A new Spanish comedy, “Old Dog, New Tricks,” is set to explore a clash of two worlds through the story of Antón, a rural veterinarian who is forced by circumstance to reinvent himself in an environment completely foreign to him.
A Veterinarian in Unfamiliar Territory
The central premise follows Antón, a country veterinarian whose clients have been disappearing due to the rural exodus and the general crisis in the agricultural sector. Beset by financial problems, he is forced to accept a job at a modern pet “boutique” in the city, an establishment run by his own niece, Uxía.
This new setting plunges him into a reality radically different from the one he knew, marked by grooming salons, consultations for a wide variety of animals, and, above all, owners who often prove to be more complex than their own pets. The narrative is built on the classic “fish out of water” foundation, where a man from the countryside, accustomed to a practical and direct relationship with animals, must adapt to the sensitivities and eccentricities of the urban world.
Luis Zahera: From Drama to Comedy
The pillar on which “Old Dog, New Tricks” rests is undoubtedly the choice of its lead actor. The series marks a significant milestone in the long and distinguished career of Luis Zahera, as it represents his first leading role. He is an actor who has built a solid and acclaimed career on the back of memorable supporting characters.
Zahera has established himself in the collective imagination of the Spanish public through roles of formidable dramatic intensity. His filmography is full of intimidating, complex, and often villainous characters, which have earned him industry recognition, including two Goya Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his work in The Realm and The Beasts. His presence in highly successful series such as Wrong Side of the Tracks, Unauthorized Living, and Sin tetas no hay paraíso has cemented a public image associated with high-caliber tension and drama.
The main source of humor in “Old Dog, New Tricks” will not lie exclusively in the script, but in the dissonance the audience will experience watching an actor of his stature confront the absurdities of a luxury pet store. Zahera himself believes that, through comedy, the series serves an almost pedagogical function regarding the crisis facing the countryside.
The Creative Team: A Fusion of Drama and Satire
Behind “Old Dog, New Tricks” is a team whose combined track record suggests a tonal approach that goes beyond conventional comedy. The series is a production of Alea Media, one of the most influential companies in Spanish fiction. Founded by Aitor Gabilondo, the production company has earned a reputation for developing highly successful dramas such as Patria, Mute, Unauthorized Living, and, notably, Wrong Side of the Tracks.
The counterpoint to Alea Media’s dramatic experience is provided by the series’ creator, Víctor García León, who also serves as a director and screenwriter. García León is an established name in comedy with a particular edge, moving away from light sitcoms to delve into social satire. He is responsible for the acclaimed political saga Vote for Juan, Let’s Go, Juan, and Come on, Juan, and for feature films such as Selfie and Go Away from Me. His experience directing for Netflix on series like The Neighbor demonstrates his versatility.
The directing duties are shared with Alberto de Toro, and the writing team is completed by Ana Boyero, Araceli Álvarez de Sotomayor, Germán Aparicio, and Daniel Castro. This strategic synergy suggests a series that will use comedy to explore deeper themes: the abandonment of the rural world, the generational clash, and the eccentricities of a society that projects its anxieties onto its pets.
Galicia as a Narrative Element
The choice of location in “Old Dog, New Tricks” transcends its function as a mere backdrop to become an active component of the narrative. The production was filmed entirely in Galicia, a decision that anchors the story in a specific geographical reality and gives it a high degree of authenticity. The production design is built around a dual universe that represents the two poles of the protagonist’s conflict.
The Supporting Cast: A Balanced Ensemble
To complement the powerful presence of Luis Zahera, “Old Dog, New Tricks” relies on a supporting cast that reinforces the series’ central dynamic. The cast structure seems designed to balance the different tones of the fiction, combining talent specializing in comedy with actors of deep dramatic range.
The key figure in Antón’s new life is his niece, Uxía, played by Lucía Caraballo. Her character is fundamental, as she embodies the other side of the narrative: a young entrepreneur with a modern vision of the animal world and business that clashes head-on with her uncle’s.
The main cast is completed by two veterans of the Spanish scene: Carmen Ruiz (Love in Difficult Times) and Antonio Durán “Morris” (Cocaine Coast). The inclusion of Ruiz, a recognized figure in comedy, and “Morris,” known for roles of great dramatic intensity, is a clear indicator of the hybrid tone the series is aiming for. The dynamic between Zahera and Morris, in particular, could serve to anchor Antón’s story in his world of origin, adding an additional layer of depth. The cast is rounded out by other names such as Sergio Abelaira, Darío Loureiro, Adrián Viador, Raquel Nogueira, Fer Fraga, and Nuno Gallego.
Release Date
The series articulates its identity around the bold choice of an acclaimed dramatic actor for a leading comedic role, the foray of a successful drama production company into the realm of comedy, and a narrative conflict that explores the persistent gap between rural and urban Spain. With the backing of a proven creative team and a strong anchoring in the identity and landscapes of Galicia, the production is positioned as one of the Spanish fictions to watch on the streaming platform.
The series premieres on Netflix on October 3.
