Home / Arts and Entertainment / Spanish Drama Captivates Japan as Atresmedia Expands Global Reach
Spanish Drama Captivates Japan as Atresmedia Expands Global Reach
13 Oct
Summary
- Atresmedia seals deal with AXN Japan for detective drama "Una vida menos en Canarias"
- Spanish content gaining popularity in Asia, following earlier successes on NHK and Hulu Japan
- Atresmedia's integrated broadcast-plus-streaming model fueling international sales

In the rapidly evolving global television landscape, Spanish media group Atresmedia continues to cement its position as a leading exporter of premium scripted content. The company has recently unveiled a key deal with AXN Japan for its detective drama "Una vida menos en Canarias," marking a significant step into the prestigious Asian market.
The agreement with AXN Japan underscores Japan's growing appetite for high-quality Spanish drama, following earlier breakthroughs for Atresmedia's shows on platforms like NHK and Hulu Japan. The sun-drenched noir aesthetic and compelling procedural elements of "Una vida menos en Canarias" have captivated audiences both at home and abroad, with the series finding success on Netflix in several European territories and being licensed in Poland.
Atresmedia's integrated broadcast-plus-streaming ecosystem has played a crucial role in incubating content that can travel globally. The company's dual leadership across Spain's linear TV and its digital platform Atresplayer, with over 670,000 subscribers and five million unique monthly users, has provided a strong launchpad for its productions to reach international audiences.
As the global content market becomes increasingly competitive, Atresmedia's ability to demonstrate local success has become a key factor in securing international sales. The company's strategy of managing risk by showcasing the performance of its shows in the domestic market has resonated with buyers, who are seeking proven content that can thrive across multiple territories.
Atresmedia's global expansion continues to make headlines, with recent successes including the premiere of "Sueños de libertad" on HBO Max across Latin America and Brazil, and the worldwide phenomenon of "Ángela," the Spanish remake of the British hit "Angela Black," which has ranked among Netflix's top non-English titles in more than 40 countries. The company's commitment to building strategic alliances with global platforms, from Netflix to Apple TV+, has further solidified its position as a driving force in the international distribution of Spanish content.