Netflix Plans Its First Original Series In Spain

Global expansion is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest priorities in 2016, and to that end, it has announced a new series intended for international audiences. According to Variety, the streaming video platform will distribute its first original program in Spain, where it first launched in October 2015.

The Spanish series doesn’t yet have a title, but some of its plot and production details are known. It will come from Bambu Producciones, a studio known for its historical dramas, and it will take place in the 1920s at Spain’s only telephone company. The protagonists will be four diverse women who are employed as switchboard operators. The first series will consist of 16 episodes.

“We’re delighted to be working with Bambu Producciones, director Carlos Sedes and co­-creator Gema Neira on our first original series filmed in Spain,” said Erik Barmack, Netflix’s VP of international original series

. “We’re huge fans of their work on Gran Hotel and Velvet, epic romances that have been embraced by our members around the world. We’re certain that our members will love this unique and engaging drama created by some of the best storytellers in Spain.”

As Netflix devotes a bigger share of its resources to original program, it has green-lit some shows that appeal to a global audience. In EU territories specifically, it has already announced series like The Crown (UK), Marseille (France), and Suburra (Italy). Of those programs, only The Crown has premiered for regional viewers; the others are still upcoming.

Netflix’s Spanish original series doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date either, but Variety says the show will be shot in Madrid in 2016 and will be released internationally in 2017.