusian protagonist. However, it features a key character: Agustín Ramos (Moscow), played by Paco Tous. This Spanish actor is from Seville and naturally uses his Andalusian accent in the role. This makes Moscow one of the warmest and most fatherly figures in the show. In fact, his speech reflects the relaxed and emotional nature of Andalusian speakers. And it makes him stand out from the intense heist crew.
On the other hand, Gandía is a ruthless head of security introduced in season 2. He speaks with an Andalusian accent that maintains linguistic authenticity while showcasing a different character profile. This character, played by José Manuel Poga, is the head of security at the Bank of Spain. He is a major antagonist known for his violent and calculating nature. His accent, far from being associated with warmth or humor, adds an intimidating and intense presence to the show.
This series is available on Netflix.
Malaka
Malaka is a crime drama deeply embedded in the city of Málaga, not only in its setting but also in its linguistic expression. The series portrays the gritty underworld of the Costa del Sol, and the Andalusian accent is omnipresent. Salva, played by Salva Reina, is one of the main characters and embodies the local speech patterns. Unlike the often caricatured Andalusian accents seen in Spanish media, Malaka makes a point of showing authentic, everyday speech, adding realism to the storyline. If you want to hear genuine Málaga accents in action, this is the show for you.
This series is available on RTVE, you can watch the first season for free here.
I recommend watching this YouTube video before starting the series to ensure you understand all the expressions used.
Menuda Noche
Though not a fictional series, Menuda Noche is an essential mention when discussing Andalusian presence on television. This long-running talk show, hosted by Juan y Medio, is a staple of Canal Sur, the Andalusian regional channel. Juan y Medio’s strong Andalusian accent and charisma have made him one of Spain’s most beloved TV personalities. The show features children interacting with celebrities in a humorous way that highlights the spontaneity of Andalusian speech. If you want to experience a fun and authentic representation of this accent, Menuda Noche is a great choice.
This programme is available in Canal Sur Mas, you can watch the first season for free here.
Toy Boy
Set in Marbella, Toy Boy follows the life of a stripper, Hugo Beltrán, who is trying to prove his innocence after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Given its setting on the Andalusian coast, the series naturally incorporates local accents. Jesús Mosquera, who plays Hugo, delivers a speech pattern influenced by the area. However, it is Carlo Costanzia, who plays Jairo, that truly represents the Andalusian linguistic identity. The show captures the Costa del Sol lifestyle and its mix of locals and international residents, making the Andalusian accent an essential part of its atmosphere.
This series is available on Netflix.
Mar de Plástico (Plastic Sea)
This crime series, set in the province of Almería, revolves around the murder of a young woman in a town heavily influenced by agriculture and immigration. Several characters in the show speak with an Andalusian accent, reflecting the setting. Fernando Cayo, who plays Colonel Alejandro, adopts an accent reminiscent of the region, adding a layer of authenticity. However, critics have pointed out that Mar de Plástico reinforces certain stereotypes, especially in relation to the immigrant community and the representation of local speech. Despite this, it remains a significant production where the Andalusian accent plays a role in shaping the environment of the series.
This series is available on Prime Video.
El Niño
El Niño is a high-paced thriller that explores the world of drug trafficking between Morocco and southern Spain, particularly the Strait of Gibraltar. The film follows El Niño (played by Jesús Castro), a young man from Cádiz who gets involved in smuggling. The Andalusian accent is crucial in this movie, as it adds to the authenticity of the setting and the characters. Jesús Castro, who is from Vejer de la Frontera, naturally speaks with a strong Andalusian accent, making his performance even more realistic. The film does not portray the accent in a negative light but rather uses it to reinforce the cultural and geographical context of the story.
This film is available on YouTube, you can watch it for free here. Just keep in mind that the video quality is low and it includes Arabic subtitles.
Conclusion
Andalusian Spanish in TV shows is gaining more visibility, breaking stereotypes and showcasing the richness of regional speech. The Andalusian accent is vital in Spain’s linguistic landscape. While some productions capture its authenticity better than others, an Andalusian voice on screen adds a special flavor.
If you’d like a second part, like and share this post with friends who enjoy practicing Andalusian Spanish.
Would you like to perfectly understand Andalusian Spanish accents in all these shows? Check out my Andalusian Spanish course, where I cover pronunciation, vocabulary, culture, and much more!