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HBO Max is firing up its Latin American slate with psychological thriller “Mataviejitas: The Serial Killer,” currently shooting in Mexico City. The new HBO original series is produced by Exile Content and has Mexico’s
Humberto Hinojosa (“The Head of Joaquín Murrieta,” “Luis Miguel: The Series”) serving as the showrunner as well as co-directing alongside J.M. Cravioto (“El Chapo”).
Based on one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal cases, “Mataviejitas: The Serial Killer,” burrows into the investigation that riveted the country as the hunt for a killer who targeted elderly women intensified.
The series “combines the suspense and tension of a compelling crime thriller with a distinctly Mexican perspective that is woven throughout the story,” said Mariano César, head of general entertainment content, Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America & U.S. Hispanic.
According to Hinojosa, from the moment he read the material handed to him by Exile Content’s Arturo Sampson, he felt they could create a series with strong thriller elements – police, investigation, a serial killer, all wrapped in an intriguing, entertaining plot.
“It’s uncommon in Spanish-language storytelling, particularly in Mexico, to see popular, culturally significant cases wrapped in a genre-driven story where suspense and thriller elements take center stage,” Hinojosa told Variety, adding: “I found the series’ willingness to explore darker corners particularly compelling, while always showing that, no matter how dark things become, there is still a glimmer of light.”
“Mexico is such a surreal country where practically anything can happen. The truth can’t always surpass fiction, and in this case, that’s exactly what happens. The story surrounding our characters is fascinating, but there’s also a strong thriller and suspense element that carries through all six episodes. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to develop the tone, build the characters and shape how we wanted the series to look and feel, as well as the experience we wanted the audience to have.”
Said Cravioto: “It’s a premium thriller that can resonate not only in Mexico, but anywhere in the world. It draws from Mexico’s unique cultural imagination while embracing sophisticated genre conventions and a powerful cinematic approach.”
“Being part of building that atmosphere has been incredibly rewarding – and challenging. The visual world Beto created with the cinematography and production design teams demands a sharp eye and constant exploration. Getting the shots, the sets and the rhythm of the series has been the greatest challenge—the day-to-day struggle to achieve that level of quality and such a high standard. We want the series to stand out and break away from the conventions of national productions and I’m very proud to be part of it.”
“We believe the strength of the story and the caliber of the talent behind it will resonate with audiences both in Latin America and around the world,” said César.
To be launched worldwide, “Mataviejitas: The Serial Killer” is among the upcoming HBO Originals from Latin America alone. Under the baton of Sarah Aubrey, head of original programming for HBO Max, critically acclaimed shows such as “The Pitt” and “Hacks” have garnered 75 Emmy nominations and 17 wins alone. In December, the much-anticipated Harry Potter series based on the books is set to launch.
Like its closest rivals Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video, which recently announced a $2 billion-plus investment in the region, HBO Max continues to invest in local programming in a bid to boost viewership and audience engagement.
Upcoming Latin American Shows:
“The Flores Massacre” (“La Masacre de Flores”) (Argentina)
Docuseries – Revisits one of Argentina’s most infamous criminal cases.
“Carnival Poet” (“Poeta Canival”) (Mexico)
Docuseries – Follows José Luis Calva Zepeda, known as the Cannibal Poet, whose arrest followed the discovery of a shocking crime, revealing how a charismatic and unsettling man became a monster.
“Carlota” (Mexico)
New drama series produced by Sony Pictures Television and inspired by the life of Carlota of Hapsburg, the last Empress of Mexico. Stars Belinda, the Spanish-born Mexican Latin pop star as the titular Carlota.
“Collision” (“Colission”) (Mexico)
After years abroad, Zoé returns to Mexico following her father’s death, determined to inherit his legacy and family business. But her mother, Belén, has already taken control and refuses to step aside. As their rivalry intensifies, old wounds resurface, secrets emerge and an investigation raises one question: Was his death really an accident?
“Don Ramon” (Mexico)
A spin-off from the wildly popular 1970s Televisa sitcom “El Chavo del Ocho”
“Tragedy in the Corregidora” (“Tragedia en la Corregidora) (Mexico)
Docuseries – Revisits the events of 2022, when the historic rivalry between Querétaro and Atlas soccer clubs triggered a battle that forever changed Mexican soccer (futbol) history.
“City of God: The Fight Rages On” Season 2 (Brazil)
Produced by O2 Filmes, Season 2 continues Paulo Lins’ literary work through photographer Buscapé’s perspective. Set in the early 2000s, the series follows the characters’ lives while using flashbacks from the film to revisit their memories.
“Death and Mystery in the Amazon” (Brazil)
Docu series – In the 1970s and ’80s, European and American adventurers, explorers and researchers ventured into the Amazon in search of Akakor, a legendary lost civilization said to have survived deep in the rainforest. At the center was Tatunca Nara, who claimed to be its descendant and guide, but later became linked to the disappearance and deaths of several explorers. Decades later, the mystery endures.
“Vespera” (Brazil)
Adapted from Carla Madeira’s bestselling 2021 novel, the series follows Veneza, played by Bruna Marquezine, who is caught between Caim, her boyfriend and his twin brother Abel, both played by Gabriel Leone. As Vedina’s best friend, Veneza shares her experience of maternal abandonment, while navigating love, family tensions, moral dilemmas and her own ambitions.
