The opulent world of media empires and the corrosive nature of power within a fractured family are set to collide in Netflix’s Spanish drama, ‘Rotten Legacy.’ The series stars Jose Coronado as Federico Seligman, a patriarch whose return from illness ignites a battle for control that threatens to consume everything he has built. Spain, too, is delving into stories of succession and crumbling empires.
A Patriarch’s Return: The Plot of ‘Rotten Legacy’
The narrative core of ‘Rotten Legacy’ revolves around Federico Seligman (Jose Coronado), an imposing figure in the communications and business world. After a two-year absence due to a serious illness that forced him to step away from his companies, Federico returns to a drastically altered landscape. He discovers that his children, the designated heirs to his vast media empire, have not only become “strangers” in his eyes but are also steering the family business in a direction he vehemently “detests” and “despises.” Federico’s illness is more than a mere plot device to explain his absence; it serves as a critical catalyst for the central conflict. The power vacuum created during his incapacitation allowed his children to impose their own visions and ambitions for the company, inevitably setting the stage for a generational clash upon his return—a profound emotional and ideological chasm born from time, divergent ambitions, and, perhaps, the isolating experience of his illness. This makes the ensuing battle deeply personal, far transcending a simple business disagreement. Determined to safeguard his life’s work, Federico vows to do “everything unimaginable” and “stop at nothing” to prevent his children, as he sees it, from destroying his legacy—businesses at stake, a far-from-perfect family, romantic relationships, love triangles, government connections, a highly controversial interview. The series directly poses a provocative question to its audience: how far are you willing to go to protect your legacy?
The ominous phrase “everything unimaginable,” coupled with Federico’s chilling declaration, “I’d rather destroy it than leave it to you if this is what you’re going to do when I die,” positions him as a potential anti-hero, a man whose desperate struggle to maintain control could lead him down a dark path. The series appears poised to explore the destructive aspects of clinging too tightly to power and a singular vision of one’s legacy, even if it means resorting to ruthless, manipulative, or potentially illegal actions.
Meet the Cast
At the heart of this family maelstrom is Jose Coronado as Federico Seligman, the patriarch whose fierce determination to protect his empire fuels the central drama. Surrounding him are his four children, each with their own perspective on the family legacy and their role within it, setting the stage for what one source describes as a “high-stakes internal war for control of the media dynasty.” The talented ensemble bringing these complex characters to life includes Belén Cuesta (renowned for her roles in Netflix’s “Money Heist” and “Paquita Salas”) who plays Yolanda Seligman, the eldest daughter. Diego Martín (known to audiences of “Elite” and “Velvet”) portrays Andrés Seligman. Natalia Huarte (“Las cartas perdidas,” “Amar es para siempre”) takes on the role of Guadalupe Seligman. Finally, María Morera (“Libertad,” “Cucut”) is cast as Lara Seligman, the youngest of the heirs. The supporting cast further bolsters the series’ dramatic potential, featuring acclaimed actors such as Susi Sánchez (“Lullaby,” “Offering to the Storm”), whose presence has been highlighted in early Spanish reviews. Also part of the ensemble are Mireia Portas (“Crazy About Her,” “Polònia”), Gustavo Salmerón (“The Beasts,” “Lots of Kids, a Monkey and a Castle,” “La Fortuna”), Iván Pellicer (“Holy Family,” “Killer Book Club”), Salva Reina (“The 47,” “Truce(s)”), also praised in early commentary, and Lucas Nabor (“My Fault”).
From the Minds Behind ‘Elite’
‘Rotten Legacy’ hails from a team of accomplished Spanish creators. The series is the brainchild of Carlos Montero, a name synonymous with some of Spain’s most successful television exports, including “Elite,” “The Mess You Leave Behind,” and “Breathless”; Pablo Alén, known for “Mari(dos)” and “Three Many Weddings”; and Breixo Corral, who also worked on “Mari(dos)” and “Three Many Weddings.” This trio also penned all eight episodes of the first season. The series is produced by El Desorden Crea, the production company founded by Carlos Montero and later joined by Diego Betancor, an executive producer on “Elite.” El Desorden Crea has a strong track record, having previously delivered popular series such as “Physics or Chemistry,” “The Mess You Leave Behind,” “Elite,” “In Love All Over Again,” and “Breathless.” ‘Rotten Legacy’ (originally “Legado”) marks their third major production, following “In Love All Over Again” (2023) and “Breathless” (2024). The company operates under the philosophy of bringing “to fruition all ideas that deserve to be told,” a mission that hints at the ambitious narrative viewers can expect. Directing duties for ‘Rotten Legacy’ are shared by Eduardo Chapero-Jackson, whose credits include “Elite” and “Sky Rojo,” and Carlota Pereda, acclaimed for her work on the horror film “Piggy” and “In Love All Over Again.” This pairing suggests a deliberate visual and tonal ambition for the series. Chapero-Jackson brings experience in crafting the kind of polished, engaging drama Netflix excels at, while Pereda’s background in more intense, character-driven genre filmmaking could lend a darker, more unsettling edge to the depiction of family conflict and Federico’s “unimaginable” actions. This combination hints at a series that will be both visually compelling and tonally nuanced.
Jose Coronado: A Look at the Star’s Illustrious Career
Jose Coronado, described as a “legend of Spanish cinema and television,” anchors ‘Rotten Legacy’ with his portrayal of Federico Seligman. His extensive filmography includes critically and commercially successful titles such as “The Invisible Guest,” “The Body,” “The Snow Girl,” “The Innocent,” and “Wrong Side of the Tracks,” showcasing his versatility and commanding screen presence. Particularly relevant to his role in ‘Rotten Legacy’ is his acclaimed performance as Nemo Bandeira in the Spanish series “Unauthorized Living.” In that series, Coronado played a powerful Galician patriarch—a drug lord operating under the guise of a legitimate businessman—who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This diagnosis forces Nemo to confront his mortality and urgently consider his succession, leading to intense family and business turmoil as he strives to protect his empire and legacy. The thematic parallels between Nemo Bandeira and Federico Seligman are striking: both are dominant patriarchal figures, both face debilitating illnesses that trigger succession crises, and both are driven by a fierce, morally ambiguous determination to safeguard what they have built.
Madrid’s Global Stage: Netflix’s Spanish Power Plays
‘Rotten Legacy’ emerges against the backdrop of Netflix’s successful strategy of producing original Spanish-language series that captivate global audiences. Landmark shows like “Money Heist,” “Elite,” and “Cable Girls” have demonstrated the immense international appetite for compelling stories from Spain. The series was filmed in various locations across Madrid, a city that has become a key production hub for Netflix in Europe. This choice leverages Madrid’s rich creative talent pool and its unique position as a cultural bridge between Spain and Latin America, enabling the creation of content deeply rooted in local culture yet possessing broad international appeal. Netflix’s approach often embodies the principle of “produce locally, think globally,” and ‘Rotten Legacy’ is a prime example of this philosophy in action. Therefore, the series is not an isolated production but a continuation of Netflix’s proven model of cultural “transcreation”—adapting content to resonate with viewers worldwide while preserving its authentic local essence. The investment in Madrid’s production ecosystem signifies a commitment to fostering local talent and infrastructure, which in turn yields stories capable of transcending geographical and linguistic borders. The prior success of Spanish series on the platform creates a positive feedback loop, encouraging further investment in shows like ‘Rotten Legacy’ and heightening global audience anticipation for them.
What to Expect: A High-Stakes Family Saga with a Vicious Bite
‘Rotten Legacy’ is shaping up to be an intense, eight-episode family drama that plunges viewers into a ruthless power struggle within a media dynasty. The series is likely to appeal to fans of productions that explore complex family dynamics, corporate intrigue, and stories led by strong, morally ambiguous protagonists, with some early, albeit indirect, comparisons to the themes present in series like “Succession.” The blend of established Spanish talent, spearheaded by Jose Coronado and creative force Carlos Montero, with actors already familiar to Netflix’s global audience, creates a potent combination. The narrative will delve deep into core themes: the corrupting influence of power, the true meaning and burden of legacy, the often-agonizing conflict between family loyalty and personal ambition, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect what they believe is rightfully theirs.
Where to Watch “Rotten Legacy”
