The Biographical Drama Series That's Dominating Netflix

Netflix has a new biopic series to add to its already expansive collection, joining shows like The Crown, Narcos, and When They See Us.

Selena: The Series portrays the life of singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who began performing at a very young age and had a tremendously successful career, which was tragically cut short when she was killed at the age of 23. Selena is often referred to as the "Queen of Tejano music" — a style of music that mixes Mexican, European, and American elements together, originating in Northern Mexico and Texas, as explained by Grantmakers in the Arts. 

In Selena: The Series, Christian Serratos, known for playing Rosita Espinosa in The Walking Dead, portrays the revolutionary singer. The series is created by Moisés Zamora, and executive produced by Selena's sister Suzette Quintanilla, who played drums in the family's band. Premiering on Netflix on December 4, 2020, the first season of Selena: The Series focuses on Selena's early years, moving into the height of her career; nine episodes are available to binge-watch now. There's a second season, entitled Selena: The Series Part 2, already planned; it will be the show's last. Serratos confirmed to The Los Angeles Times that she recently finished filming season 2, though Netflix has yet to announce a release date.

Considering the fact that Selena: The Series is currently among the top ten most-watched shows on Netflix in the U.S., there's reason to believe a season 2 release date announcement could be coming soon.

The real Selena started performing professionally when she was only eight years old, alongside her brother and sister in their band Selena y Los Dinos. Selena: The Series begins with Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla (Ricardo Chavira) discovering her obvious talent and beginning the family's music career. They go through a lot of economic troubles, despite the band gaining traction, but soon overcome it as Selena wins awards and they start touring. The episodes continue to explore Selena's success and impact on the music industry, as well as the singer's relationship with her guitarist, Chris Pérez, whom she ended up marrying in real life.

The first season of Selena: The Series only goes so far into her life, not yet touching on Selena's death. In 1995, Yolanda Saldivar, the president of Selena's fan club and a woman the singer thought of as a friend until she began to embezzle money from her, shot and killed Selena. Played by Natasha Perez, Saldivar is introduced in the first batch of episodes, with the series planning to explore the events leading up to Selena's death thoroughly in the show's second season.

Check out Selena: The Series on Netflix for a revealing look at the iconic and influential singer Selena, and how her talent and vivacity fueled her rise to fame and changed Latin music for the better.