Netflix’s Breathless (Spanish: Respira) has taken the streaming world by storm, offering a fresh, intense, and politically charged take on the medical drama genre. Set in Valencia’s Joaquín Sorolla Hospital, the series dives deep into the lives of doctors, nurses, and residents as they navigate the chaos of a crumbling public healthcare system, personal relationships, and life-or-death ethical dilemmas. With its gritty realism, high-stakes storytelling, and a star-studded Spanish cast, Breathless stands out as one of Netflix’s most binge-worthy international hits of 2025.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Breathless is a must-watch, its standout features, and what makes it different from other medical dramas. Whether you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor, or simply love high-stakes TV, this Spanish series delivers drama, romance, and social commentary in equal measure.
What Is Breathless About?
Breathless is a Spanish medical drama created by Carlos Montero, the mind behind Netflix’s hit series Elite and The Mess You Leave Behind. The show is set in the fictional Joaquín Sorolla Public Hospital in Valencia, Spain, where a group of young, passionate doctors and residents face overwhelming challenges: underfunded facilities, political interference, and a general strike that threatens to shut down the hospital. The series blends medical emergencies, personal drama, and political intrigue, making it far more than just another hospital show.
The first season, released in August 2024, quickly became a global sensation, spending weeks in Netflix’s Top 10 for non-English TV. Its success led to a rapid renewal for a second season, which premiered on October 31, 2025, and a third season announced for 2026. The show’s unique selling point? It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of public healthcare, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why Is Breathless Different from Other Medical Dramas?
While shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor focus on personal relationships and medical mysteries, Breathless adds a layer of social and political commentary. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Realistic Portrayal of Public Healthcare
The series doesn’t glamourize medicine. Instead, it highlights the struggles of underfunded hospitals, overworked staff, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when politics interfere with patient care. The show’s central conflict—a general strike over healthcare cuts—forces characters to choose between their oath to save lives and their duty to fight for systemic change. - Complex Moral Dilemmas
Unlike many medical dramas, Breathless doesn’t offer easy answers. Characters grapple with questions like: Is it worth risking patient lives to protest for better working conditions? These dilemmas make the show emotionally gripping and intellectually engaging. - A Star-Studded Spanish Cast
The ensemble includes some of Spain’s most talented actors:- Najwa Nimri (Money Heist) as Patricia Segura, a tough but compassionate senior doctor.
- Manu Ríos (Elite) as Biel, a young resident torn between idealism and survival.
- Aitana Sánchez-Gijón as Dr. Pilar Amaro, a seasoned oncologist with a mysterious past.
- Blanca Suárez (Cable Girls) as Jéssica, a nurse with a secret romance.
- Borja Luna as Néstor, a rebellious doctor leading the strike.
New additions in Season 2, such as Rachel Lascar and Pablo Alborán, bring fresh energy and intrigue.
- High-Stakes Storytelling
The show balances medical emergencies, personal drama, and political tension. Each episode feels like a mini-movie, with thematic cohesion and emotional depth. The pacing is fast, the twists are unexpected, and the character arcs are compelling. - Cultural Authenticity
Breathless offers a rare glimpse into Spain’s healthcare system, which differs significantly from the US or UK models. This authenticity, combined with the show’s Spanish setting and language, adds a layer of richness that international audiences appreciate.
Meet the Cast: Who’s Who in Breathless?
The success of Breathless hinges on its talented and charismatic cast. Here’s a breakdown of the main characters and the actors who bring them to life:
- Najwa Nimri as Patricia Segura
A senior doctor and one of the hospital’s most respected figures, Patricia is caught between her loyalty to her colleagues and her duty to her patients. Nimri, known for her role in Money Heist, delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman struggling to maintain her integrity in a broken system. - Manu Ríos as Biel
The young, idealistic resident Biel is the heart of the show. Ríos, who rose to fame in Elite, portrays Biel’s internal conflict with raw emotion, making him a fan favorite. - Aitana Sánchez-Gijón as Dr. Pilar Amaro
A seasoned oncologist with a complex past, Pilar’s character adds depth to the show’s exploration of medical ethics and personal sacrifice. Sánchez-Gijón’s performance is both nuanced and commanding. - Blanca Suárez as Jéssica
Suárez, known for her role in Cable Girls, plays Jéssica, a nurse whose personal life becomes entangled with the hospital’s chaos. Her character’s journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. - Borja Luna as Néstor
Luna’s portrayal of Néstor, a rebellious doctor leading the strike, is fiery and compelling. His character’s actions drive much of the show’s political tension. - New Additions in Season 2
Rachel Lascar and Pablo Alborán join the cast in Season 2, bringing new dynamics and conflicts to the hospital. Their characters add fresh layers to the show’s already complex web of relationships.
Plot Summary: What Happens in Breathless?
Breathless is set in a public hospital on the brink of collapse. The story begins with a general strike by hospital staff protesting cuts to public healthcare funding. The strike creates a moral dilemma for the doctors: do they continue treating patients, or do they join the protest, knowing that their absence could cost lives?
The first season follows the residents and senior staff as they navigate this crisis. Biel, the young resident, is torn between his idealism and the harsh realities of medicine. Patricia, the senior doctor, struggles to keep the hospital running while dealing with her own personal demons. Meanwhile, relationships bloom and fracture under the pressure, and the hospital becomes a battleground for both medical and political conflicts.
Season 2 escalates the tension as the hospital transitions to a privately run institution. This shift challenges the ethics and values of the medical team, forcing them to confront new dilemmas. The season introduces new characters, deepens existing relationships, and raises the stakes even higher. The show’s ability to weave together personal drama, medical emergencies, and political intrigue keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Why You Should Watch Breathless in 2025
If you’re still on the fence, here are the top reasons to add Breathless to your watchlist:
- It’s More Than Just a Medical Drama
While the show delivers all the high-stakes medical cases you’d expect, it also tackles real-world issues like healthcare privatization, worker’s rights, and ethical dilemmas. This makes it relevant and thought-provoking, not just entertaining. - The Cast Is Exceptional
With stars from Money Heist, Elite, and Cable Girls, the acting in Breathless is top-notch. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, making their relationships—both professional and personal—feel authentic and engaging. - It’s Binge-Worthy
Each episode is packed with drama, suspense, and emotional moments. The show’s fast pacing and cliffhangers make it impossible to stop watching. - It Offers a Fresh Perspective
As an international production, Breathless provides a unique cultural lens on the medical drama genre. Its Spanish setting, language, and themes add a layer of authenticity that sets it apart from American or British hospital shows. - It’s Perfect for Fans of Political Dramas
If you enjoy shows that explore power struggles, ethics, and systemic issues, Breathless will resonate with you. The show’s political storyline is as compelling as its medical cases. - It’s Available on Netflix
With two seasons already streaming and a third on the way, now is the perfect time to dive into Breathless. The show is available in multiple languages, including English dubbing and subtitles, making it accessible to a global audience.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Breathless
Breathless is the brainchild of Carlos Montero, a creator known for his ability to blend drama, suspense, and social commentary. The show is produced by El Desorden Crea, Montero’s production company, and features a team of experienced directors and writers. The series was filmed in Valencia, Spain, with the Joaquín Sorolla Hospital serving as the primary setting.
The show’s big budget is evident in its high production values, from the realistic hospital sets to the cinematic cinematography. Montero has described Breathless as “big on action and almost thriller-like,” a departure from the more soap-opera-style medical dramas. The result is a show that feels urgent, immersive, and visually stunning.
Pro Tips for Watching Breathless
To get the most out of your Breathless viewing experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Watch in Spanish with Subtitles
While the English dub is well-done, watching the show in its original Spanish with subtitles preserves the authenticity and emotional nuance of the performances. - Pay Attention to the Political Storyline
The show’s exploration of healthcare privatization and worker’s rights is central to its themes. Understanding this context will deepen your appreciation of the characters’ struggles. - Don’t Skip the Character-Driven Moments
Breathless excels in its character development. The personal stories of the doctors and nurses are just as important as the medical cases, so take the time to invest in their journeys. - Prepare for Emotional Rollercosters
The show doesn’t pull punches when it comes to tragedy, romance, and moral dilemmas. Be ready for a mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. - Watch with Friends
Breathless is the kind of show that sparks discussion and debate. Watching with friends or a book club can enhance the experience, as you’ll likely have different opinions on the characters’ choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breathless
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the show:
- Is Breathless based on a true story?
No, the show is a fictional drama. However, it draws inspiration from real-world issues in Spain’s public healthcare system, making it feel grounded and relevant. - Do I need to watch Season 1 before Season 2?
Yes, the story is serialized, and Season 2 builds directly on the events of Season 1. Starting from the beginning will give you the full context and emotional impact. - Is Breathless suitable for all audiences?
The show is rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to its graphic medical scenes, strong language, and adult themes. It’s not recommended for younger viewers. - How many seasons of Breathless are there?
As of December 2025, there are two seasons available on Netflix, with a third season confirmed for 2026. - Where can I watch Breathless?
The show is exclusively available on Netflix worldwide. You can stream it with a Netflix subscription. - Is there a trailer for Breathless?
Yes, Netflix has released official trailers for both seasons. You can find them on Netflix’s YouTube channel or the show’s Netflix page.
Conclusion
Breathless is more than just another medical drama—it’s a gripping, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged exploration of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in a broken system. With its stellar cast, high-stakes storytelling, and relevant themes, the show has earned its place as one of Netflix’s most compelling original series of 2025.
Whether you’re drawn to the medical emergencies, the political intrigue, or the complex relationships, Breathless offers something for everyone. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to dive into this Spanish sensation and experience the drama, the passion, and the moral dilemmas that make it so unforgettable.
