Netflix unveils Mexico originals slate, orders US & Spanish shows

Netflix has revealed details of the 50 original productions to be made in Mexico, following its previously announced $300m investment into the country earlier this year, alongside new commissions in Spain and the US.

Speaking at a virtual upfront yesterday, Francisco Ramos, the streamer’s VP of content for Latin America, shared details of the Mexican projects, which include the drama Dale Gas, which is being written by David Figueroa, Itzel Lara and Alfredo Mendoza and tells the story of a racing driver who returns to his family business after an accident.

El Comediante, meanwhile, follows a comedian who agrees to be a sperm donor so his best friend can have a child, while other scripted projects include comedies Fondeados and Guerra De Vecinos and La Venganza De Las Juanas.

On the unscripted side, Netflix has ordered Jugando Con Fuego Latinoamérica, following a group of single people who try to abstain from sex for 40 days and 40 nights for a chance to win a cash prize.

Outside of Mexico, the streamer is also planning to expand its production centre in Madrid, Spain, doubling its number of sets from five to ten and adding new post-production facilities.

As part of an effort to boost its commitment to the Spanish cultural industry, Netflix is working on three Spanish book-to-screen adaptations; Un Cuento Perfecto, by Elisabet Benavent, La Chica De Nieve by Javier Castillo and Hijas Del Camino by Lucía-Asué Mbomío.

Other recent commissions from the streamer include a pair of US-produced unscripted shows. One is a documentary series from 300 Studios and Boardwalk Pictures, following NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace as he competes for the newly formed 23XI Racing team.

The other comes from teen content creator collective Hype House – aka Kouvr Annon, Nikita Dragun, Sienna Mae Gomez, Chase Hudson, Larri Merritt, Thomas Petrou, Alex Warren and Jack Wright – who will reveal a rarely seen side of themselves in the as-yet unnamed show.