Watching TV in Spain is about much more than finding your favourite British programmes. From free-to-air channels and streaming services to live football and popular Spanish dramas, our writer Sally explains everything you need to know to make the most of television when you own a home in Spain.
Buying a home in Spain doesn’t mean giving up the programmes and sport you love. In fact, you’ll have more viewing options than ever. Alongside familiar streaming services, Spanish television can help you improve your language skills, stay informed about local life and feel more connected to your new community.
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It’s summer and it is hot – the ideal weather to be on the beach or by a swimming pool. The evenings are warm and the restaurant and bar terraces are busy. You might feel that this is not the time to think about television (except for sport) but come September and schools are open again, holidays are over and the days are shorter, so TV returns to our lives. It is also a month when the TV companies often have special offers or discounts and are sometimes found in conjunction with telephone contracts.
Spain has many channels as well as streaming services. Watching Spanish TV is a great way to learn the language, especially game shows where it is easier to absorb new words. Also, try watching the news in Spanish: the headlines and pictures will help you understand what is happening. Children can enjoy kids’ programmes while also learning the language.
Most of us watch TV for entertainment and/or sport, so let’s take a look at TV in Spain:
Spanish channels
Television in Spain consists of public national networks, commercial private broadcasters and regional stations. The main broadcast and public services are:
- RTVE (Televisión Española): The public state-owned provider running free national channels like La 1 and La 2, funded without commercial advertising.
- Atresmedia: Major private media group operating popular commercial networks including Antena 3 and La Sexta.
- Mediaset España: Major private group managing commercial networks including Telecinco and Cuatro.
There are numerous local and regional TV stations, for example, regional public stations run by individual autonomous communities (such as TV3 in Catalonia or Canal Sur in Andalusia).
Pay TV and streaming platforms
- Movistar Plus+: Major telecommunications pay-TV provider offering bundled fibre, sports and movie channels.
- Global Services: International streaming options like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max operate locally with extensive Spanish dubbing and subtitle choices.
Telephone companies offering streaming services:
- Movistar Plus: Films, series, programmes and documentaries: all M+ Originals and the best international productions.
- Orange TV: 90 channels and SkyShowtime, streaming services
- Lowi (Vodafone): Netflix, Disney and HBO (low cost)
- Vodafone: Max, Disney+ and Prime Video, alongside standard channels.
There are several other low-cost telecom companies also offering TV and streaming. Amazon Prime tends to concentrate on Spanish, and you might find that there isn’t always an English subtitle version.
Popular programmes on Spanish TV
If you are in Spain, it is a pity to just watch English language TV. There are some very good Spanish series (one that springs to mind is Mar de Plástico, Antena 3), thrillers and documentaries. Afternoon period dramas, innovative prime-time game shows, access primetime talk shows and major reality television franchises are all popular.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Valle Salvaje (La 1): This 18th-century period drama on RTVE (La 1) has broken audience records this year. It commands afternoon ratings with its portrayal of women in the 1700s.
- Sin Gluten (La 1): A breakout, highly competitive primetime sitcom that achieved the channel’s best comedy ratings in over a decade.
- La Promesa (La 1): Set in 1913 Spain, it follows a young woman seeking vengeance for her mother’s murder inside the palace of the Marquises of Luján.
- El Hormiguero (Antena 3): Blends high-profile celebrity interviews with humour, political debate panels, magic tricks, and live scientific experiments
Of course, you will also find your favourite series and films on the streaming services, though the list in Spain may not mirror that of your home country. Having said that, I have found series from all over the world on Spanish Netflix, Disney and HBO, particularly on Netflix. Some friends have Apple TV and Sky Showtime and are kind enough to allow me to watch certain shows otherwise unavailable to me. Pachinko on Apple TV was one I particularly enjoyed.
One thing you might want to avoid on Spanish TV is bullfighting. Bullfighting remains widely available on regional television networks, premium streaming apps and dedicated digital platforms.
Sport on Spanish TV
Live sports broadcasting on Spanish television is split between free-to-air networks (like RTVE and GOL PLAY) and premium subscription platforms (such as Movistar+ and DAZN). The exact channel you need depends heavily on whether you are looking for local public broadcasts or complete coverage of major international leagues.
For English football, DAZN Spain is your best choice. It holds the rights to the English Premier League, Formula 1, MotoGP and the NFL. It also shares rights with Movistar to stream a significant portion of LaLiga EA Sports matches.
Summary
As you can see, you need not worry about missing your preferred programmes once you are in Spain. Practically everything is available. Don’t dismiss Spanish TV, though, as there a few gems there and it helps you with the language as well as feeling part of your new culture.
For major sporting events, pop down to your nearby bar where they will certainly be showing football games and join in with the locals as they shout with joy or groan when their team scores a goal – or doesn’t.
