Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Diablero.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Diablero
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Diablero | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Horror |
| Created by | Pablo Tébar and José Manuel Cravioto |
| Based on | El Diablo me obligó by Francisco Haghenbeck |
| Written by | |
| Directed by |
|
| Opening theme | "Futuro" by Café Tacuba |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
| Original language | Spanish |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 14 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Production location | Mexico City, Mexico[1] |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | December 21, 2018 – January 31, 2020 |
Diablero is a Mexican television series produced by Morena Films for Netflix.[1] The series is based on the book by Mexican writer Francisco Haghenbeck entitled El Diablo me obligó.[2] The series premiered on 21 December 2018.[3] The series was renewed for a second season in February 2019 which premiered on January 31, 2020.[4][5]
The series was canceled after two seasons.[6]
Plot
[edit]The story revolves around Father Ramiro Ventura, a priest who seeks the help of the legendary demon hunter or "Diablero" Elvis Infante. With the help of Elvis's sister Keta and demon possessed Nancy Gama this unlikely team unleashes a series of events that could determine the fate of humanity.
Cast
[edit]- Horacio García Rojas as Heliodoro "Elvis" Infante, a diablero
- Christopher von Uckermann as Father Ramiro Ventura
- Gisselle Kuri as Nancy Gama
- Fátima Molina as Enriqueta "Keta" Infante
- Dolores Heredia as Mamá Chabela
- Humberto Busto as Isaac 'El Indio'
- Mariana Botas as Thalia
- Dulce Neri as Paulina
- Flavio Medina as Cardinal Morelo
- Gerardo Taracena as Benito Infante
- Quetzalli Cortés as Wences
- Cassandra Iturralde as Mariana
- Ela Velden as Lupe Reyna
- Michel Duval as Alejandro / Tepoz / Ahuizotl
Episodes
[edit]Season 1 (2018)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Demons Are Among Us" "Los demonios están entre nosotros" | José Manuel Cravioto | Luis Gamboa, Verónica Marzá, Gibrán Portela, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 2 | 2 | "Leg of a Dog, Heart of a Chicken" "Pata de perro, corazón de pollo" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 3 | 3 | "The Hidden Children" "Los hijos ocultos" | José Manuel Cravioto | Bernardo Esquinca, Luis Gamboa, Gibrán Portela, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 4 | 4 | "An Arcane Incantation" "Conjuro arcano" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Luis Gamboa, Gibrán Portela, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 5 | 5 | "The Conclave" "El cónclave" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 6 | 6 | "A Woman Diablero" "Una mujer diablera" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel Sánchez Arranz, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 7 | 7 | "Four Tombs" "Cuatro tumbas" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Luis Gamboa, Verónica Marzá, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
| 8 | 8 | "Red Sky" "Cielo rojo" | José Manuel Cravioto | Bernardo Esquinca, Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 |
Season 2 (2020)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by [7] | Written by [7] | Original release date [8] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "Searching for Ventura" "Buscando a Ventura" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, Augusto Mendoza, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 |
| 10 | 2 | "The Ahuizotl" "El Ahuizotl" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez | January 31, 2020 |
| 11 | 3 | "Tears of the Devil" "Lágrimas de demonio" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel Sánchez Arranz | January 31, 2020 |
| 12 | 4 | "The Coatlicue" "La Coatlicue" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 |
| 13 | 5 | "You Don't Choose Your Family" "Uno no escoge a la familia" | José Manuel Cravioto | Augusto Mendoza, Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel Sánchez Arranz, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 |
| 14 | 6 | "The Black Key" "La llave negra" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, Augusto Mendoza, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j León, Ariel (8 February 2017). ""Diablero", la nueva serie de Netflix que se grabará en México". eluniversal.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ "Netflix prepara "Diablero", serie de fantasía filmada en México". El Comercio (in Spanish). 12 April 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
- ^ Jiménez, Gonzalo. "Diablero: La serie mexicana de Netflix ya tiene tráiler y fecha de estreno". cnet.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 November 2018.
- ^ "Diablero Season 2: Netflix Release Date & Renewal Status". What's on Netflix. February 12, 2019.
- ^ Ray, Shiladitya (January 3, 2020). "When Will Diablero Season 2 Premiere on Netflix?". The Cinemaholic. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ "'Diablero' Won't Return for Season 3 at Netflix". What's on Netflix. March 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Diablero - Season 2". IMDb. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- ^ "Diablero – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
Diablero
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Source material
The Netflix series Diablero is loosely inspired by the 2011 novel El diablo me obligó, written by Mexican author F.G. Haghenbeck and published by Suma de Letras.[10][11] Francisco Gerardo Haghenbeck Correa (1965–2021), who wrote under the pseudonym F.G. Haghenbeck, was a Mexican novelist, comic book writer, and screenwriter renowned for integrating urban fantasy elements with Mexican folklore in his works.[12] Born in Mexico City, he studied architecture at Universidad La Salle before pursuing careers in museum design, advertising, and television production; El diablo me obligó marked his debut as a novelist.[13] The novel's plot centers on Elvis Infante, a Chicano ex-convict navigating the gritty streets of East Los Angeles, who transforms into a diablero—a demon hunter—following the demonic possession and death of his younger brother.[14] In this role, Infante captures demons, seraphim, caribús, and other supernatural entities, selling them to clients including the Catholic Church and organized crime syndicates in a shadowy underworld blending noir aesthetics with occult pursuits.[15][14] While the book emphasizes a solitary Chicano protagonist in a Los Angeles setting, the series shifts the action to Mexico City and introduces a larger ensemble of characters to broaden its narrative scope.[14][16] Haghenbeck died on April 4, 2021, in Tehuacán, Puebla, at the age of 56, from complications related to COVID-19.[17][18]Development
Netflix announced the development of Diablero on August 2, 2017, during its "Vive Netflix" event in Mexico City, as part of an expansion of original content in Latin America.[19] The series highlights the platform's investment in regional storytelling.[19][1] The series was created by Spanish director Pablo Tébar and Mexican director José Manuel Cravioto, and handled key directorial duties.[20] Tébar contributed as head writer, shaping the screenplay alongside Cravioto and additional collaborators to adapt the supernatural thriller format for television.[20] Production was led by Spain's Morena Films, with Juan Gordon and Pedro Uriol as primary producers, in a co-production arrangement with Mexican partners to integrate local expertise and locations.[21][22] Diablero is a loose adaptation of F.G. Haghenbeck's 2011 novel El Diablo me obligó, which centers on a demon hunter in Los Angeles but relocates the action to Mexico City for the series to emphasize urban Mexican settings and cultural resonance.[23] The adaptation expands the novel's core demon-hunting premise into an ensemble narrative featuring a team of a desperate priest and demon hunters confronting otherworldly threats. It incorporates elements of Mexican mythology, such as the Aztec demon Ahuizotl, blending them with Judeo-Christian lore to create a hybrid supernatural framework rooted in local folklore.[16][22] Following the premiere of its first season on December 21, 2018, Netflix renewed Diablero for a second season, which was released on January 31, 2020.[24] The series concluded after two seasons, with Netflix confirming its cancellation in March 2022 and no plans for further episodes.[24]Production
Casting
The casting for Diablero emphasized a blend of Mexican and international talent to reflect the country's cultural diversity and enhance the show's global appeal, with auditions primarily held in Mexico City and a focus on actors experienced in supernatural or genre storytelling. This approach contributed to the series' cultural hybridity by incorporating performers who could embody the fusion of indigenous mythology, Catholic traditions, and modern urban life in Mexico City. The production, a co-production between Mexican teams and Spain's Morena Films for Netflix, prioritized authenticity in portraying Mexican folklore while ensuring accessibility for international viewers.[25][26] Key casting decisions included Horacio García Rojas as Heliodoro "Elvis" Infante, the titular diablero, selected for his edgy, streetwise persona honed in prior roles like those in Narcos: Mexico auditions; Rojas was contacted directly by casting director Sandra León Becker and secured the part through auditions, drawn to the character's unconventional demon-hunting style. Christopher von Uckermann was cast as Father Ramiro Ventura, the conflicted priest, to infuse the role with emotional vulnerability, leveraging his background in high-profile Latin American productions such as Rebelde for broad recognition. Gisselle Kuri was chosen for Nancy Gama, the demonologist, bringing intellectual depth and a grounded presence to the team's paranormal expert.[20][27][26] For season 2, additions like Humberto Busto as Isaac "El Indio," a recurring demon-linked antagonist, deepened the mythological arcs by introducing complex figures tied to Aztec lore and supernatural conflicts.[28][29] Challenges in casting included balancing regional Spanish-Mexican accents and dialects for authenticity, particularly in scenes involving náhuatl phrases and urban slang, within the co-production framework to maintain cultural fidelity while meeting Netflix's global standards. The process required navigating the mix of established stars and emerging talent to avoid typecasting in the supernatural genre.[26][20]Filming
Principal photography for the first season of Diablero took place entirely in Mexico City, aligning with Netflix's announcement of the series as a fully local production in August 2017.[19] The shoot wrapped in time for the season's premiere on December 21, 2018, emphasizing urban environments to capture the show's supernatural underworld set in the Mexican capital.[1] Filming for the second season occurred in 2019 in the same primary location, Mexico City and its surrounding areas, avoiding any international shoots despite the involvement of Spanish production company Morena Films as co-producer.[30] The series was directed primarily by José Manuel Cravioto, who also served as an executive producer and co-creator, alongside Rigoberto Castañeda for several episodes, ensuring a cohesive vision rooted in Mexican cultural elements.[19] Production logistics focused on practical locations within the city to represent both everyday settings and otherworldly demonic realms, with special effects employed to depict an angel-abandoned Mexico City overrun by supernatural forces.[2] Visual effects for demon manifestations and possessions were handled by Deluxe Spain, integrating seamlessly with on-location shoots on Netflix's budget without reported major disruptions, as the second season concluded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.[31] This Mexico-centric approach enhanced the series' authenticity, complementing the casting of local talent to portray culturally resonant characters.Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Diablero features four central characters who form the core team combating supernatural threats across both seasons, with their arcs evolving in connection to the series' overarching mythology of demons and ancient rituals.[6][7] Heliodoro "Elvis" Infante is portrayed by Horacio García Rojas as a charismatic demon hunter with a troubled past, renowned for his skills in capturing and confronting supernatural beings in Mexico City's underworld.[7][32] Rojas, a Mexican actor with a background in diverse television roles, brings intensity to the role of this legendary diablero who leads the team's hunts.[33] Father Ramiro Ventura, played by Christopher von Uckermann, is a fallen priest grappling with personal demons and seeking redemption after a profound loss, ultimately joining the demon-hunting crew to protect the innocent.[7][32] Uckermann, best known for his breakout role in the telenovela Rebelde and as a member of the band RBD, infuses the character with emotional depth drawn from his experience in high-profile Mexican media.[34] Gisselle Kuri embodies Nancy Gama, the team's tech-savvy demonologist and strategic mind, whose expertise in modern folklore and paranormal investigation proves crucial in analyzing and countering demonic entities.[7][32] Kuri's portrayal emphasizes Nancy's role as a bridge between ancient myths and contemporary tools, enhancing the group's effectiveness against otherworldly foes.[6] Enriqueta "Keta" Infante, Elvis's sister, is brought to life by Fátima Molina, who provides emotional grounding for the team amid the chaos of their missions, often drawing on her familial ties to navigate personal and supernatural conflicts.[32][35] Molina, with a strong foundation in performing arts and theater training, delivers a performance marked by raw intensity and vulnerability.[36]Recurring cast
Mamá Chabela, portrayed by Dolores Heredia, serves as Elvis Infante's mother figure in the series, providing comic relief through her sassy demeanor and strengthening cultural ties to Mexican folklore and family dynamics among the demon hunters. Heredia, a veteran of Mexican cinema with roles in acclaimed films such as The Motive (2004) and Sin nombre (2009), infuses the character with grounded authenticity and emotional depth.[20] Isaac "El Indio", played by Humberto Busto, is depicted as a corrupt church-affiliated diablero harboring hidden agendas and underground dealings, which introduce moral ambiguity and tension within the group's alliances. Busto's portrayal emphasizes the character's shifting loyalties, from antagonist to reluctant collaborator, enriching subplots involving betrayal and redemption.[20][22] Mariana Ventura Cruz, portrayed by Cassandra Iturralde, is the young girl kidnapped and possessed by a demon at the center of season 1's plot, driving the team's initial investigations into demonic abductions. Iturralde's performance highlights themes of innocence facing otherworldly corruption.[20][32] These recurring characters typically appear in 4–8 episodes per season, supporting main team dynamics through interpersonal conflicts and auxiliary missions against demonic entities.[20]Release
Season 1 (2018)
The first season of Diablero premiered on Netflix on December 21, 2018, with all eight episodes released simultaneously.[6] Directed primarily by José Manuel Cravioto and Rigoberto Castañeda, the season was written by head writer Pablo Tébar alongside contributors such as Gibrán Portela, José Rodríguez, and Daniel Sánchez Arranz.[20][37] It focuses on the formation of an unlikely team—a priest, a demon hunter, and a paranormal expert—as they confront demonic threats in Mexico City, introducing key elements of the series' mythology surrounding diableros and supernatural entities.[6][1] The season builds tension through initial investigations and hunts, emphasizing the characters' personal stakes and the blurred lines between faith, folklore, and the occult.[7] Below is a list of episodes with brief synopses highlighting the core investigative and team-building aspects.| No. | Title | Director(s) | Writer(s) | Original release date | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Demons are Among Us | José Manuel Cravioto | Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 39 min [6] |
| A young priest enlists a demon hunter to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a girl, marking the start of their collaboration. | |||||
| 2 | Leg of a Dog, Heart of a Chicken | Rigoberto Castañeda | Gibrán Portela | December 21, 2018 | 38 min [6] |
| The team tracks a demonic presence to an underground venue, while one member delves into clues about the missing girl's fate. | |||||
| 3 | The Hidden Children | José Manuel Cravioto | José Rodríguez | December 21, 2018 | 38 min [6] |
| Personal histories intersect with the case as the group uncovers connections to concealed supernatural vulnerabilities. | |||||
| 4 | An Arcane Incantation | Rigoberto Castañeda | Daniel Sánchez Arranz | December 21, 2018 | 37 min [6] |
| An ancient ritual is performed to engage a demon, revealing deeper layers of the team's occult knowledge. | |||||
| 5 | The Conclave | José Manuel Cravioto | Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 41 min [6] |
| The demon hunter seeks counsel amid escalating dangers, as emerging abilities within the group come to light. | |||||
| 6 | A Woman Diablero | Rigoberto Castañeda | Gibrán Portela | December 21, 2018 | 44 min [6] |
| Institutional pressures mount on the priest, while the team pursues leads on female diableros and hidden agendas. | |||||
| 7 | Four Tombs | José Manuel Cravioto | José Rodríguez | December 21, 2018 | 39 min [6] |
| The group mobilizes to protect vulnerable individuals from a ritualistic threat, testing their unity. | |||||
| 8 | Red Sky | Rigoberto Castañeda | Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 35 min [6] |
| As ominous signs intensify, the team gears up for a major confrontation, solidifying their roles in the fight against evil. |
Season 2 (2020)
Season 2 of Diablero premiered on Netflix on January 31, 2020, consisting of six episodes that resolve the central arcs from the first season while introducing heightened supernatural conflicts rooted in Mexican mythology.[38] The shorter season, with episodes running between 31 and 41 minutes, allows for a more condensed narrative focusing on the team's desperate efforts to retrieve a lost ally from the underworld and confront emerging demonic forces that threaten to fracture their alliances.[39] Directed entirely by José Manuel Cravioto, the season maintains the core creative team from season 1, including writers Pablo Tébar and others, with an emphasis on visual effects to depict intensified otherworldly encounters.[40] All episodes were released simultaneously, emphasizing escalating threats from Aztec-inspired entities and internal team tensions as recurring characters like Keta and Nancy return to aid the hunt.[6] The season builds to a climactic resolution, with the protagonists navigating portals to Mictlán—the Aztec underworld—and battling powerful demons, highlighting themes of sacrifice and redemption amid growing rifts within the group. The series was not renewed for a third season and concluded after two seasons.[24]Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "Searching for Ventura" "Buscando a Ventura" | José Manuel Cravioto | Pablo Tébar, Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez Suárez | January 31, 2020 | 40 min |
| 10 | 2 | "The Ahuizotl" "El Ahuizotl" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez Suárez | January 31, 2020 | 38 min |
| 11 | 3 | "Tears of the Devil" "Lágrimas de demonio" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel S. Arranz | January 31, 2020 | 37 min |
| 12 | 4 | "Coatlicue" "La Coatlicue" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel S. Arranz | January 31, 2020 | 35 min |
| 13 | 5 | "You Don't Choose Your Family" "Uno no escoge a la familia" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel S. Arranz, Pablo Tébar, Augusto Mendoza | January 31, 2020 | 39 min |
| 14 | 6 | "The Black Key" "La llave negra" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel S. Arranz | January 31, 2020 | 41 min |
A enigmatic club owner enlists Elvis Infante's aid in a demonic matter, while a haunting message from a known voice reveals details about an inescapable door to another realm and the essential key that sustains it, setting the team on a path to locate their missing comrade amid rising infernal dangers.[41] This installment reintroduces core dynamics, with early signs of strain as the group grapples with Ventura's absence three years after his previous ordeal. Episode 2: "The Ahuizotl"
Elvis, Keta, and Nancy penetrate the underworld of Mictlán to extract Ventura and return him to the living world, confronting the mythical Ahuizotl—a water-dwelling demon from Aztec lore—while a now-adolescent Mayakén manifests unprecedented and ominous powers that hint at deeper fractures within the team's support network. The episode escalates the demonic threats, blending folklore with personal stakes as alliances begin to show vulnerabilities. Episode 3: "Tears of the Devil"
As a rampaging monster evades capture, the team struggles to determine its weaknesses and the reason behind its victims' blackened bones, forcing uneasy collaborations and exposing rifts exacerbated by the demon's diabolical "tears" that manipulate loyalties.[42] This chapter intensifies the hunt, with recurring figures like the cardinal adding layers of institutional conflict to the supernatural chaos. Episode 4: "Coatlicue"
The crew devises a trap for the elusive beast using Lupe's expertise and the final reserves of a rare demon-repelling substance (LDD), but complications arise as Death itself pursues Elvis during the stakeout, amplifying the season's theme of inevitable reckonings and team discord.[43] Drawing on the Aztec goddess Coatlicue as a symbolic force, the narrative heightens the mythological peril and interpersonal betrayals. Episode 5: "You Don't Choose Your Family"
Flashbacks illuminate Mayakén's traumatic origins and unconventional upbringing, providing crucial context for his emerging abilities and the emotional toll on the group, as familial bonds—both literal and chosen—test the limits of trust amid mounting underworld incursions.[44] The episode delves into character backstories, underscoring how past demons fuel current fractures in the hunt. Episode 6: "The Black Key"
With the portal's safeguard nearing collapse, Elvis and his allies unite with unlikely fiends to storm the secretive Conclave and liberate Mayakén, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation that resolves the season's arcs through sacrifice and revelation.[41] This finale ties together the escalating threats, delivering closure to the team's odyssey while emphasizing the enduring cost of battling infernal forces.
Reception
Critical response
Critics gave the first season of Diablero a mixed reception, with three reviews on Rotten Tomatoes including praise centered on its entertaining exploration of demon lore infused with Mexican cultural elements.[8] Reviewers highlighted the show's breezy pacing and its innovative blend of Aztec myths with Catholic exorcism traditions, creating a culturally hybrid narrative that feels fresh within the supernatural genre.[35] Horacio García Rojas's performance as the demon hunter Elvis Infante was frequently singled out as a standout, bringing charisma and depth to the lead role that anchors the series' mix of horror, humor, and action.[35][45] The second season received more limited critical attention, with no aggregated Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes due to fewer than 50 reviews, though available critiques maintained a positive lean based on limited reviews.[38] Commentators appreciated the continuation of the cultural hybridity and the addition of new elements like enhanced ensemble dynamics, but some noted persistent issues with narrative messiness and underdeveloped side characters that occasionally dilute the main storyline.[46] Visual effects were another point of criticism, described as having "bumps" that occasionally disrupt immersion despite overall technical improvements.[47] Academic analysis has further illuminated Diablero's thematic strengths, particularly its projection of modern Mexicanness. A 2025 study in Transnational Screens argues that the series updates concepts of hybridity by weaving pre-Hispanic indigenous elements with European Catholic influences, offering a desirable representation of contemporary Mexican identity on a global stage.[22] Overall, the critical consensus positions Diablero as a solid entry in the supernatural genre, often compared to Buffy the Vampire Slayer but reimagined in a Mexican urban setting, appealing to fans of demon-hunting tales with cultural specificity.[35] While not without flaws in plotting and production polish, its energetic blend of folklore, faith, and folklore-driven action has been lauded for broadening Latin American representation in international streaming content.[48] On IMDb, the series has a 6.8/10 rating from 2,958 user reviews as of November 2025.[7]Viewership
Upon its release, Diablero generated notable audience demand in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, where Parrot Analytics measured its demand at 1.4 times that of the average TV series during peak periods in the last 30 days of 2020. Globally, the series ranked among the top digital originals with 1,172,211 demand expressions shortly after its 2018 debut, reflecting steady engagement in the region. In the United States, however, demand was lower at 0.4 times the average TV series. These metrics underscore the show's regional appeal within Latin America, where it sustained interest for several weeks post-launch. The first season trended prominently on Netflix in Mexico following its December 2018 premiere, aligning with the platform's strategy to invest in local content and expand its footprint in the region. This popularity contributed to Netflix's narrative of bolstering Latin American productions, as Diablero served as a flagship Mexican original that highlighted the platform's commitment to diverse storytelling. The series' integration of supernatural elements drew viewers, establishing it as a key example of Netflix's growing emphasis on non-English language content from emerging markets. Diablero enhanced the visibility of Mexican horror by blending urban fantasy with traditional folklore, such as diableros and demonic entities rooted in Nahua mythology, thereby introducing global audiences to underrepresented cultural narratives. Academic analyses highlight how the show projected a hybrid Mexican identity, fusing pre-Hispanic and contemporary elements to appeal internationally while authenticating local horror traditions. This cultural resonance amplified interest in similar Mexican genre productions on streaming platforms. Despite consistent regional viewership, Diablero was not renewed for a third season in 2022, primarily due to low overall global performance relative to Netflix's escalating content costs and a strategic pivot toward higher-impact originals. The cancellation aligned with broader platform shifts prioritizing profitability amid subscriber growth challenges, even as the series maintained a dedicated audience in Latin America. As of 2025, Diablero remains available for streaming on Netflix worldwide, ensuring ongoing accessibility for new viewers. It inspired limited derivative works, including the 2020 comic Mundo Diablo, which expanded the series' demon-hunting universe, though no official spin-offs or expansions have materialized.Episodes
Season 1 (2018)
The first season of Diablero premiered on Netflix on December 21, 2018, with all eight episodes released simultaneously.[6] Directed primarily by José Manuel Cravioto and Rigoberto Castañeda, the season was written by head writer Pablo Tébar alongside contributors such as Gibrán Portela, José Rodríguez, and Daniel Sánchez Arranz.[20][37] It focuses on the formation of an unlikely team—a priest, a demon hunter, and a paranormal expert—as they confront demonic threats in Mexico City, introducing key elements of the series' mythology surrounding diableros and supernatural entities.[6][1] The season builds tension through initial investigations and hunts, emphasizing the characters' personal stakes and the blurred lines between faith, folklore, and the occult.[7] Below is a list of episodes with brief synopses highlighting the core investigative and team-building aspects.| No. | Title | Director(s) | Writer(s) | Original release date | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Demons Are Among Us" "Los demonios están entre nosotros" | José Manuel Cravioto | Luis Gamboa, Verónica Marzá, Gibrán Portela, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 39 min [6] |
| A young priest enlists a demon hunter to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a girl, marking the start of their collaboration. | |||||
| 2 | "Leg of a Dog, Heart of a Chicken" "Pata de perro, corazón de pollo" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 38 min [6] |
| The team tracks a demonic presence to an underground venue, while one member delves into clues about the missing girl's fate. | |||||
| 3 | "The Hidden Children" "Los hijos ocultos" | José Manuel Cravioto | Bernardo Esquinca, Luis Gamboa, Gibrán Portela, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 38 min [6] |
| Personal histories intersect with the case as the group uncovers connections to concealed supernatural vulnerabilities. | |||||
| 4 | "An Arcane Incantation" "Conjuro arcano" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Luis Gamboa, Gibrán Portela, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 37 min [6] |
| An ancient ritual is performed to engage a demon, revealing deeper layers of the team's occult knowledge. | |||||
| 5 | "The Conclave" "El cónclave" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 41 min [6] |
| The demon hunter seeks counsel amid escalating dangers, as emerging abilities within the group come to light. | |||||
| 6 | "A Woman Diablero" "Una mujer diablera" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel Sánchez Arranz, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 44 min [6] |
| Institutional pressures mount on the priest, while the team pursues leads on female diableros and hidden agendas. | |||||
| 7 | "Four Tombs" "Cuatro tumbas" | Rigoberto Castañeda | Bernardo Esquinca, Luis Gamboa, Verónica Marzá, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 39 min [6] |
| The group mobilizes to protect vulnerable individuals from a ritualistic threat, testing their unity. | |||||
| 8 | "Red Sky" "Cielo rojo" | José Manuel Cravioto | Bernardo Esquinca, Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | December 21, 2018 | 35 min [6] |
| As ominous signs intensify, the team gears up for a major confrontation, solidifying their roles in the fight against evil. |
Season 2 (2020)
Season 2 of Diablero premiered on Netflix on January 31, 2020, consisting of six episodes that resolve the central arcs from the first season while introducing heightened supernatural conflicts rooted in Mexican mythology.[38] The shorter season, with episodes running between 31 and 41 minutes, allows for a more condensed narrative focusing on the team's desperate efforts to retrieve a lost ally from the underworld and confront emerging demonic forces that threaten to fracture their alliances.[39] Directed entirely by José Manuel Cravioto, the season maintains the core creative team from season 1, including writers Pablo Tébar and others, with an emphasis on visual effects to depict intensified otherworldly encounters.[40] All episodes were released simultaneously, emphasizing escalating threats from Aztec-inspired entities and internal team tensions as recurring characters like Keta and Nancy return to aid the hunt.[6] The season builds to a climactic resolution, with the protagonists navigating portals to Mictlán—the Aztec underworld—and battling powerful demons, highlighting themes of sacrifice and redemption amid growing rifts within the group.Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "Searching for Ventura" "Buscando a Ventura" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, Augusto Mendoza, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 | 40 min |
| 10 | 2 | "The Ahuizotl" "El Ahuizotl" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez | January 31, 2020 | 38 min |
| 11 | 3 | "Tears of the Devil" "Lágrimas de demonio" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel S. Arranz | January 31, 2020 | 37 min |
| 12 | 4 | "Coatlicue" "La Coatlicue" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, José Rodríguez, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 | 35 min |
| 13 | 5 | "You Don't Choose Your Family" "Uno no escoge a la familia" | José Manuel Cravioto | Laura Sarmiento Pallarés, Daniel S. Arranz, Pablo Tébar, Augusto Mendoza | January 31, 2020 | 39 min |
| 14 | 6 | "The Black Key" "La llave negra" | José Manuel Cravioto | Verónica Marzá, Daniel S. Arranz, Pablo Tébar | January 31, 2020 | 41 min |
A enigmatic club owner enlists Elvis Infante's aid in a demonic matter, while a haunting message from a known voice reveals details about an inescapable door to another realm and the essential key that sustains it, setting the team on a path to locate their missing comrade amid rising infernal dangers.[41] This installment reintroduces core dynamics, with early signs of strain as the group grapples with Ventura's absence three years after his previous ordeal. Episode 2: "The Ahuizotl"
Elvis, Keta, and Nancy penetrate the underworld of Mictlán to extract Ventura and return him to the living world, confronting the mythical Ahuizotl—a water-dwelling demon from Aztec lore—while a now-adolescent Mayakén manifests unprecedented and ominous powers that hint at deeper fractures within the team's support network. The episode escalates the demonic threats, blending folklore with personal stakes as alliances begin to show vulnerabilities. Episode 3: "Tears of the Devil"
As a rampaging monster evades capture, the team struggles to determine its weaknesses and the reason behind its victims' blackened bones, forcing uneasy collaborations and exposing rifts exacerbated by the demon's diabolical "tears" that manipulate loyalties.[42] This chapter intensifies the hunt, with recurring figures like the cardinal adding layers of institutional conflict to the supernatural chaos. Episode 4: "Coatlicue"
The crew devises a trap for the elusive beast using Lupe's expertise and the final reserves of a rare demon-repelling substance (LDD), but complications arise as Death itself pursues Elvis during the stakeout, amplifying the season's theme of inevitable reckonings and team discord.[43] Drawing on the Aztec goddess Coatlicue as a symbolic force, the narrative heightens the mythological peril and interpersonal betrayals. Episode 5: "You Don't Choose Your Family"
Flashbacks illuminate Mayakén's traumatic origins and unconventional upbringing, providing crucial context for his emerging abilities and the emotional toll on the group, as familial bonds—both literal and chosen—test the limits of trust amid mounting underworld incursions.[44] The episode delves into character backstories, underscoring how past demons fuel current fractures in the hunt. Episode 6: "The Black Key"
With the portal's safeguard nearing collapse, Elvis and his allies unite with unlikely fiends to storm the secretive Conclave and liberate Mayakén, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation that resolves the season's arcs through sacrifice and revelation.[41] This finale ties together the escalating threats, delivering closure to the team's odyssey while emphasizing the enduring cost of battling infernal forces.