Netflix announces Cómo perderlo todo, a new series based on Ricardo Silva Romero's novel. Starring Víctor Mallarino and showrun by Dago García.
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| From left to right: Dago García, Ramiro Meneses, Victor Mallarino and Ricardo Silva |
The digital landscape in Colombia is about to witness a seismic shift as Netflix officially moves forward with one of its most ambitious local projects to date. The streaming giant has confirmed the production of Cómo perderlo todo (known as How to Lose Everything for international audiences), a series deeply rooted in the sharp, observant prose of the acclaimed author Ricardo Silva Romero. This adaptation is not merely another addition to the catalog; it represents a sophisticated evolution in how Colombian stories are told on the global stage, blending the literary prestige of Silva Romero with the proven commercial instincts of Caracol Televisión and Dago García Producciones (DGP).
As someone who has followed the trajectory of Colombian television from its golden age of telenovelas to its current status as a hub for prestige streaming, I find the choice of Víctor Mallarino for the lead role to be a masterstroke of casting. Mallarino, a titan of the industry both in front of and behind the camera, brings a gravitas that is essential for portraying a character caught in the crosshairs of modern social dynamics. The production, which has already commenced filming in various locations across Colombia, promises to be a "relay race" of emotional and social conflicts that mirror the complexities of our hyper-connected era.
The involvement of Dago García as the showrunner adds a layer of industrial reliability to the project. Known for his uncanny ability to tap into the Colombian zeitgeist, García’s vision for Cómo perderlo todo is described as a "radiography of current sentimental relationships." This isn't just a drama about a scandal; it is an exploration of why it feels like a miracle that so few marriages end in tragedy today. It’s a cynical yet deeply human perspective that aims to balance acid humor with profound disbelief at the state of modern love.
This new venture also highlights the continued success of the CINA incentive (Audiovisual Investment Certificate), a fiscal tool that has turned Colombia into a magnet for high-end productions. By receiving a 35% tax discount on audiovisual services spent within the country, Netflix and its partners are able to scale the production to meet international standards while fostering local talent and infrastructure. The series is directed by the duo of Mateo Stivelberg and Fabio Rubiano, ensuring a creative synergy that bridges the gap between traditional cinematic storytelling and experimental theater sensibilities.
Who is the Professor Horacio Pizarro in the Netflix Series?
At the heart of this storm stands Horacio Pizarro, a professor whose life is upended by a seemingly innocuous social media post. To understand the weight of this character, one must look at how Víctor Mallarino interprets the fragility of a man who has built his life on intellectual authority, only to find it dismantled by the uncontrollable nature of the digital age. The series explores how a single click can trigger a chain reaction of personal dilemmas, forcing Pizarro to navigate a labyrinth of moral choices and relationship crises that feel uncomfortably real for anyone living in the 21st century.
The narrative structure of Cómo perderlo todo (How to Lose Everything) is designed to be more than just a linear story; it is a commentary on the "human condition" where love reveals its most complex folds. While the scandal provides the initial momentum, the series quickly pivots to explore the silver linings of disaster: friendship, solidarity, and the small complicities that ultimately give life its meaning. This shift in focus is what differentiates the show from standard melodramas, offering a more nuanced take on how we reconstruct our identities after losing our public standing.
The supporting cast is equally formidable, featuring a "who's who" of Colombian acting royalty. Angie Cepeda and Cristina Umaña, two actresses who have successfully transitioned from local stars to international figures, bring a level of intensity and nuance that is required for a story about crumbling domesticity and social pressure. Alongside them, the presence of Katherine Vélez, Nicolás Montero, and Ramiro Meneses ensures that every subplot is anchored by performers capable of carrying the heavy emotional lifting that Silva Romero’s writing demands.
The adaptation process has been particularly unique because Ricardo Silva Romero himself is participating in the translation of his work to the audiovisual language. This collaboration suggests a level of fidelity to the source material that fans of the book will appreciate, while also allowing the story to breathe and expand in ways that only a series format can provide. The goal is to create a satire that is as biting as it is reflective, making the viewer laugh at the absurdity of the situation while simultaneously questioning their own digital footprint and interpersonal ethics.
How Dago García and Caracol Televisión are Shaping the Future of Colombian Streaming
The partnership between Dago García, Caracol Televisión, and Netflix is not a new phenomenon, but with Cómo perderlo todo, it reaches a new level of thematic maturity. For years, García has been the architect behind some of the most popular content in the region, often focusing on broad comedies. However, his role as showrunner here suggests a pivot toward more "prestige" content—shows that are designed to travel beyond Latin American borders and compete with European or North American dramas. This series acts as a bridge between the mass-market appeal Caracol is known for and the niche, high-concept storytelling that streaming audiences crave.
From a production standpoint, the series is a testament to the robustness of the Colombian industry. The fact that a major global player like Netflix continues to invest in local adaptations of contemporary literature speaks volumes about the quality of the "raw material" found in Colombian culture. It’s no longer just about the exoticism of the landscape or the tropes of the past; it’s about universal themes—like the death of privacy and the resilience of the human spirit—filtered through a uniquely Colombian lens.
The technical execution of the series also benefits from the CINA incentive, which has allowed for a more expansive filming schedule and higher production values. This financial backing is crucial in a market where the cost of high-definition production continues to rise. By leveraging these government-backed certificates, Netflix ensures that Cómo perderlo todo (How to Lose Everything) looks and feels like a global product, despite its deeply local heart. It is a strategic move that benefits the local economy as much as it does the subscribers looking for their next binge-worthy obsession.
Furthermore, the choice of directors—Mateo Stivelberg and Fabio Rubiano—signals a desire for a specific aesthetic. Stivelberg has proven his ability to handle fast-paced, character-driven narratives, while Rubiano is a legendary figure in Colombian theater, known for his sharp wit and structural innovation. Together, they are tasked with maintaining the balance between the "acid humor" and the "dramatic reflection" that the script demands. This directorial duo is perfectly positioned to capture the claustrophobia of a social media scandal and the expansive beauty of the solidarity that follows.
Is Cómo perderlo todo Based on a True Story?
While the series is a fictional adaptation of Ricardo Silva Romero’s novel, its themes are so deeply rooted in the contemporary experience that it feels like a "true story" for the digital age. The plot centers on how modern relationships are tested by external pressures and the "tragedy" of marriage in a world that often values the superficial over the substantial. It’s a story that asks: in an era where everyone is watching, how do we keep our most intimate connections from falling apart? This question is perhaps the most pressing one for the characters of Horacio Pizarro and his inner circle.
The "acid humor" mentioned by Dago García is the key to navigating these heavy themes. It serves as a coping mechanism for characters who find themselves in absurd situations, reflecting a very real human tendency to find laughter in the face of disaster. By framing the collapse of a marriage or a career as a "race of relays" where various daily experiences collide, the show manages to be entertaining without losing its intellectual edge. It invites viewers to look at their own lives with a similar mix of incredulity and compassion.
Ultimately, Cómo perderlo todo is a celebration of the "small complicities" that make life worth living. Beyond the drama and the satire, the show emphasizes that even when everything seems lost—be it a reputation, a job, or a relationship—there is always something left to hold onto. Whether it’s a loyal friend or a moment of unexpected solidarity, these are the elements that provide the "sense of life" in an otherwise chaotic world. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the borders of Colombia, making this series a highly anticipated global release.
As we look forward to the premiere, the question remains: will Horacio Pizarro find a way to reclaim his life, or is some loss truly permanent? The series doesn't just promise to answer this; it promises to make us think about what we would do if we were in his shoes. In a world where a single post can change everything, we are all just one click away from losing it all.
Essential Facts: Netflix's Cómo perderlo todo
| Data Point | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Government Support | 35% tax discount on services | CINA / Proimágenes |
| Production Hub | DGP and Caracol Televisión | Netflix Official |
| Current Status | Filming has started in Colombia | About Netflix |
