Madrid, with its blend of history, modernity, and recognizable urban landscapes, has captivated the creators of major international TV productions. Zombie apocalypses, teenage dramas, and love stories are just some of the main themes of popular series filmed in Madrid, turning the city into a versatile, open-air film set. Want to know more? Stay with the Clúster!

H2: 1. The Walking Dead

We begin with one of the best international co-productions filmed in Madrid. Although originally set in the United States, The Walking Dead moved part of its filming to Madrid in its later seasons. Arbalán and Madrazo streets, near Puerta del Sol, were featured in this iconic post-apocalyptic series. Additionally, the Pico del Pañuelo housing complex was used for shooting, during which even Minister Óscar López took part in a visit.
In this final stage, filming also extended to other regions of Spain, including Galicia, Aragón, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and Navaluenga (in Ávila), showcasing landscapes quite different from the usual American settings.
Synopsis: In a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, a group of survivors led by Rick Grimes—a former police officer who wakes from a coma to find chaos—fights to stay alive while confronting the real enemy: humanity itself.
Available on: Netflix, Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Movistar Plus+

H2: 2. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

Money Heist, a massive audience success, has served as a visual love letter to Madrid. Although the plot revolves around a heist at the Royal Mint of Spain, the building shown is actually the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) located at Calle Serrano, 117.
Filming took place at many Madrid locations: Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Callao, the Círculo de Bellas Artes, and areas such as Colmenar Viejo, Torrelodones, San Martín de la Vega, and the Polytechnic University. El Gasco estate in Torrelodones was used as the hideout where the robbers prepared their plan, and El Choque scrapyards in San Martín de la Vega were featured in key scenes.
Outside Madrid, scenes were also shot at the Salinas beach (Almería) and the coast of Thailand, standing in for a Philippine island.
Synopsis: A mysterious man known as “The Professor” plans the biggest heist in history: to break into the Royal Mint and print his own money. To pull it off, he recruits a team of specialists with nothing to lose. A story full of tension, strategy, love, and betrayal.
Available on: Netflix, Atresplayer, and Amazon Prime Video

H2: 3. Cable Girls (Las chicas del cable)

Set in 1920s Madrid, this series uses some of the city’s most beautiful and traditional areas as its backdrop. Notable locations include Plaza del Alamillo (La Latina), Atocha station, Lope de Vega street in the Huertas neighborhood, and the iconic Telefónica building on Gran Vía.
These locations bring authenticity to a story that portrays the beginnings of female independence during Spain’s modernization, through the lives of four switchboard operators.
Synopsis: In 1928, Lidia, Marga, Ángeles, and Carlota begin working as operators at the modern Telefónica company. There, they experience romance, secrets, and struggles for freedom in a male-dominated world. Their friendship is key to their resilience and growth.
Available on: Netflix

H2: 4. Valeria

Madrid also takes center stage in Valeria, a contemporary series about a struggling writer and her three inseparable friends. Their adventures unfold across well-known locations such as the Chueca and La Latina neighborhoods, Retiro Park, the rooftop of the Riu Plaza España Hotel, and the Casino de Madrid.
Restaurants like Lucky Dragon and Frida are also part of Valeria’s urban world, turning the series into a showcase of Madrid’s vibrant leisure scene.
Synopsis: Valeria is going through a rough patch: stuck with her novel and trapped in a lifeless marriage, she finds strength and joy in her three best friends. Together, they explore love, sexuality, and professional and personal challenges in a vibrant, opportunity-filled Madrid.
Available on: Netflix

5. Skam Spain

The Spanish adaptation of the hit Norwegian series Skam was also filmed in Madrid. The story is set in a high school and follows a group of teenagers as they face personal and social dilemmas. The interior of the Telefónica building on Gran Vía was one of the filming locations.
The series was produced by Movistar+ and Zeppelin TV and featured an innovative narrative that allowed viewers to follow characters through social media in real-time.
Synopsis: Each season focuses on a different character dealing with topics such as sexuality, mental health, relationships, bullying, or religion. The story unfolds through short clips released in real time, mimicking the rhythm of teenage life.
Available on: Movistar Plus+

6. Élite

Élite is one of the most important youth drama phenomena in recent years, and much of its success comes from high-quality production, with Madrid once again in the spotlight. Netflix’s production center in Tres Cantos houses the main sets, but real locations such as the European University, the Fernán Núñez Palace, and the Los Arroyos reservoir have also been used.
Towns like Guadarrama, Collado Villalba, and San Lorenzo de El Escorial have appeared on screen. The nightclub from the series was built in a studio, but the family fruit stall of characters Omar and Nadia was filmed in real locations in the Sierra.
Synopsis: At the exclusive Las Encinas school, wealthy students collide with three newcomers from working-class backgrounds. This clash of worlds, combined with passion and tension, leads to a murder that changes all their lives.
Available on: Netflix