“SKAM España” is a Spanish adaptation of the Norwegian teen drama SKAM, and it holds up well on its own terms. The show follows four high school students over a single week, each episode dropping viewers into a different character’s head. It is a masterclass in slow-burn storytelling, and it earns a 7.7 out of 10.
Trailer, via Movistar Plus.
Four Characters, One Week
The central characters are:
- Álex, a popular boy who hides a secret crush
- Carla, a quiet girl who is gay and struggles to come out
- Óscar, a jock who is dating a girl he doesn’t love
- Esteban, a gay teen whose father has left him
Each character gets their own episode, and the show jumps between their perspectives. This structure means the narrative unfolds slowly, but it also builds a sense of intimacy that a conventional single-perspective drama could not achieve.
Slow Burn Works
The pacing is deliberate. Nothing happens quickly, and the show trusts its audience to sit with awkward silences and unresolved tension. That trust pays off. The drama is understated, but it lands harder for being understated.
Coming Out as Drama
Carla’s storyline stands out. Her coming-out journey is handled with care and honesty, and her scenes are some of the best in the series. The show does not soften the difficulty of her situation, and that authenticity is what makes it resonate.
The Father Problem
Esteban’s storyline deals with his father leaving home. It is handled with restraint, and the show avoids melodrama. The pain is there, but it is presented through small, everyday moments rather than big speeches.
Popular Boy Crushes
Álex carries a crush on someone he cannot act on. His storyline explores the pressure of popularity and the cost of hiding who you are. The show handles the tension well, though it does not resolve everything neatly.
Jock Dating Trouble
Óscar is the least developed of the four, but his storyline still works. He is caught in a relationship he knows is wrong, and the show tracks his struggle to break free. It is not the strongest thread, but it fits into the larger picture.
Comparing the Threads
| Character | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Álex | Exploring popularity and secrecy | Least resolved arc |
| Carla | Honest coming-out journey | Least developed arc |
| Óscar | Relationship tension | Least developed arc |
| Esteban | Father storyline | Least developed arc |
Where It Falls Short
The show is not perfect. Some storylines feel less developed than others, and the weekly format means some threads get less attention. The ending does not fully tie everything together, which leaves some questions open.
The Verdict
“SKAM España” is a confident, well-made teen drama that rewards patience. It is not flashy, but it is effective. The slow burn works, and the character work is consistently strong. It is worth watching for anyone who appreciates quiet, character-driven television.
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