As we usher in another fall season, millions also celebrate the Hispanic and Latinx diaspora in Hispanic Heritage Month. Running from September 15 to October 15, the next 30 days serve as a time of acknowledgment and appreciation for the rich histories and cultural contributions made by those that proudly represent Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
September 15 has special significance in that it marks the day of independence from Spain for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Furthermore, Mexico and Chile commemorate their independence from Spain on September 16 and September 18 respectively.
With television and film being increasingly more inclusive with the diverse stories being told, What to Watch has developed a list of content that will be available for viewers to watch in 2023 that speaks to the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month. Here’s what we found.
ABC
The Latin Music Revolution: A Soul of a Nation Presentation
The hour-long special dives into the evolution of Latin pop music. Going over its roots, the difficulties of artists breaking through in the mainstream and detailing how musicians like Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias became household names and set the stage for what the genre is like today, the special takes viewers through a captivating musical journey. Adding their voices to the special are Karol G, Sheila E., Goyo and more.
Watch Friday, September 15, at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC. It becomes available to stream the next day on Hulu.
CBS
Lotería Loca
Lotería Loca is a new show on CBS that is based on the classic Latin game. For those not as familiar, it’s been described by the network as being "akin to Bingo." With wild challenges and big prizes on the line, the series should prove interesting for those fans of game shows. As a bonus draw, it’s hosted by Jane the Virgin’s Jaime Camil.
The series premieres on Monday, October 2, at 9 pm ET/PT on CBS. It becomes available to stream on Paramount Plus.
Hulu
Flamin' Hot
Although it’s been streaming for a few months, if you haven’t had an opportunity to watch Flamin’ Hot, it’s worth checking out. The biographical dramedy tells the story of Richard Montañez, who claims to have developed the very popular snack, Flamin' Hot Cheetos. This heartwarming story is a reflection of the American dream as he goes from the janitorial staff to an executive-level position at Frito-Lay.
Streaming on Hulu in the US, Disney Plus in the UK.
Max
Chico Virtual, Double Cultura and more shorts
As a part of the celebration, Max is streaming several short films featuring stories grounded in Latinx culture. The shorts streaming on the platform include: Chico Virtual (2023), Double Cultura (2023), El Carrito (2023), Keep/Delete (2023), La Macana (2023), Thank You, Have A Nice Day (2023) and Un Pequeño Corte (2023).
Streaming on Max starting Monday, September 18.
Netflix
El Conde
For those looking for something a little different, El Conde is a new movie that follows a vampire that’s been around for roughly 250 years, who is ready to call it quits for good. Unfortunately for him, those around him won’t let him die in peace. From Chilean director Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer), El Conde is one of What to Watch’s must-see movies for the rest of 2023.
Streaming on Netflix starting Friday, September 15.
The Lincoln Lawyer
The Lincoln Lawyer season 2 was just as captivating as the first season. Mickey (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is back and again dealing with a high-profile murder case. He's also trying his best to navigate all of the bombshells in his personal life. The new season may have debuted in July, but it's definitely worth watching if you've yet to view it.
Streaming on Netflix.
Spy Kids: Armageddon
It may be the fifth installment of the Robert Rodriguez-created franchise, but Spy Kids: Armageddon gets a fresh look with lead actress Gina Rodriguez taking over as the savvy spy mom, and actors Everly Carganilla and Connor Esterson playing the young spies in training here to save the day. Will the kids be able to rescue the world from a crazed game developer? If you’re looking for a family movie, this is a safe bet.
Streaming on Netflix starting Friday, September 22.
Thursday’s Widows season 1
Murder, suspense, mystery and drama are the cornerstones of this new Mexican series, Thursday’s Widows. Although the families at the center of this story scream perfection on the outside, when their patriarchs are all murdered, their widows are left to pick up the pieces and deal with all the secrets their husbands leave behind.
Streaming on Netflix.
Paramount Plus
Special Ops: Lioness season 1
Special Ops: Lioness season 1 is a spy thriller of the adult variety that stars Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman. In the first season of the drama, Saldaña’s character is on a mission to take out a high-profile target while dealing with a rocky family situation at home. Once you get hooked on this show, you’ll be begging for Special Ops: Lioness season 2.
Streaming on Paramount Plus.
Pluto TV
Cecilia, The Envoys and movies
The best thing about Pluto TV’s offering during Hispanic Heritage Month is it’s free. The only thing you’ll have to do is watch the built-in ads. In celebration of Latinx culture, from September 15 to October 15, the platform is actually debuting a sampling of episodes from Paramount Plus originals When You Least Expect It, The Envoys and Cecilia. Additionally, Pluto TV is hosting the following movie marathons:
Friday, September 15, at 9 am ET on Pluto TV Staff Picks
Adventures of Sharkboy & Lava Girl, Spy Kids, Tortilla Soup, From Prada to Nada, Hands of Stone, For Greater Glory, Frida and Desperado
Saturday, September 23, at 8 pm ET on Pluto TV Spotlight (Jennifer Lopez)
Lila and Eve, The Back-Up Plan
Sunday, September 24, at 8 pm ET on Pluto TV Spotlight (Oscar Isaac)
For Greater Glory, Inside Llewyn Davis and Suburbicon
Tuesday, September 26, at 8 pm ET on Pluto TV Thrillers (Javier Bardem)
No Country for Old Men and Mother!
Thursday, September 28, at 5 pm ET on Pluto TV Spotlight (Selma Hayek)
Desperado, Frida, In the Time of Butterflies, Ask the Dust and 54
Prime Video
A Million Miles Away
A Million Miles Away follows the inspirational story of José Hernández in his quest to become a NASA flight engineer. In his journey, he had the support of his proud family of migrant farm workers who traveled from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to San Joaquin Valley, California. We love a story that shows the protagonist overcoming the odds.
Streaming on Prime Video starting Friday, September 15.
Cassandro
Cassandro shows the captivating real-life tale of Saúl Armendáriz. In the early 80s, he rose to stardom in the wrestling world as a gay man and defied the stereotypes of the macho wrestler in the process. By the way, the movie also features music superstar Bad Bunny.
Streaming on Prime Video starting Friday, September 22.
Telemundo
2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards
The star-studded award show returns to honor today’s biggest stars in Latin music. Slated to perform this year are Manuel Turizo, Marshmello, Myke Towers, Peso Pluma, Tini, Yandel, Calibre 50, Chiquis, El Alfa, Eladio Carrión, Justin Quiles and Los Ángeles Azules. With music sensation Peso Pluma leading all nominees with 21 nominations, the night may prove to be huge for the artist.
Watch live on October 5, at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT (also available to stream on Peacock).
