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Entertainment • TV series

La Reina del Sur

La Reina del Sur es una serie de televisión estadounidense en español de drama criminal emitida por Telemundo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

La Reina del Sur is a Spanish-language American television crime drama series broadcast by Telemundo. It is based on the novel of the same name by Arturo Pérez-Reverte and follows Teresa Mendoza's rise in the world of drug trafficking.

Origin and development

The series is a television adaptation of the novel of the same name by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. It was developed for Telemundo by Roberto Stopello and Valentina Párraga, with production by Telemundo Global Studios and RTI Televisión in the first season.

Plot

The story follows Teresa Mendoza, a woman of humble origin who enters the world of drug trafficking and eventually becomes a powerful figure. Netflix describes her as a woman who becomes trapped in that underworld as a result of a dangerous relationship.

Broadcast and seasons

The series debuted on February 28, 2011, on Telemundo. It was renewed for a second season released in 2019 and a third season in 2022.

Cast and reception

Kate del Castillo leads the cast as Teresa Mendoza, alongside actors such as Humberto Zurita and Raoul Bova. The original premiere of the series was one of the most-watched in Telemundo history, according to biographical information about the novel and its adaptation.

Key facts

  • The series was produced by Telemundo Global Studios and, in its first season, by RTI Televisión.
  • The television adaptation is based on the 2002 novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte.
  • The first season aired in 2011 and had 63 episodes.
  • Kate del Castillo plays the main role of Teresa Mendoza.
  • The series inspired an English-language adaptation, Queen of the South.
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Canadian context

La serie ha sido distribuida por plataformas de streaming accesibles en Canadá, lo que la hace relevante para audiencias canadienses interesadas en televisión en español y dramas criminales internacionales.

Frequently asked questions

What is La Reina del Sur?
It is a Spanish-language television crime drama series broadcast by Telemundo and based on the novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte.
What is the series based on?
It is based on the novel of the same name by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, published in 2002.
Who plays Teresa Mendoza?
Kate del Castillo plays Teresa Mendoza.
When did it premiere?
The first broadcast was on February 28, 2011.
How many seasons does it have?
According to provided sources, the series has three seasons.
Does it have an English adaptation?
Yes. The series inspired Queen of the South, an English-language adaptation for USA Network.

References

  1. Wikipedia en español — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Reina_del_Sur_(serie_de_televisi%C3%B3n)
    Supports: Producción, estreno, temporadas, episodios y base literaria de la serie.
  2. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/es/title/70205672
    Supports: Sinopsis oficial y estado de Teresa Mendoza en la trama.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70205672
    Supports: Año, número de temporadas, clasificación y reparto principal.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/es/title/tt1704637/
    Supports: Título, periodo de emisión, género, sinopsis y reparto.
  5. Wikipedia en inglés — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Reina_del_Sur_(TV_series)
    Supports: Estreno, temporadas, producción y adaptación en inglés.
  6. Wikipedia en español — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Reina_del_Sur
    Supports: La novela original de Arturo Pérez-Reverte y datos sobre la adaptación televisiva.
  7. La Vanguardia — https://www.lavanguardia.com/peliculas-series/series/la-reina-del-sur-31586
    Supports: Resumen argumental de la serie y evolución de Teresa Mendoza.