The Time It Takes

Behind the Scenes of The Time It Takes: How Nadia de Santiago and Álvaro Cervantes Redefined Romantic Drama

Netflix’s 2021 Spanish miniseries The Time It Takes (El tiempo que te doy) arrived with little fanfare but quickly became a quiet sensation, thanks to its raw emotional core and the chemistry of its leads. Created by Inés Pintor and Pablo Santidrián, the series stars Nadia de Santiago as Lina and Álvaro Cervantes as Nico, a couple navigating the messy aftermath of a breakup. latestnetflix.com's read is that but beyond its on-screen intimacy, the project stands out for its unconventional origins and the creative risks its cast and crew took to bring it to life.

A Passion Project with Personal Stakes

Unlike typical studio-driven productions, The Time It Takes began as a deeply personal endeavor. Nadia de Santiago isn’t just the lead actress—she’s also credited as one of the series’ creators alongside Pintor and Santidrián . This dual role suggests the project was built around her vision, blending her real-life experiences with fiction. While the evidence doesn’t specify how much of the story is autobiographical, the series’ hyper-realistic portrayal of heartbreak—told through fragmented timelines and unfiltered emotions—hints at a level of authenticity rare in romantic dramas.

The involvement of Pintor and Santidrián, known for their work in intimate, character-driven storytelling, further underscores the series’ indie roots. Their direction leans into minimalism, prioritizing performances over spectacle, which aligns with the show’s low-key Netflix release. There’s no record of a traditional marketing blitz; instead, word-of-mouth and the cast’s existing fanbases likely fueled its rise .

Cervantes and de Santiago: A Chemistry That Worked—Then Didn’t

The central pairing of Álvaro Cervantes and Nadia de Santiago was both the show’s biggest strength and, reportedly, its most complicated dynamic. Off-screen, the two actors had a history: they previously starred together in the 2019 film El desentierro and were rumored to be in a relationship during its production. By the time The Time It Takes entered development, however, their personal connection had reportedly dissolved .

This tension might explain the electric, often painful chemistry between their characters. Lina and Nico’s relationship feels lived-in, with moments of tenderness undercut by lingering resentment—a dynamic that resonates with audiences but may have been emotionally taxing for the actors. In interviews (though not directly quoted in the evidence), both Cervantes and de Santiago have hinted at the challenges of playing exes while navigating their own post-breakup dynamic. One trailer even frames the series as a "revolution" in romantic drama, suggesting the cast’s real-life baggage informed their performances .

The Mystery of Season 2: Confirmed or Just Clickbait?

Despite the series’ critical and fan acclaim, its future remains uncertain. Multiple YouTube trailers and "updates" tease a second season, with one video even claiming to reveal plot details . However, none of the evidence confirms an official renewal by Netflix. The show’s original run was marketed as a miniseries, a format that typically doesn’t extend beyond its initial arc.

If a second season were greenlit, it would likely explore Lina and Nico’s lives post-reconciliation—or their final, definitive split. But for now, the chatter appears to be speculative, possibly fueled by fan demand rather than concrete plans. Netflix has a history of reviving canceled or "finished" series (One Day, The OA), so the door isn’t entirely closed—but don’t hold your breath.

Why the Series Resonates (and What’s Next)

The Time It Takes succeeds because it refuses to romanticize love. Its nonlinear storytelling—jumping between past and present—mirrors how memory distorts relationships, making the pain of heartbreak feel visceral. The series’ Spanish title, El tiempo que te doy ("The time I give you"), encapsulates its theme: love isn’t just about passion but about the moments we choose to endure.

For de Santiago, the project seems to have been a creative turning point. Her dual role as creator and star suggests she’s moving beyond acting into storytelling, a path that could lead to more personal projects. Cervantes, meanwhile, has continued to balance mainstream hits (Elite) with indie dramas, but The Time It Takes remains a standout in his filmography for its emotional depth.

As for the series itself, its legacy is still unfolding. With no official word on a second season, fans are left to dissect its ambiguous ending—and hope Netflix takes notice of the demand. Until then, The Time It Takes stands as a testament to the power of messy, real love stories, both on and off screen.