La Moderna has a confirmed premiere date. On Wednesday, September 27, the series based on the novel Tea Rooms by Luisa Carnés will debut in prime time on La 1, La 2, Clan, and RTVE Play. The co-production between RTVE and Mediawan, with the participation of Boomerang TV, will then continue airing weekly on Thursday afternoons on La 1 and RTVE Play.

Helena Ezquerro, Stéphanie Magnin, and Almagro San Miguel lead the cast, alongside names such as Miryam Gallego, José Luis García-Pérez, Teresa Hurtado de Ory, Sara Rivero, and Berta Galo. They are joined by Llorenç González, Berta Castañé, and Bárbara Mestanza in a large ensemble cast.

The series features a highly experienced creative and technical team, designed to support a carefully crafted visual style and modern production techniques for daily drama storytelling. The production is led by Luis Santamaría and Humberto Miró, with direction by Liliana Bocanegra, Isaac Cantero, Pedro Martínez, and David Montoya. The writing team is coordinated by Carlos Martín Eguía and Joaquín Santamaría, and includes Miquel Peidró, José Antonio López (Kata), Remedios Crespo, Ignasi Rubio, Juan Manuel Beiro, Ángela Armero, Neus Peidró, Sergio Barrejón, and José Ángel Domínguez.

About La Moderna

Set in Madrid in 1930, the story follows Matilde, a young woman from a humble family who starts working at La Moderna, one of the city’s most elegant tea rooms. There she reunites with Íñigo, her teenage love, now a well-positioned man and right-hand to businessman Don Jaime. Their renewed romance is complicated by Don Jaime’s wife, Doña Carla, who will do everything to prevent it.

Based on Luisa Carnés’ novel Tea Rooms, the series portrays working women in early 20th-century Madrid, contrasting the glamour of high society with the struggles of working-class employees, using emotional and social conflicts as its main narrative engine.

Character profiles

Matilde Garcés, played by Helena Ezquerro

She is Rosario’s daughter and the eldest of four siblings. Her goal is to fulfill the promise she made to her father before he died: to care for and keep her family together. However, she will face major obstacles such as poverty and the disadvantages of the working class. She begins working at the tea room, where she meets Íñigo and must face Doña Carla.

Íñigo Peñalver, played by Almagro San Miguel

Íñigo has been in love with Matilde since he was young, and they reunite at the tea room after years apart. From that moment on, Doña Carla and a group of businessmen’s schemes will make his life difficult.

Carla de Morcuende, played by Stéphanie Magnin

Although happily married to Don Jaime, Carla’s goal is to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth alongside Íñigo, the only man she has ever loved. Matilde will become an obstacle to achieving this.

Jaime de Morcuende, played by José Luis García-Pérez

Jaime is a successful businessman. Since meeting Doña Carla, his wife and his business have become the main priorities of his life. He is the owner of the gallery where La Moderna is located, and he relies on his close friend Íñigo to manage his affairs.

Matilde’s family

Rosario Martín, played by Miryam Gallego

Matilde’s mother. A strong woman who fights to care for her family and raise her children. To do so, she must face her declining health, poverty, and Doña Carla.

Luisa Garcés, played by Berta Castañé

Matilde’s sister and the second eldest sibling. She is responsible, sweet, and sensitive, with a special talent for drawing and painting.

Pablo Garcés, played by Rodrigo Simón

The third sibling and only boy. He was a child when his father died and quickly learned what it meant to grow up in poverty, but he aspires to become a man and earn money to help his family.

Clara Garcés, played by Cosette Silguero

The youngest sister. Cheerful, fun, and very lively, she loves the stories Matilde tells her about the tea room’s customers.

Tea room characters

Antonia, played by Teresa Hurtado de Ory

The most experienced employee at La Moderna. She lives to help her colleagues, especially Marta, and to maintain a connection with her late husband.

Teresa, played by Sara Rivero

The manager of La Moderna. She tries to assert her authority and constantly seeks to impress her boss, Don Fermín.

Trini, played by Bárbara Mestanza

One of the most admired waitresses. Her life becomes complicated when her husband starts working at the bookstore across from La Moderna.

Marta, played by Lorea Carballo

A shop assistant from the countryside who faces a harsh life in the big city.

Laurita, played by Berta Galo

Don Fermín’s niece and employee at La Moderna. She dreams of a luxurious life and traveling the world with a handsome man—ideally a Hollywood actor.

Fermín Villanueva, played by Carles Sanjaime

Owner of La Moderna. His goal is to keep it the best tea room in the city while facing economic instability and staff problems.

Pietro, played by Andrea Fiorillo

The pastry chef at La Moderna. An Italian immigrant who lost his wife and hopes his son Giancarlo, an idealist and revolutionary, can live with him in Madrid.

Esperanza, played by María José Parra

The cleaning lady at the tea room. She has a difficult personality, avoids responsibility, but makes her coworkers laugh.

Francisco Cañete, played by Carlos Librado

A skilled and educated waiter. Everyone calls him Cañete, and Don Fermín trusts him deeply.

Elías, played by Xabier Murua

Another waiter. Known for his heavy pranks, which frustrate his coworkers, although he is loved for his kind heart.

The bookstore

Miguel, played by Llorenç González

The bookseller and Trini’s husband. They must hide their marriage, as married women are not allowed to work at La Moderna.

The tenement building (corrala)

Emilio, played by Germán Alcarazu

One of the neighbors. Although he may seem like a criminal, he has a deep sensitivity that not everyone can see.

Raimundo, played by Pablo Álvarez

Emilio’s older brother and also a neighbor. Life has treated him harshly, and he seems determined to pay it back.