Europe in the Spotlight: Netflix’s Spanish Series Boom
Netflix has continued to build on its strong track record with European content, especially from Spain—a country recognized for producing gripping, original shows. After memorable successes like “La casa de papel” (“Money Heist”), the platform added a new title this summer that has already drawn attention: La carta de los deseos (The Wish Map). The series premiered on July 17, 2026.
Staying true to its approach of exploring deep emotion and universal themes, Netflix adapted the work from Alice Kellen’s novel. The series fits perfectly into the lineup for those searching for fresh fiction to binge as summer nights stretch on.
Raw Emotion and Rising Talent
This release continues Netflix’s strong investment in Spanish-language productions, celebrated for their ability to mix subtlety and intense human drama. “La carta de los deseos” embraces that approach, with stories where emotional impact outweighs style. The show also showcases a cast filled with young actors who have already made their mark in various acclaimed Spanish and international projects.
The Story: Loss, Hope, and a Game with Purpose
“La carta de los deseos” confronts one of the most sensitive subjects in modern storytelling: loss and rebuilding one’s self. Adapted from Alice Kellen's novel, the Spanish miniseries follows Greta, played by Alícia Falcó, whose world is shattered by her sister Lucy’s death from leukemia. Greta’s greatest hope had been to save Lucy with her own stem cells, but when fate closes that door, Greta must learn anew—first, how to live for herself, then how to find meaning in what’s left after losing so much.
Setting this series apart is the narrative device crafted by Lucy before her passing: “the wish map,” a heartfelt game designed to help Greta take the first steps toward healing. This challenge, loaded with self-reflection, anger, hope, and fear, forces Greta to face her vulnerabilities, rediscover self-love, and answer a persistent question: can she move on from a mission that once gave her entire life its meaning?
Standout Cast and More Highlights from Netflix This July
Beyond its gripping story, “La carta de los deseos” features a strong cast, including Georgina Amorós as Lucy, Pablo Álvarez as Will, Mario de la Rosa (noted for “La casa de papel”), as well as Laia Marull and Ramón Barea. The ensemble matches the emotional depth and stakes of the series, promising moments of tears, catharsis, and hope for viewers.
But Netflix’s summer programming didn’t stop there. On July 1, the third film in the Enola Holmes series debuted, continuing the saga for fans of the young detective. Reportedly, this third installment brought some changes compared to the earlier movies, sparking anticipation among fans. On July 2, Netflix added Human Vapor, a science-fiction series featuring a mysterious universe and new faces for viewers to discover. Then, on July 9, a modern adaptation of Little House on the Prairie premiered. Early previews suggested the new version remained faithful to the spirit of the original show while updating it for today’s audiences. Altogether, July on Netflix has shaped up to be a season packed with new discoveries and plenty for fans to enjoy each week.
