El Chema (2016)
The gripping Telemundo crime drama that traces one man's ruthless ascent from teenage smuggler to cartel kingpin.
El Chema - Series Information
- Original Title: El Chema
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Luis Zelkowicz
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 85
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: Spanish
- First Air Date: December 6, 2016 (United States - TV-14), December 6, 2016 (United Kingdom - 15), December 6, 2016 (Australia - MA 15+), December 6, 2016 (Mexico - B)
- Networks: Telemundo
- Production Countries: United States of America, Mexico
El Chema - Plot
Follow one man's epic journey as he transforms from wily underage drug smuggler to one of the world's most infamous cartel leaders.
Where to Watch El Chema
Looking for where to watch El Chema?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
El Chema - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Luis Zelkowicz
Main Cast
- Mauricio Ochmann
- Julio Bracho
- Itatí Cantoral
- Fernando Noriega
- Arcelia Ramírez
- Sergio Basañez
- Alejandro Speitzer
- Scarlet Gruber
- Jorge Luis Moreno
- Iván Tamayo
El Chema - FAQs
Is El Chema connected to El Señor de los Cielos?
El Chema is a spin-off of the hugely popular Telemundo narco-drama El Señor de los Cielos. Mauricio Ochmann's character, José María 'Chema' Venegas, first appeared in that series before earning his own show, giving fans a deeper look at one of its most compelling supporting figures.
Is El Chema based on a real person?
While El Chema is a fictional character, the series draws heavily from the real-world landscape of Mexican drug cartels. The show blends invented storylines with the gritty atmosphere of actual cartel culture, making it feel grounded even though Chema himself is not directly based on a single historical figure.
Where can you stream El Chema?
El Chema is available to stream on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus, as well as free on NBC. You can also catch it with ads on The Roku Channel, giving you several flexible options depending on your preferred streaming setup.
Who plays José María Venegas in El Chema?
Mexican actor Mauricio Ochmann leads the cast as José María 'Chema' Venegas, portraying the character's transformation from a scrappy teenage smuggler into a ruthless cartel boss. Ochmann's charismatic performance anchors the series and was widely praised by fans of Spanish-language crime television.
How was El Chema received by audiences and critics?
El Chema performed strongly with Telemundo's Spanish-language audience and was praised for its fast-paced storytelling and Mauricio Ochmann's magnetic lead performance. Fans of El Señor de los Cielos embraced the spin-off enthusiastically, and the show's blend of action, romance, and cartel drama kept viewers engaged across both seasons.
What is El Chema about?
El Chema chronicles the rise of José María 'Chema' Venegas, who begins as a cunning underage drug smuggler and claws his way to the top of the criminal underworld. The series explores power, loyalty, and betrayal as Chema navigates the brutal politics of Mexico's most dangerous cartels.
How many episodes does El Chema have in total?
El Chema ran for 85 episodes across two seasons, airing on Telemundo from December 2016 through 2017. The series concluded after those two seasons, delivering a complete arc for Chema's journey from small-time smuggler to one of the cartel world's most feared figures.
What shows are similar to El Chema?
If El Chema hooked you, try Queen of the South for another gripping cartel rise-to-power story, or El Chapo for a dramatized look at a real-world drug lord. Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord and McMafia also deliver that same blend of crime, power, and high-stakes drama.
More About El Chema
Explore further details about El Chema on these trusted entertainment databases.