TV Azteca premiered the first episode of Doctora Lucía season two on Monday, October 21st at 9:30 PM on Azteca Uno. The event showcased impressive production values, including state-of-the-art technology, heightened dramatic tension, and real-life medical cases.
“Returning with an even stronger narrative is the primary challenge of this second season,” said Adrián Ortega, General Director of Content at TV Azteca and the original creator of Doctora Lucía. To achieve this, he explained, they conducted extensive research into medical cases, enhancing the credibility of our drama. “We aim for the most unusual and distinctive experiences,” said Ortega, emphasizing their commitment to cinematic innovation. Talent, both on and off screen, has been another key to their success, along with collaboration. “I believe that Mexico and the world will have a series of exceptional quality,” he noted.
“Strong collaboration is the hallmark of a quality product,” said Adrián Ortega. Here’s a look at some of the talented individuals behind and in front of the cameras
Martín Garza, executive producer of the 50-episode series, explained that they used 7K Dragon cameras, which they are downconverting to 4K for market delivery. This future-proofs the product, ensuring its relevance for years to come. The series features two talented directors of photography: Alberto Ulloa, who contributed to the hospital’s realistic portrayal, and Ever Morales, a valued member of the team since season one.
Martín Garza, executive producer
Garza noted that they have a medical consultant on set who provides expert guidance on every detail, ensuring that the doctors and nurses in the series portray their roles with authenticity. The writers’ room also benefits from medical advice, led by Raúl Olivares. Raúl Caballero and José García Agraz serve as the series directors.
Luis Merlo, director of Fiction at TV Azteca, explained that to create a compelling narrative grounded in real medical experiences, they conducted extensive research, gathering stories of medical chaos from real life both in Mexico and beyond. “We cannot tell a story that is not true,” he emphasized.
Luis Merlo, Fiction director
“Crafting each medical case without relying on the doctors for diagnoses is a significant challenge. We must begin from authentic scenarios that could occur in real life,” he argued.
From a production standpoint, the staging includes highly challenging scenarios, such as accidents, vehicular collisions, and individuals falling from buildings. “This season is packed with intense drama,” said Merlo. “Not all patients will survive, and some will tragically pass away. We believe that we’ve accomplished something truly remarkable, with numerous plot twists and surprises.”
New characters are joining the cast, but Merlo can’t reveal their identities. The overarching narrative of Dr. Lucía serves as the dramatic thread that connects the diverse stories of our patients and their situations, which unfold in each episode, making the series highly dynamic. Among the production values that contribute to the series’s success are the lighting, optics, color palette, and set design.
TV AZTECA CONSOLIDATES IN DRAMA
Ana Vega, TV Azteca’s talent director, commented that they initially faced the challenge of persuading actors of the network’s return to fiction. “They had to be convinced that we could produce high-quality projects on par with major streaming platforms, leveraging our extensive experience in the industry,” she explained. “I believe we’ve accomplished that goal. We have assembled a talented cast that I’m confident will contribute significantly to the success of Dr. Lucía.”
The cast that stars in the story are headed by Marimar Vega, Ana Layevska, Cristián de la Fuente, and Mauricio Islas.
In this second season, Lucía Castillo, the gifted doctor with a psychic ability to connect with her patients, will confront new personal and professional obstacles. Having learned to manage her ailments with the help of an amulet bestowed upon her by a witch, Lucía decides to give love another chance with Emiliano, though she has yet to confide her secret to him. The enigma surrounding her gift prompts Lucía to embark on a quest for answers, seeking to uncover why her mother was aware of this unusual ability and why she has no recollection of it.
Meanwhile, Mariana, now the director of Matilde Montoya Hospital, is abusing her position to manipulate the hospital’s decisions, which could jeopardize her future career. Conversely, Reséndiz, who appeared to be battling Alzheimer’s, has received a more promising diagnosis: frontal meningioma, which will significantly alter the trajectory of her life.