A new Spanish crime thriller described as utterly 'addictive' by viewers has landed on Netflix, offering UK audiences a perfect binge-watch for the winter nights. City of Shadows (Ciudad de Sombras) is a six-part series that premiered on the streaming platform this December, and it's already generating significant buzz for its dark, gripping narrative.
A Grisly Mystery in Barcelona
The series opens with a macabre discovery that shakes Barcelona. A burned body is found hanging from the façade of La Pedrera—Casa Milà, one of Antoni Gaudí's most iconic buildings. To investigate this ritualistic killing, a disgraced detective is forced back into action. Inspector Milo Malart, played by Isak Férriz, returns to the Mossos d'Esquadra despite a career derailed by scandal. He is paired with the sharp and quick-thinking Deputy Inspector Rebeca Garrido, portrayed by Verónica Echegui.
As the media and public pressure intensifies, the duo races against time to solve a case that is far from straightforward. The official Netflix synopsis sets the scene for a complex investigation where the lines between good and evil are deliberately blurred.
A Powerful Cast and a Poignant Legacy
The series is anchored by two leads familiar to Netflix audiences. Isak Férriz has appeared in several of the platform's titles, including Bank Under Siege (2024) and Below Zero (2021). His co-star, Verónica Echegui, featured in The Patients of Dr. Garcia (2023) and Intimacy (2022).
Tragically, Verónica Echegui passed away in August 2025 at the age of 42 following a cancer diagnosis. City of Shadows stands as one of her final performances, released posthumously alongside the film Hortelana. Following her death, the industry paid heartfelt tribute, with many colleagues honouring her at her funeral. Viewers have since praised her 'monumental' performance in the series.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Addiction
Early reactions suggest the show is living up to its 'addictive' label. One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) admitted to staying up until 3am because they 'couldn't stop' watching. Critics have also responded positively.
Review outlet Heaven of Horror predicted it could become a favourite Spanish drama for many, while K-Waves and Beyond complimented the 'captivating' dynamic between the two leads. The series has been praised for its thematic boldness, exploring abuse, institutional failure, and societal corruption, creating a world of moral ambiguity rather than simple villains.
Ready Steady Cut highlighted Barcelona itself as a scene-stealer, arguing that the city's unique architecture provides a powerful sense of place integral to the show's identity.
City of Shadows now joins Netflix's competitive slate of non-English language hits, hoping to follow in the footsteps of global phenomena like Squid Game and Money Heist. All six episodes of this suspenseful Catalan crime drama are available to stream on Netflix now.
