The Mexican series 'El otro padre' premiered on Netflix on July 22, 2026, and quickly became one of the platform's most talked-about titles. The show was created by Venezuelan showrunner Roberto Stopello, known for hits including 'La Reina del Sur', and blends family drama with emotional tension around secrets kept for two decades.
The story follows Maca, a doctor who discovers that her daughter Julieta needs a kidney transplant. The only compatible donor turns out to be Emilio Martinez, Julieta's biological father, whose existence had been hidden from the family for 20 years. The revelation shakes the family and sets off a conflict that mixes intimate drama with medical urgency.
The first season has 10 episodes running about 50 minutes each. Since its release, the show has ranked among the most-watched titles in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Who plays who in 'El otro padre'
Silvia Navarro, 47, plays Macarena Sotomayor, the mother who faces the dilemma of revealing a secret kept for 20 years. Navarro is one of Mexican television's best-known actresses, recognized for series including 'Manana es para siempre' and 'Juegos interrumpidos'.
Colombian actor Manolo Cardona, 49, plays Ricardo, Macarena's husband and Julieta's legal father. Cardona has appeared in 'Rosario Tijeras', 'Narcos' and '¿Quien mato a Sara?'.
Azul Guaita, 25, plays Julieta, the teenage daughter who needs the transplant. She is known for 'Rebelde', 'Como agua para chocolate' and 'La mujer del diablo'.
Erik Hayser, 45, plays Emilio Martinez, Julieta's biological father and a central figure in the conflict. His credits include 'Ingobernable' and 'Oscuro deseo'.
Paola Nunez, 48, plays Yolanda Martinez, Emilio's wife. Her past work includes 'Las Juanas', 'Reina de corazones' and the American series 'The Purge'.
The rest of the cast
The supporting cast includes Emilio Osorio as Bernardo, Maca and Ricardo's son; Sebastian Dante as Gustavo, their older son; Romina Poza as Maria, Emilio and Yolanda's older daughter; Blanca Guerra as Hilda Sotomayor, Ricardo's mother; Pamela Moreno as Victoria Martinez, Julieta's best friend; and Georgia Alexi as Rosa, a family friend.
