Netflix Adds Germany to List of Countries Adapting Spanish Hit Comedy ‘Machos Alfa,’ Greenlights Season 4 in Spain (EXCLUSIVE)

As a dedicated cinema devotee with a deep appreciation for international television, I’m thrilled to see the global success of “Machos Alfa.” Having grown up watching Spanish sitcoms and admiring the work of Alberto and Laura Caballero, I was immediately drawn to this innovative and relatable series. The show’s ability to resonate with audiences across Europe is a testament to its universal themes and excellent storytelling.


The popular Spanish comedy series “Machos Alfa” by Netflix, which is called “Alpha Males” in English, has been given the go-ahead for a fourth season in Spain and a fourth international adaptation, this time in Germany. Alongside these productions, adaptations of the show are currently underway in France, the Netherlands, and Italy.

The show “Machos Alfa” follows four friends in their middle age going through midlife crises at the same time. They struggle to adjust to contemporary views on masculinity. This entertaining series was brought to life by Alberto and Laura Caballero, renowned Spanish creators who previously worked on the popular shows “Aquí no hay quien viva” and “La que se avecina.”

Since December 2022, this new Spanish comedy series has been a huge hit on Netflix, consistently ranking among the top 10 most-watched shows for thirteen weeks. The second season premiered in February, while production for season 3 finished not too long ago – however, an official release date is still pending.

As a huge fan of international crime dramas, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with fellow enthusiasts! Having grown up watching shows that showcase intricate plots and captivating characters, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as Germany’s upcoming untitled production, which some compare to “Machos Alfa,” gears up for filming this fall. The talented cast, featuring Tom Beck, Serkan Kaya, Moritz Führmann, and David Rott, has already been confirmed, adding to my excitement. Their previous roles have left me in awe of their acting skills and I can’t wait to see them bring their characters to life on screen. The suspense is building!

In January, the French production of “Super Mále” began. This project was brought to life by Noémie Saglia, who is also known for creating “The Hook Up Plan.” Saglia collaborated with Estelle Koenig and Julien Teisseire on the script. The first three episodes are directed by Saglia, while Olivier Rosemberg takes charge of episodes 4 through 6. Grand Amour and Petite Panthère are in charge of producing this show.

In the Netherlands, the television series “Haantjes” began production in May, overseen by Hollands Licht with Anna van der Heide and Anna van Keimpema serving as directors. Luuk van Bemmelen and Richard Kemper are responsible for writing the show’s scripts.

In May, the Italian adaptation titled “Maschi Veri” began filming under the production of Groenlandia. The series comprises eight episodes, each penned by Furio Andreotti, Giulia Calenda, and Ugo Ripamonti.

In simple terms, Netflix’s Vice President and Head of Content for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), Larry Tanz, shared that the reason behind adapting “Machos Alfa” was due to a demand-driven approach. Executives in various regions recognized the potential of this show for their local viewers.

The executive shared that initially, achieving this outcome wasn’t part of our plan. I recall meeting Alberto and Laura, the creators, who were brimming with enthusiasm for the series. Once we all watched it, executives from different countries expressed their admiration and identified with the audience, remarking, “We adore this show!”

According to Tanz’s explanation, Netflix executives from various countries regularly meet up to exchange ideas and showcase their most captivating projects. When the Spanish team unveiled early clips of “Machos Alfa,” executives from other regions became enthused, leading to several adaptations being given the go-ahead before the series debuted in Spain. Tanz added that due to the interconnectedness between territories, once these approvals are secured, progress can be swift.

“If someone in one of our regions appreciates an idea from another region, it’s simple for the corresponding teams to discuss the potential of implementing it in their own location,” Tanz explained.

For decades, streaming services and television networks have customized scripted, reality, and competition programs for various regions. However, adapting comedies has proven to be a more challenging task.

“In different countries, what amuses people varies. Thus, we needed to adapt our humor to suit the specific audience we were addressing,” Tanz explained.

Despite this, the Netflix EMEA team holds that there are instances where this notion doesn’t apply. Tanz mentioned shows like “Seinfeld,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Friends,” which have strong New York roots but still resonated universally.

Tanz finds the modern issues of harmful masculinity and vulnerability in “Machos Alfa” intriguing, making it a captivating possibility for regions with cultural ties to Spain.

As a dedicated fan of “The Office” who has watched every episode multiple times, I can’t help but feel both excited and apprehensive about Netflix’s upcoming “Machos Alfa” adaptations. Having grown up with the original series, I have a deep connection to the characters and their stories.

He stated that the local adaptations aren’t exclusively for fans of the Spanish originals. While attracting some fans of the original may be beneficial, the market for non-local comedy in most countries is relatively small. Consequently, we aim to cater to a more extensive demographic by presenting each adaptation as an independent and unique production. We don’t intend to conceal that they are remakes but want viewers to appreciate their distinctiveness.

In simpler terms, we’ll assess every adaptation separately when evaluating its potential success on our platform. Tanz explained, “We’ll examine each variation independently, considering factors like audience size, completion rates, and viewer engagement. We won’t make comparisons between them but instead judge their merit against other local originals in their respective regions.”

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2024-07-24 12:17