Velvet

In 1950s Spain, the heir to a fashion house romances a beautiful seamstress who works for the company, despite the objections of his family.

Velvet (2014-2016) is a Spanish period romance series created by Ramón Campos and Gema R. Neira for Antena 3. Set in 1950s Spain, it follows Alberto Márquez (Miguel Ángel Silvestre), heir to a prestigious fashion house, who falls for Ana Rivera (Paula Echevarría), a talented seamstress employed by the company, despite fierce resistance from his powerful family. Blanca Soto (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón) and other members of the household and workshop surround the central couple, and their rivalries, loyalties and ambitions push the romance into constant danger. Each episode of this four-season serialized drama moves the story through boardroom maneuvering, backstage workshop rivalries, and secret meetings that the family cannot control. The series unfolds in an elegant Madrid atmosphere of couture, wealth and social hierarchy, with the restrictive postwar Francoist climate pressing on every choice. Its tone is melodramatic and sensual, with a wistful, yearning register and a strong sense of impossible love. Fans of Downton Abbey, Cuéntame cómo pasó and Gossip Girl will find resonance in its mix of class conflict, glamorous interiors and serialized romantic tension. Across fifty-four episodes, the story keeps its focus on the cost of loving across rank and reputation.

Critics and audiences generally praise Velvet's romance, costume design and melodramatic storytelling, though the uneven first season draws criticism.

• Downton Abbeyperiod romance drama, fashion house setting, class-crossing love story
• Cuéntame cómo pasóserialized Spanish period melodrama with romance and family conflict
• Gossip Girlsoapy serialized romance tied to a wealthy family business and class divides

Created by

Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira

Release Date

2014-01-17

Episode runtime

90 min

Rating

8.0 / 10 (61)

What is Velvet about?

A 1950s Spanish fashion house heir defies his family to pursue a romance with a seamstress who works for the company.

What is Velvet like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Velvet as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is Velvet violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Velvet.

What did critics think of Velvet?

Critics and audiences generally praise Velvet's romance, costume design and melodramatic storytelling, though the uneven first season draws criticism.

Which shows are like Velvet?

Shows with a similar feel include Downton Abbey, Cuéntame cómo pasó, and Gossip Girl.

How long is Velvet?

Velvet: 4 seasons, 54 episodes.

Is Velvet still running?

No, Velvet has ended.

Where can I watch Velvet?

In United States, Velvet streams on YouTube TV, PBS, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Peacock Premium Plus, WETA+.