Television has been a means of entertainment for Colombians for decades. Over the years, some of these productions have left an indelible mark on the country’s collective memory, becoming true cultural phenomena.
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According to the Spanish magazine ‘Diez Minutos’, one of the first countries to develop the soap opera genre on television was Colombia and it had great success from its beginnings.
In 1962, the RTI network (Radio Televisión Interamericana SA) began producing melodramas in Colombia, adapting Cuban radio soap operas such as ‘In the Name of Love’ and ‘Infame Lie’ for television. In 1963, Cadena Radial Colombiana (CARACOL) emerged as another prominent producer of this successful genre.
In this way, Colombian soap operas began to gradually expand internationally and nationally. Titles such as ‘Pasión de gavilanes’, ‘Café con aroma de mujer’ and ‘Betty la fea’ became global hits that conquered audiences in the country and around the world.
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Six television series most viewed and remembered by Colombians
Below, we present a selection of some of the television series most viewed and remembered by Colombians in recent years.
1. ‘I Am Betty, the Ugly’ (1999-2001)
Although this series is a classic of the late 20th century, its legacy endures in the collective memory of Colombia.
The story of Beatriz Pinzón Solano, an unconventional young woman who works in the world of fashion, is an example of how a well-written plot can transcend decades and remain relevant to new generations.
It was broadcast in more than 180 countries and translated into 25 languages.
2. ‘Peter the Scaly’
With a touch of comedy and drama, this series tells the life of Pedro Coral Tavera, an extravagant and charismatic man who dreams of being famous.
Pedro (played by Miguel Varoni) arrives in Bogotá and, by chance, meets the love of his life, who subsequently becomes his driver and close confidant.
This production became a television phenomenon in Colombia and marked the return of the comedy soap opera to the center of attention.
3. ‘Passion of Gavilanes’ (2003-2004)
This romantic drama captivated audiences not only in Colombia, but around the world.
The love story between the Reyes brothers and the Elizondo sisters framed in the context of a hacienda was a resounding success. Her charismatic characters and passionate plots made her a reference on Colombian television.
After the worldwide success of the first part, a sequel to this soap opera was produced with the same cast, twenty years later. ‘Pasión de Gavilanes 2’ has reached the lists of the most viewed productions on Netflix since its launch, although perhaps with less impact than the first part.
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4. ‘Coffee with the Scent of a Woman’ (1994-1995)
This soap opera marked a milestone in the history of Colombian soap operas.
The relationship between the peasant Gaviota and the millionaire Sebastián Vallejo develops in the world of coffee. The series was not only a success in Colombia, but was exported to numerous countries and left an indelible mark.
Almost two decades later, a new adaptation of the series, starring Laura Londoño and William Levy, debuted in Colombia and the United States before quickly arriving on Netflix, where it has become one of the main hits on the streaming platform.
5. ‘Without Breasts There Is No Paradise’ (2006)
Inspired by Gustavo Bolívar’s novel, this series addressed controversial topics such as beauty, drug trafficking, and the search for a better life. It was a cultural phenomenon that sparked debates in Colombia and elsewhere.
From this original series is born ‘Sin Senos Sí Hay Paraíso’, the exciting continuation that continues to explore the dangerous and seductive world of drug trafficking through the story of Catalina Santana.
6. ‘The Queen of Flow’ (2018-2019)
This musical and drama series became a modern phenomenon.
The story of Yeimy Montoya and her search for revenge through music captivated new generations of viewers. The mix of music, romance and drama made this production a unique series of its kind.
This production is another great international success through Netflix. It was produced in 2018 and has two seasons. ‘La Reina del Flow 2’ is the continuation of the successful series that follows the life of Yeimy.
These television series have not only been watched by millions of Colombians over the years, but have also left an indelible mark on the country’s culture and entertainment.
Each of them has explored diverse themes and has managed to connect with the public, consolidating themselves as references in Colombian television history. As television continues to evolve, these productions will continue to be remembered and appreciated in the collective memory.
MARÍA CAMILA SALAS V
DIGITAL SCOPE EDITORIAL
TIME
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2023-09-08 22:13:59
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