Spanish-Language TV Shows with More Than a Decade on the Air
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With so many streaming choices available, it’s remarkable when a show remains popular for more than 10 years. But some Spanish-Language TV shows have achieved this feat, enchanting audiences year after year, and building large, devoted fan bases within the Latino community over their long runs.
Spanish-Language TV networks understood early on the demand for entertainment formats that reflected Hispanic Heritage [1]. DishLATINO tapped into this interest in Spanish language programming with channel packages designed specifically for Hispanic households [2]. With this loyal audience, networks have maintained several long-running productions on the air since the 1990s and 2000s.
What are some of the classic Spanish language programs that have earned this lasting popularity? Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic shows that viewers never get tired of:
Top Shows with Staying Power
Since 2006, Antena Tres Internacional’s variety show El Hormiguero has been making audiences laugh with its unpredictable talk show format. The show features hilarious interviews with famous guests, amusing improvised comedy sketches with the hosts, and impressive science experiments with expert guests. The show also has two funny puppet ants, Trancas and Barrancas, who co-host with main host Pablo Motos and interact with the celebrity guests throughout the show’s signature segments.
El Hormiguero has gained a large international fanbase for its unique and humorous approach to celebrity interviews and science demonstrations. The innovative show has won many awards for its creative use of technologies like augmented reality and special effects in comedy sketches and experiments. It’s no wonder Antena Tres Internacional keeps this original show on the air year after year!
Another well-known show that attracts attention on Spanish TV is TVE Internacional’s Españoles en el Mundo, which has been on TV since 2010. This documentary-style program usually features travelogs that give insights into the lives of Spanish expatriates living in different countries. Each episode visits a variety of locations around the world, showing the culture, traditions, lifestyle details and unique challenges faced by Spanish immigrants in their new homes. Over the years, reporters have covered expat groups living in places ranging from urban Shanghai to mountainous Italian towns to New Orleans neighborhoods, and even remote wildlife reserves!
Besides appealing to viewers who love to travel, Españoles en el Mundo also informs audiences by giving them a rare glimpse into Spanish diaspora communities worldwide [3]. The show has received acclaim for its success in promoting greater cultural exchange and understanding between Spaniards and their exiled relatives around the world.
TVE Internacional also keeps viewers hooked with its long-running celebrity news and entertainment show D Corazón, which shows Spain’s ongoing interest in its diverse and talented musicians, actors and personalities.
Azteca TV Favorites
If you’re looking for news and entertainment tailored specifically for Latino audiences, Azteca TV always delivers. Two of its most quintessentially Mexican programs are Ventaneando and Venga la Alegría. These shows are also syndicated widely across Latin America.
Ventaneando offers in-depth investigative reporting on Mexico’s entertainment scene. The show is hosted by the legendary anchor Pati Chapoy herself, Their reporting exposes the truth behind the latest rumors and scandals surrounding the country’s most famous celebrities. Thanks to Chapoy’s no-nonsense style and gripping coverage of showbiz drama, Ventaneando has become appointment viewing for generations.
Beloved morning variety show Venga la Alegría provides lighter breakfast fare every weekday. Audiences feast on a lively mix of gossip, cooking demonstrations, celebrity guests and lifestyle segments sponsored by popular brands. The hosts’ infectious energy and on-screen chemistry has won over families seeking a fun kickoff to their day.
Loyal Fans of Free Spanish TV
Spanish speakers who only have access to free broadcast networks in the U.S. and elsewhere still have some choices. Channels like Telemundo and Univision offer news and entertainment programs that rival those on cable.
One of Telemundo’s most established shows is Al Rojo Vivo, which has been airing since 2002. This daily news magazine covers current events in depth, focusing on politics, crime, human interest stories, and more. It features segments with expert analysis, investigative journalism, and field reports from correspondents.
Original host María Celeste Arrarás led nearly two decades of groundbreaking coverage until her farewell in 2020. Current hosts are Lourdes Stephen and Jessica Carrillo. Stephen and Carrillo continue to present relevant headlines with the show’s trademark fast-paced delivery.
On Univision, Primer Impacto has been informing Spanish households for over 30 years and counting. Icon María Celeste Arrarás once hosted this show before joining Al Rojo Vivo. Today, a new team led by presenters Michelle Galván and Pamela Silva combines special reports from the studio with exclusive field interviews. No matter who is on the screen, Primer Impacto seems unstoppable!
Univision’s hard-hitting news magazine Aquí y Ahora also keeps its loyal viewers. The show’s authority rests on star veteran journalists María Elena Salinas and Teresa Rodríguez at the helm. Known for exploring news stories and investigations that others overlook, Aquí y Ahora addresses topics that are highly relevant to Latino viewers.
Segments often reveal shocking facts about issues like immigration policy, healthcare access, criminal justice and political representation [4]. Even while producing independent reporting, the show still makes room for highlighting positive cultural trends that unite Hispanic communities.
Univision’s beloved morning talk show Despierta América premiered in 1997 with original hosts Giselle Blondet, Ana María Canseco, Rafael José and Fernando Arau at the forefront. Today, the Despierta lineup features current fan favorites like Karla Martínez, Alan Tacher, Francisca Lachapel and others delivering content ranging from light entertainment news, cooking demos, celebrity interviews and life advice. Thanks to its winning formula, Despierta América enjoys ratings dominance against rivals.
CNN en Español Joins Long Runners Club
Café CNN is a popular show on CNN en Español, which started in 2011. It combines news and analysis with talk show features. The program has lively and insightful conversations about current issues and events. They often interview journalists, experts and people who make the news.
CNN en Español has invested more in Café CNN’s production quality in recent years, making it more appealing compared to entertainment programs.
Choose Your Favorite Flavor
Thanks to DishLATINO’s tiered channel packages, audiences can easily access all their favorite Spanish shows. Opt for DishLATINO Plus to enjoy a solid roster of news, sports, movies and general entertainment. Upgrade to DishLATINO Dos for more niche offerings like game shows and lifestyle content. Or go all out with DishLATINO Max’s hundreds of local and international channels — everything from telenovelas to music!
No matter your tastes, DishLATINO delivers the exact Spanish language programming you crave. Call today to unlock a world of long-running hits and discover new favorites!
[1] Edsitement.NEH.gov. “Hispanic Heritage.”
[2] Census.gov. “Hispanic Groups Population.”
[3] PewResearch.org. “Facts on Hispanics with origins from Spain.”