What’s so funny? Spanish popular culture prep.

When I moved to US, it took me a couple of years to start laughing at stand up. All those late night shows and especially SNL. I thought the jokes were dumb and unfunny. But in reality I was simply missing all of the context. Once I got caught up on the popular culture and most prominent recent local events, it all started making sense.

I turned to chatGPT for some suggestions while we wait to really get started with the visa application.

To get up to speed with the current popular culture in Spain, here’s a curated list of content across movies, TV shows, books, and more that will help you understand the trends, humor, and references that are shaping the cultural landscape. I’ll include some specific things that are particularly relevant for Spaniards in their 30s and 40s, as well as more current trends.

Movies

“La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist) – This Netflix show has become a global phenomenon. It’s a must-see for understanding contemporary Spanish pop culture and humor. It’s widely referenced in Spain, and you’ll see many memes and discussions about it.

*** Watching it now! If you can get through the first couple episodes, it gets quite engaging. Can’t stop!

“Ocho Apellidos Vascos” – A comedy film that humorously explores regional identities in Spain, particularly the contrast between Andalusians and Basques. It’s a great introduction to Spanish humor and regional tensions.

***We’ve actually seen this one several times now, including when randomly turning on the TV at our Oviedo hotel. It’s funny if you have at least a high-level idea of the recent Basque region’s history. The movie was well received in Spain, but has low-ish ratings outside of Spain. I bet it’s exactly because outside-of-Spain is lacking the context. It gets funnier every time as we learn more about Spain and are able to notice and understand more.

“El Secreto de Sus Ojos” (2009) – A Spanish-Argentine thriller that won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. While it’s from the previous generation, it’s an excellent example of the quality of Spanish filmmaking.

“Verónica” (2017) – One of the more recent critically acclaimed Spanish horror films. It’s well-regarded for its atmosphere and references to supernatural beliefs in Spain.

“Campeones” (2018) – A heartwarming Spanish comedy that tackles important social issues, such as disabilities, while maintaining an optimistic tone. A film that resonates deeply with modern Spanish culture.

TV Shows

“Paquita Salas” – A hilarious Spanish comedy about the struggles of a talent agent in the entertainment industry. It’s both absurd and full of heart, with plenty of sharp wit that represents modern Spanish humor.

“La que se avecina” – A sitcom that has replaced “Aquí no hay quien viva” in terms of popularity. It’s filled with current social references and sharp humor typical of Spanish society.

“El Ministerio del Tiempo” – A unique sci-fi series that blends history and time travel with Spanish culture. It’s full of historical references, making it fun for those interested in Spain’s past.

“Los Seres Queridos” – A dark comedy series that portrays relationships in modern Spain, offering a unique perspective on how people cope with the pressures of life.

“Merlí” (Catalan, but widely popular in Spain) – A series about a philosophy teacher who encourages his students to think critically. Though in Catalan, it’s been a cultural hit across Spain.

Books

“Patria” by Fernando Aramburu – A novel that deals with the Basque conflict and the emotional aftermath of terrorism in Spain. It’s hugely popular and provides deep insight into the national psyche.

“El Invisible” by Eloy Moreno – A contemporary novel about modern life in Spain. It’s both engaging and insightful regarding the pressures and struggles of daily life.

“La Sombra del Viento” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – A classic modern Spanish novel from the “Cemetery of Forgotten Books” series. It combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, all with a distinctively Spanish atmosphere.

“Feria” by David de las Heras – A recent work set in a small Andalusian town, blending mystery and the supernatural. It captures a lot of the eerie, modern Spanish vibe.

“Los Asquerosos” by Santiago Lorenzo – A satirical and darkly humorous novel about a man who opts out of modern society. It’s filled with biting commentary on Spanish society and modern issues.

Websites and Online Platforms

El País – One of Spain’s largest newspapers, with online content that provides insight into everything from politics to pop culture. It will keep you up to date on current events and trends.

Xataka – For technology and pop culture updates, Xataka offers a great overview of what’s trending in the world of gadgets, gaming, and modern life in Spain.

20minutos – A free daily online newspaper that covers everything from entertainment to breaking news, providing easy access to what’s currently on people’s minds in Spain.

Mundo Deportivo – A sports outlet, particularly important for football culture. Spain is football-obsessed, and this site will give you the latest on La Liga, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other teams.

Forocoches – An online forum that’s often referenced in Spanish memes and jokes. It’s a key place for internet culture and the latest trending topics in Spain.

La Vanguardia – Another major Spanish newspaper with both local and international coverage. It has a dedicated section for culture and entertainment.

Podcasts

“Entrelíneas” – A podcast that dives deep into contemporary culture, discussing everything from cinema to literature, often featuring prominent cultural figures.

“La Cadena SER” – One of the biggest radio networks in Spain, with podcasts covering everything from current affairs to entertainment and pop culture. Their “Hoy por Hoy” segment is particularly insightful.

“El Hilo” – A podcast that breaks down current events in Spain and Latin America, offering a comprehensive look at what’s shaping the world.

“Las Crónicas de la Edad Media” – For a mix of historical and contemporary cultural content, this podcast delves into Spain’s fascinating medieval history with a modern lens.

Social Media and Online Trends

Twitter and Instagram – Spanish social media is a fantastic place to get quick updates on the latest memes, trends, and viral moments. Following Spanish influencers like Dulceida, ElRubius, and La Vecina Rubia will give you a good sense of the humor and cultural references in Spain.

TikTok – If you’re after the youngest generation’s trends, TikTok Spain is where viral challenges and humor are born.

Reddit (r/Spain) – This subreddit is an active community where you’ll find discussions on everything from Spanish politics to entertainment, making it a good barometer of public opinion.

Understanding Spanish Humor

Satire and Sarcasm: Spanish humor often revolves around sarcasm, absurd situations, and self-deprecation. Shows like “La Hora Chanante” (a cult favorite) reflect this.

Regional Stereotypes: Regional identity and rivalries (like between Catalonia and Madrid, or Andalusia and the Basque Country) are common in humor.

Political Satire: Politics are often a subject of ridicule in Spain. Shows like “El Intermedio” and “The Spanish Inquisition” humorously critique national politics.

By consuming a mix of these movies, shows, books, and following the right platforms, you’ll get an excellent sense of Spanish pop culture, its humor, and the references that make it unique.

We shall see, Chad.

P.S. The oldest movie suggested was from 2009. I’ll need to ask for more “classics” like things from 40’s-80’s, like a Spanish “It’s a Wonderful Life” kind of movies.