If you like period pieces, this series is worth the watch. That said, keep in mind that unless you speak Spanish you will need to rely on English subtitles. Most of the characters are typical archetypes (villain, clueless do-gooder, envious maid, etc.). However, the series was quite engaging though also very predictable and drawn to an obvious conclusion. The biggest hurdle for me was the casting which was way off, and the main reason I gave the series 6 stars. Roberto Enríquez, who played the role of Diego Duke of Castamar is a good actor. However, he should NOT have been cast as the lead romantic role for the series. Even with make up, he looked closer in age to an older brother (or even possibly Clara's father). This makes sense since there is an 18-year age difference between Roberto Enríquez (the Duke) and Michelle Jenner (Clara Belmonte). A better option for the Duke's role would have been Maxi Iglesias, who sadly was relegated to playing Francisco Marlango. There were other casting mishaps too, though not quite as egregious as the main romantic leads. If you want to be entertained, and don't mind watching a May-December romance, then this series is well worth your time.
71 Reviews
Gorgeous historical romance, but...
balletteacher13 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I am a sucker for romantic historical novels. I was SO hooked to this one until Episode 12. I agree wholeheartedly with reviewer "riezzratzz". The series could have used one more episode to see the villains - and they were EVIL human beings! - get what they deserved. Yes, MORE DRAMA! Show us revenge and great death scenes!
Now, for the lead characters. Don Diego could have been a little younger. Carla was EXCELLENT! Enrique was quite the villain. Bravo! Amelia...very inconsistent. I never knew if she was joking, sad, angry. She was perfectly annoying! The rest of the "staff" were very good and played interesting bits of fluff. Dña. Mercedes was superb! Sol (whom I thought was a useless character made for the sex scenes) suddenly...died. What?? The killing of Francisco...what was this character for? The gay portions...all kind of wokeness, but bore no part of the story.
In conclusion, I wanted more depth with the love story of Diego and Clara. I wanted to see WHY Diego gave up his Dukedom. Like a final family scene. It was all rushed at the end. I wanted a beautiful wedding with Clara's friends in attendance. They all just... vanished in the final scenes.
Good series overall.
Now, for the lead characters. Don Diego could have been a little younger. Carla was EXCELLENT! Enrique was quite the villain. Bravo! Amelia...very inconsistent. I never knew if she was joking, sad, angry. She was perfectly annoying! The rest of the "staff" were very good and played interesting bits of fluff. Dña. Mercedes was superb! Sol (whom I thought was a useless character made for the sex scenes) suddenly...died. What?? The killing of Francisco...what was this character for? The gay portions...all kind of wokeness, but bore no part of the story.
In conclusion, I wanted more depth with the love story of Diego and Clara. I wanted to see WHY Diego gave up his Dukedom. Like a final family scene. It was all rushed at the end. I wanted a beautiful wedding with Clara's friends in attendance. They all just... vanished in the final scenes.
Good series overall.
This is an excellent and thoroughly entertaining series.
kuplerd12 July 2021
The plot keeps one entirely engaged. The setting is beautiful. The customs are historically accurate. The food scenes are to die for. The music is exquisite. The directing is very well conceived. The acting is perfect for this kind of historic melodrama. The behavior in the film is in keeping with the nature of this aristocratic world. Congratulations to all who made this possible to be seen on Netflix! A strong recommendation for those who appreciate quality historical melodramas. (Rating 9/10)
Great Story and Acting - Rushed Ending
billborkovitz4 October 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed this miniseries, the setting, the actors and the story were rocksolid. We felt like the ending was rushed and left many loose ends. This seems to be a pattern with Netflix. It would be worthwhile to spend the extra episode to end a series with high-quality.
When It's Good, It's Great
annlevtex25 July 2021
Addictive series with beautiful costumes and production value, a compelling central love story, generally strong acting, and food! The cooking scenes with the voiceovers are reminiscent of "Like Water For Chocolate."
I loved the main actress playing Clara. She's very good at the "slow simmer," the passionate woman beneath the serene surface. The romantic male lead is a little less impressive. He's a stalwart, honorable aristocrat with a soft side, but spends a little too much time looking pained and pensive. No matter, they have good chemistry.
There is a lot happening with intrigue and side characters, sometimes too much. The Duke's adoptive brother, Gabriel, is charming but his side plot with Amelia is not fully baked (sorry). The mother is superb and most of the servant characters are well played and endearing.
My biggest issue with the series is the ending. It is rushed and too much is left unexplained. It's not entirely unsatisfying, but it could have been so much better. It feels like they ran out of time and had to write/film it really quickly or something?
Anyway, worth watching. And it was fun practicing my Spanish.
I loved the main actress playing Clara. She's very good at the "slow simmer," the passionate woman beneath the serene surface. The romantic male lead is a little less impressive. He's a stalwart, honorable aristocrat with a soft side, but spends a little too much time looking pained and pensive. No matter, they have good chemistry.
There is a lot happening with intrigue and side characters, sometimes too much. The Duke's adoptive brother, Gabriel, is charming but his side plot with Amelia is not fully baked (sorry). The mother is superb and most of the servant characters are well played and endearing.
My biggest issue with the series is the ending. It is rushed and too much is left unexplained. It's not entirely unsatisfying, but it could have been so much better. It feels like they ran out of time and had to write/film it really quickly or something?
Anyway, worth watching. And it was fun practicing my Spanish.
Beautiful! Spendid!
madonnicallysony11 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So, again, disappointing to see people getting paid to put a series down.
This series tackles with many issues such as love, aristocracy, racism, homophobia, power politics and relationships.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this but surprisingly it kept me hooked until the completion.
Its a story about a cook who has a nervous disorder or rather a phobia to outdoor spaces. She gets a job as a cook in a duke's house. The duke was mourning the loss of his beloved wife Alba. The whole story is not just concentrating on their budding romance but also on other aspects I described above. There are many characters with deep dark secrets and their stories also forms the crux of this series.
I loved Carla's character. A headstrong woman with her own opinions but at the same time she has compassion for people around her and is fond of the duke. The duke's character is more humane than aristocratic which I really really loved. Not sure about others, but I personally felt connected to the characters in the show which made it more enjoyable.
Please remember, this is based on a book, so don't expect this to be realistic.
I am glad the makers gave a positive ending to this series.
All in all, if you are a sucker for medieval/vintage/Victorian dramas, then this one should not be missed. The English dubbing is not great so try to watch it in the original language.
This series tackles with many issues such as love, aristocracy, racism, homophobia, power politics and relationships.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this but surprisingly it kept me hooked until the completion.
Its a story about a cook who has a nervous disorder or rather a phobia to outdoor spaces. She gets a job as a cook in a duke's house. The duke was mourning the loss of his beloved wife Alba. The whole story is not just concentrating on their budding romance but also on other aspects I described above. There are many characters with deep dark secrets and their stories also forms the crux of this series.
I loved Carla's character. A headstrong woman with her own opinions but at the same time she has compassion for people around her and is fond of the duke. The duke's character is more humane than aristocratic which I really really loved. Not sure about others, but I personally felt connected to the characters in the show which made it more enjoyable.
Please remember, this is based on a book, so don't expect this to be realistic.
I am glad the makers gave a positive ending to this series.
All in all, if you are a sucker for medieval/vintage/Victorian dramas, then this one should not be missed. The English dubbing is not great so try to watch it in the original language.
lousy rushed ending
riezzratzz13 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The whole series is slow but nice to watch but towards the end it is very quickly cobbled together.
People are killed in one blow, things are suddenly solved quickly like a marquise who has suddenly been dead for 2 weeks next to the road, but the complete ending is really weird, out of nowhere the duke is no longer a duke and we don't know how and what what happened to his family etc.
If they had added an episode with explanations etc this series would have been layered but unfortunately it is now an anticlimax on all fronts, a pity of a series with a lot of potential.
People are killed in one blow, things are suddenly solved quickly like a marquise who has suddenly been dead for 2 weeks next to the road, but the complete ending is really weird, out of nowhere the duke is no longer a duke and we don't know how and what what happened to his family etc.
If they had added an episode with explanations etc this series would have been layered but unfortunately it is now an anticlimax on all fronts, a pity of a series with a lot of potential.
More shows like this please!
april-welch-120-99238218 July 2021
I found this series by accident and I've quite enjoyed watching Clara and Diego fall in love over food. I love the scenery, the costumes, the supporting cast, and the plots that keep me wanting more. This is a delightful show. So many twists and turns.
Why can't we have more engrossing television like this?
Why can't we have more engrossing television like this?
Lovely series
Calicodreamin13 July 2021
A lovely spanish series that ticked all of the boxes. The characters were well cast and well acted, the leads had good chemistry. The storylines were well developed and just the right amount of too much. Costuming was very well done throughout.
Surprisingly lovely show!
coffeemonkey2 October 2021
I just love the chemistry between Clara and Diego, it feels so natural. I fell in love of their love story!
I do agree the end feels rushed, wish they had at least 1 more episode to explain.
This show makes me want to learn Spanish so I can read the book! Hopefully someone will translate it into English and REALLY with for another season!
I do agree the end feels rushed, wish they had at least 1 more episode to explain.
This show makes me want to learn Spanish so I can read the book! Hopefully someone will translate it into English and REALLY with for another season!
Not the best historical series from Spain
mgumsley26 July 2021
I will be honest: I love anything Spanish, and even if they are not well known for films and TV Series (apart from the breakout hit, Money Heist) I think they have been doing quite well with their historical series. A fairly good example was Morocco: Love in Times of War, set in North Africa and the more recent, Grand Hotel which was a thriller set in Edwardian times. In fact the setting for this series looks very similar to Grand Hotel.
The story follows a young cook who finds employment at the luxurious Castamar estate and eventually becomes involved with its owner. The story is quite involved, and I think it is often a bit confusing, but the sets, costumes and camerawork are spot on. The voices are dubbed like so many Spanish series, but to be honest, this is quite well done, as in Money Heist. The ending is fairly predictable, but it always kept my attention even if it wasn't the most memorable Spanish production. But there is more in the pipeline, including a series of El Cid, starring one of the young stars of Money Heist, so there is more to look forward to.
The story follows a young cook who finds employment at the luxurious Castamar estate and eventually becomes involved with its owner. The story is quite involved, and I think it is often a bit confusing, but the sets, costumes and camerawork are spot on. The voices are dubbed like so many Spanish series, but to be honest, this is quite well done, as in Money Heist. The ending is fairly predictable, but it always kept my attention even if it wasn't the most memorable Spanish production. But there is more in the pipeline, including a series of El Cid, starring one of the young stars of Money Heist, so there is more to look forward to.
Missed opportunity
rhawdon12 July 2021
Love it !!!
mildredu13 July 2021
Fell in love with it
lavredianas24 July 2021
There's no reason to get long-winded about it. It was worth every minute spent watching. I wish the 12 episodes were 30. The only thing you can call disappointing is a rather rushed ending to a truly compelling watch.
Romance, plot twists, gorgeous scenery and music: what's not to like?
marybrodo25 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This series completely entertained me. There were some flaws, but, overall, I would recommend.
Flaws: 1. The graphic sex scenes did not add much to anything.
2. I never got the Amelia/Gabriel relationship at all. Not one bit.
3. Amelia's facial expressions. Is there anyone in the world that makes those faces?
4. I agree; some early episodes could have been cut a bit to allow for a two episode ending and a fuller resolution.
5. Diego's teeth... dentures? There were so perfect but did not seem to fit his smile.
Why I enjoyed it: 1. Scenery, costumes and music.
2. Great acting: Carla, Diego, Mercedes, Enrique, Elisa, and the King in particular.
3. Loved the overlay of the beauty of cooking.
4. Thought there were some nice plot lines about loyalty, but also about treachery.
It cracks me up when people say they don't like period pieces because they are not realistic. I, for one, am glad that we don't have to deal with scenes of chamber pots, constant disease, and piles of horse manure in the streets. So, ignore those critics for sure.
Rushed ending aside, give this a chance, for nearly two weeks of nightly enjoyment.
Flaws: 1. The graphic sex scenes did not add much to anything.
2. I never got the Amelia/Gabriel relationship at all. Not one bit.
3. Amelia's facial expressions. Is there anyone in the world that makes those faces?
4. I agree; some early episodes could have been cut a bit to allow for a two episode ending and a fuller resolution.
5. Diego's teeth... dentures? There were so perfect but did not seem to fit his smile.
Why I enjoyed it: 1. Scenery, costumes and music.
2. Great acting: Carla, Diego, Mercedes, Enrique, Elisa, and the King in particular.
3. Loved the overlay of the beauty of cooking.
4. Thought there were some nice plot lines about loyalty, but also about treachery.
It cracks me up when people say they don't like period pieces because they are not realistic. I, for one, am glad that we don't have to deal with scenes of chamber pots, constant disease, and piles of horse manure in the streets. So, ignore those critics for sure.
Rushed ending aside, give this a chance, for nearly two weeks of nightly enjoyment.
More than adequate but not quite satisfying
wheatley-202309 August 2021
Somehow this series combines good acting, some great photography, easy to like protagonists and an eventful plot into something a little less than the sum of those parts. Perhaps it is the hint of melodrama that is the problem.
Nevertheless this offers easy entertainment with a few nicely observed characters and situations. Don't expect too much of it and enjoy it for what it is.
Nevertheless this offers easy entertainment with a few nicely observed characters and situations. Don't expect too much of it and enjoy it for what it is.
A surprising gem of a series
ravmeltt2 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't know what to expect when I first saw this series pop up on Netflix. I decided to watch it with both English subtitles and the dubbed audio in English. I was not disappointed as I can manage the dubbing very well.
I loved, loved this show! I didn't want it to end and actually dragged it out tp preserve it longer.
I loved all the actors. Amelia always made me laugh with the exclamations she was always making. What I liked with the series also is that it wasn't afraid to kill off certain characters who you really were not expecting to be killed off. Also, the mysteries that were revealed were great reveals, for example how Alba, the original duchess, really died. Don't want to give away any spoilers but that whole reveal is extremely fantastic.
I do wish it didn't end so drastically. I would have liked to know, seeing he gave up the duchy, what does that entail. Do they go back to living in the same house? Does someone else become a duke? What happens to the brother Gabriel and Amelia, and all the servants. Did Mr Eliza end up with Mrs Ursula? Too many questions remain unanswered, so hopefully there's a season 2 or an episode to clarify the ending and what happens to everyone. Truly a lovely story though.
I loved, loved this show! I didn't want it to end and actually dragged it out tp preserve it longer.
I loved all the actors. Amelia always made me laugh with the exclamations she was always making. What I liked with the series also is that it wasn't afraid to kill off certain characters who you really were not expecting to be killed off. Also, the mysteries that were revealed were great reveals, for example how Alba, the original duchess, really died. Don't want to give away any spoilers but that whole reveal is extremely fantastic.
I do wish it didn't end so drastically. I would have liked to know, seeing he gave up the duchy, what does that entail. Do they go back to living in the same house? Does someone else become a duke? What happens to the brother Gabriel and Amelia, and all the servants. Did Mr Eliza end up with Mrs Ursula? Too many questions remain unanswered, so hopefully there's a season 2 or an episode to clarify the ending and what happens to everyone. Truly a lovely story though.
Mediocre story but acceptable
megacyclers18 July 2021
The main reasons I'll continue to watch La Cocinera are the photography, the wardrobes, the props, the sets and the landscapes. Most actors try to do their best but storywise this is a weak attempt to create an historic series like The Tudors or The Borgias. There's too much coincidence, too many unclear motives, too many unrelated subplots and too many actors whose parts and appearances are enigmatic in the line of the story.
Well Done! A Great Love Spanish Story to Watch!
javierubio18 August 2021
This TV Series captivated me since the beginning and as the episodes were running, The drama was increasing and making the story more interesting but actually what it brought more color to the scenes were those magnificent palaces and beautiful landscapes/gardens where Castamar was placed making the series more enigmatic, Back to real past from 1700's so Director made a great job making this series very real, easy to understand and to be able to learn from this King of Spain in those turbulent times!]
In General,it was very refreshing, acting was great and also the idea of bringing the story of a man of color into the Royal Family was a good one to bring more suspense to the story! Congratulations! Antena 3 From Spain is getting better with these Series!
Scheme-y scheme
jiballini642 August 2021
All these people with their own agendas, back-stabbing, fortune hunting, great food (wild boar excepted), great costumes... What's not to like? Not sure how we got a young, black brother to the old, white Duke as it was never adequately explained.
The Duke was a bit too old and unattractive for the role, although I'm sure even if he were a hideous hunchback all the likely lasses would have been throwing themselves at him, being a Duke and all.
Most of the scenery is rather nice and wherever they filmed the inside shots are spectacular.
The baddies are REALLY bad and the goodies are few and far between. Some of the acting isn't stellar but it keeps you watching.
The Duke was a bit too old and unattractive for the role, although I'm sure even if he were a hideous hunchback all the likely lasses would have been throwing themselves at him, being a Duke and all.
Most of the scenery is rather nice and wherever they filmed the inside shots are spectacular.
The baddies are REALLY bad and the goodies are few and far between. Some of the acting isn't stellar but it keeps you watching.
Could have been great
LeToiReynauld21 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A nice plot but...
Too many story lines. I couldn't keep track of who was who. Calling the same person by two or three different names is not helpful. Why was De Soto (aka Enrique, the Marquis, Enrique of ...) in love with Alba? It was never explained. The time line jumped back and forth without explanation. Ursula's plot line was never fully developed or explained. Amelia and Gabriel did a good job with the tension between them but that was about it for love. Diego was flat all around. As such he was an unlikely leading man, yes? Not very charismatic. The villain had more umph. Not sure what to make of the king. That was crazy. I was so over people clearing the kitchen to have personal discussions. It happened so many times. Just annoying. Costumes and sets were very nice. The only touching thing was Rosalia. This show needed an editor and some script slimming. It was way too long to get to where they were going which wasn't far.
Too many story lines. I couldn't keep track of who was who. Calling the same person by two or three different names is not helpful. Why was De Soto (aka Enrique, the Marquis, Enrique of ...) in love with Alba? It was never explained. The time line jumped back and forth without explanation. Ursula's plot line was never fully developed or explained. Amelia and Gabriel did a good job with the tension between them but that was about it for love. Diego was flat all around. As such he was an unlikely leading man, yes? Not very charismatic. The villain had more umph. Not sure what to make of the king. That was crazy. I was so over people clearing the kitchen to have personal discussions. It happened so many times. Just annoying. Costumes and sets were very nice. The only touching thing was Rosalia. This show needed an editor and some script slimming. It was way too long to get to where they were going which wasn't far.
Good performance - classic romance
ggcarbone15 July 2021
Nice romantic story, it is a kind of a light version of Grand Hotel series (Spanish version), the production is superb, the acting is fantastic, all the characters fits in the role, excepting the main actor Don Diego which looks "too mature" in my opinion for this show, don't know if in the novel happens the same, I didn't feel the chemistry in both lovers, it was not a good match, even their kisses looks quite repulsive, he could be his father!. But anyway, Amelia actress robbed entirely the show, she produces that kind of love-hate feeling, she's a 10. Although it is a mild & light classic romance-drama, give it a chance.
I wish they would explain more in the last episode! Season 2 please!!!
aubsdrell26 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this series! Very beautiful and lots of juicy drama! I am addicted. There is room for explanation and saving the whole series if they move onto a new season. The last episode was rushed. So I would like to see them explain and show what happened to Amelia and how she was kicked out of castamar/the baby taken from her. And more of the wedding scene as well as if the duke will regain the title. I see so much potential for a second season. Besides the last episode, everything was well explained and the time was taken to portray the story. I really really hope they will make a season 2!
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