Season 1
10 episodes Sep 13, 2019 3.5
Monarca
“The taste of betrayal.”
2019–2021
Canceled • 2 Seasons • 18 Episodes
Overview
After 20 years, Ana María returns to Mexico and vies for control of her family's tequila empire as it threatens to crumble under corruption and secrets.
Seasons
2 listed- Status
- Canceled
- Seasons
- 2 seasons
- Episodes
- 18 episodes
- First aired
- Sep 13, 2019
- Last aired
- Jan 1, 2021
- Episode length
- 43m
- Network
- Netflix
Latest episode: S2 E8 The Executioner (Jan 1, 2021)
Season 2
8 episodes Jan 1, 2021
Reviews
4 min readThe Tequila Throne: Blood, Betrayal, and the Bitter Aftertaste of Monarca
I keep thinking about the way Ana María walks into that hacienda for the first time in twenty years. The camera doesn’t rush—it lingers on the dust motes caught in the slanted light, the way her heels click against the tile like a metronome counting down to disaster. She’s not just returning home; she’s stepping into a kingdom of rot, where the air itself smells of fermented agave and old sins. Monarca is a drama about power, yes, but more than that, it’s about the cost of wanting it.
And like the best tequila, it goes down smooth before leaving you with a burn you can’t ignore. Ana María (played with a simmering restraint that makes every glance feel like a threat) has spent two decades in exile, but the pull of the family business—and the throne she believes is rightfully hers—proves stronger than pride. What unfolds is less a corporate thriller and more a Shakespearean tragedy in slow motion, where the poison isn’t in the cup but in the very soil the agave grows from.
Corruption isn’t just a subplot here; it’s the family business, passed down like a heirloom. The show’s greatest strength is its refusal to rush. Monarca understands that power isn’t seized in a single coup—it’s eroded, drop by drop, through whispered conversations in back rooms and glances exchanged over glasses of something far stronger than tequila. The pacing is deliberate, almost languid at times, but that’s the point.
This isn’t a story about a sudden fall from grace; it’s about the slow, inevitable collapse of a dynasty that was built on lies. The tension isn’t in what will happen, but in how it will happen—and who will be left standing when the dust settles.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.5/10
"A visually striking drama with compelling family dynamics, but uneven pacing and underdeveloped side plots leave some viewers wanting more."
Viewers appreciate the lavish production design and the intense portrayal of a wealthy Mexican family entangled in power struggles and tequila empire drama. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, the series is criticized for dragging in places and failing to fully explore its supporting characters, which dilutes the impact of its stronger moments.
What viewers praise
- Lavish production design The series is praised for its rich visuals and immersive depiction of Mexico’s elite lifestyle and tequila industry.
- Strong family dynamics The complex relationships within the Monarca family are highlighted as a standout element, driving much of the drama.
- Engaging lead performances The main cast delivers compelling performances, particularly in scenes depicting familial tension and conflict.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some viewers find the series slow in parts, with certain episodes failing to advance the plot meaningfully.
- Underdeveloped side plots Supporting storylines and characters often feel shallow or unresolved, detracting from the overall narrative.
- Predictable twists The plot occasionally relies on familiar tropes, making some developments feel telegraphed or unoriginal.
Recommended for
Fans of family sagas Lovers of Mexican drama Viewers who enjoy lavish settings Drama enthusiasts Telenovela fans seeking depth
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix Pulls the Plug on Monarca After Two Seasons—Despite Strong Reviews
The Mexican drama Monarca (2019) has been canceled by Netflix, leaving fans without a third season to wrap up its high-stakes tequila empire saga. latestnetflix.com's read is that the news broke via cast members, confirming what many viewers had feared after the second season’s cliffhangers.
The Cancellation Confirmed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKQgiz1Agu8
Actor Osvaldo Benavides, who played one of the show’s central figures, took to social media to confirm the cancellation, calling it a surprise despite Monarca’s positive reception. "Great reviews weren’t enough to save it," he hinted, though Netflix has yet to issue an official statement . The decision aligns with the streamer’s recent trend of axing even well-reviewed international series, often without warning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aesc4xeG_4U
Co-star Fernanda Castillo, known for her role in Monarca, also weighed in indirectly, with reports noting her involvement in the now-shelved production . Neither actor provided specifics on why Netflix walked away, but industry chatter suggests budget cuts or shifting priorities may have played a role.
What We Know About the Show’s Fate
- No Season 3: Despite unresolved storylines—including power struggles within the Carranza family and the future of their tequila dynasty—Netflix has officially scrapped plans for a third season .
- Fan Backlash: Viewers praised Monarca for its lavish production, sharp writing, and exploration of Mexico’s elite, making the cancellation a bitter pill to swallow. Social media reactions have been swift, with many calling for another platform to pick up the series.
- Unanswered Questions: The show’s abrupt end leaves major plot threads dangling, from romantic entanglements to violent rivalries. Without a proper finale, fans may never see closure for characters like Ana María (Castillo) or Andrés (Benavides).
**Why Was Monarca Canceled?**
The evidence doesn’t spell out Netflix’s reasoning, but speculation points to a few possibilities:
- Budget Constraints: International productions, even popular ones, are often casualties of cost-cutting measures. Monarca’s high production values—think private jets, opulent estates, and A-list Mexican talent—may have made it a target.
- Streamer Strategy Shift: Netflix has been pivoting toward bigger-budget, globally appealing content, sometimes at the expense of niche or regional hits. Monarca, despite its acclaim, may not have fit the new mold.
- Lack of Transparency: Netflix rarely explains cancellations, leaving creators and audiences in the dark. Benavides’ confirmation suggests even the cast was caught off guard .
**What’s Next for Monarca?**
For now, the series remains in limbo. While revivals and platform pickups aren’t unheard of—see Lucifer’s move from Fox to Netflix—there’s no indication another streamer is stepping in. Fans can only hope for a limited-series wrap-up or a spin-off, though neither has been hinted at.
Until then, Monarca joins the growing list of Netflix casualties, a reminder that even critical darlings aren’t safe in the streaming wars.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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