Telemundo is bringing a wave of new reality shows, drama series and events to its programming lineup for the 2024-25 season as the NBCUniversal outlet seeks to build on its momentum as the most-watched Spanish-language TV network in primetime.
Telemundo has logged two consecutive months of drawing the largest audience in Spanish-language TV in primetime, topping the long-established Univision. Telemundo is preparing to make its pitch on May 13 to advertisers and media buyers at an evening event, separate from the larger NBCUniversal programming presentation to be held the same day at Radio City Music Hall.
“As the number one Spanish-language broadcast network in primetime, we are proud to unveil a programming slate for the next season that continues to innovate and redefine Hispanic media,” said Luis Fernandez, chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “Latinos represent the single largest growth opportunity for businesses in America. They are young, wielding a tremendous purchasing power and fueling the growth of video consumption across platforms. Telemundo continues to lead Hispanic media as we adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of our audience and, in this moment of constant change in our industry, that spirit of transformation and creativity is more important than ever.”
Among the new unscripted series heading to Telemundo next season are “La Isla: Desafío Extremo,” described as “a survival reality show featuring a mix of celebrities and fans,” and “Sin Fronteras” (working title), billed as “an innovative new global ‘banda’ competition.” Returning reality series for Telemundo include “Top Chef VIP” and “Los 50,” an elimination-competition hit for the network last year that challenges 50 stars to try to outlast one another while living together in an “exotic mansion.”
New scripted dramas include “Sed de Venganza,” starring Danilo Carrera and Isabella Castillo, a psychological thriller set to lense at Telemundo’s Miami studios; and “La Familia” (working title) chronicling the life of a notorious crime family. “La Dinastía Casillas” (working title) is a spinoff of the successful Telemundo series “El Senor de los Cielos.” “Perseguida” (working title) is described as “a bold reinterpretation of the iconic dramatic series ‘Señora Acero.’ ”
Telemundo’s news division recently launched the FAST channel Noticias Telemundo Ahora on Telemundo’s digital platforms that will slowly be rolled out to Peacock and other FAST channel hubs. The 24/7 news channel encompass breaking news, interviews and enterprise reporting from an anchor team that includes Julio Vaqueiro, Arantxa Loizaga, Nicole Suárez, Octavio Pulido, Johana Suárez, Damià Bonmatí and Claudia de la Fuente.
NBCUniversal’s investment in Telemundo has grown over the years as Madison Avenue’s focus has increasingly turned to reaching discrete audiences defined by more than age and gender. Telemundo’s TV audience tends to watch live on linear platforms, which are still the most profitable sources of advertising revenue for major media conglomerates.
“The future of advertising is audiences – and the Latino audience continues to grow and become even more influential,” said Mark Marshall, NBCUniversal’s chairman of global advertising and partnerships. “Telemundo’s premium content across news, sports and entertainment – combined with NBCUniversal’s best in class advertising technology – gives marketers an unmatched opportunity to connect with highly engaged viewers while driving effectiveness for their brands.”
(Pictured: Isabella Castillo in “Sed de Venganza”)
