Spectrum Originals has picked up the popular Latin American scripted series Todo Por El Juego (Side Games) from Imagina International Sales (The Mediapro Studio).
The series made its U.S. premiere on July 15 (episodes 1-3), followed by airdrops on July 22 (episodes 4-5) and July 29 (episodes 6-8).
Based on the novel El Fútbol No Es Así, written by LaLiga president Javier Tebas and co-writer Pedro Torrens, the Spanish-language hit series – offering the option of English subtitles – debuted to strong ratings across Latin America last July.
Set in the glamorous world of a fictionalized Second Division Spanish Soccer League, it follows an activist businessman who ascends to the team presidency only to find himself embroiled in mob-controlled betting, political corruption, family turmoil, and murder. The story is propelled by international high-stakes action, gritty dialogue and delves into events that threaten the very foundation of the game.
“With its strong embrace by Latin American audiences and the massive popularity of soccer as a backdrop, we believe this wonderfully written dramatic series will appeal to both the large and growing Spanish-speaking viewership in the U.S., as well as everyone who loves sophisticated drama,” said Katherine Pope, Head of Spectrum Originals. The series was also embraced by viewers in Spain.
“We are very satisfied with this agreement with Spectrum Originals, which extends the international reach of the series, in line with the distribution strategy followed with all our major productions and at a time when fiction in Spanish is more in demand than ever,” said Javier Méndez, Chief Content Officer, The Mediapro Studio.
Produced by The Mediapro Studio, Todo Por El Juego was developed by Argentine writer Eduardo Sacheri, best-known for his 2010 Academy Award-winning Best Foreign Film The Secret in their Eyes. Daniel Calparsoro is showrunner and director. The executive producers are Javier Méndez, Laura Fernández Espeso, Juan Pablo Santos, Bernat Elías, Willard G. Tressel and Harvey Grisalez. The cast includes Roberto Enríquez, Patricia Vico, Pedro Casablanc, Marian Álvarez, Maria Molins, Andrés Gertrúdix, Maria de Nati, Lucas Velasco, Toni Sevilla, and Jesús Ruyman.