HBO Max has announced the launch of two new series as part of the expanding Chespirito universe, drawing inspiration from the iconic works of Roberto Gómez Bolaños. The new titles, “Don Ramón” and “The Colorado,” follow the overwhelming success of “Chespirito: Not Really on Purpose,” which has set viewership records across Latin America. These announcements were made by Mariano César, senior VP of general entertainment content and programming strategy for HBO Max in Latin America, during a presentation on November 25, 2025.
“Don Ramón” will be a live-action comedy series centered on the beloved character from the classic sitcom “El Chavo del Ocho.” According to César, “Don Ramón was one of the funniest and unique characters in the ‘Chavo del Ocho’ original series.” The series aims to resonate with a young adult audience, offering humor that reflects a more contemporary perspective. Currently, conversations are underway with potential screenwriters to develop the project further.
Alongside this, HBO Max is also developing “The Colorado,” an animated series based on “El Chapulín Colorado,” a superhero parody created by Bolaños. This character, known for his comedic misadventures, is set to return with fresh animation and humor. César highlighted the series as “a very funny update” on the original character, emphasizing its appeal to both new and existing fans.
In addition to these new projects, HBO Max confirmed the return of “Like Water for Chocolate,” produced by Salma Hayek, with its second season premiering on February 15, 2026. This adaptation of the beloved novel is steeped in the themes of magic realism and culinary expression, reflecting the deep cultural roots of the Mexican people. César noted that the series captures how emotions and sentiments are intertwined with food, adding melodrama to its narrative.
HBO Max is also set to premiere “Madame Beja,” a Brazilian telenovela, on February 2, 2026. The series, which follows the life of a strong female protagonist in the 19th century, highlights the platform’s commitment to producing high-quality local content. César remarked, “Although novelas have been associated with free-to-air networks, they are deeply rooted in our DNA as Latin American audiences.”
The renewed focus on local content comes after HBO Max’s significant success with its original productions. “Chespirito: Not Really on Purpose,” released on June 5, 2025, became the platform’s biggest Latin American hit, leading to impressive subscriber growth and viewership numbers. César stated, “The success of ‘Chespirito’ confirmed our strategy of producing local content that stands shoulder to shoulder with HBO original dramas.”
The platform is also looking to expand its offerings with five unannounced docuseries, including the return of “City of God: The Fight Rages On,” which is set for release in the second half of 2026. This docuseries continues the story of characters from the acclaimed film “City of God,” exploring the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Rio de Janeiro.
HBO Max’s strategy reflects a commitment to high production standards and relevance, focusing on quality over quantity. César emphasized that the goal is to produce content that resonates deeply with local audiences while maintaining international appeal. He stated, “The biggest challenge is to create content that sparks conversations that truly matter.”
Looking ahead, HBO Max’s slate for 2026 includes a diverse range of projects, from melodramas to true crime docuseries, all aimed at engaging audiences across Latin America and beyond. This approach not only highlights the platform’s dedication to original storytelling but also its willingness to take creative risks with powerful narratives and compelling characters.
As HBO Max continues to expand its horizons in Latin America, the upcoming series and renewals signify a robust commitment to cultivating local talent and producing stories that resonate with viewers, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the streaming landscape.
