The Movistar Plus+ platform has launched a project unprecedented for Spanish television—a dramatic series dedicated to the National Intelligence Center (CNI). The new series, titled “El Centro,” is a spy thriller that immerses viewers in the secretive world of Spanish intelligence, previously hidden from public view. The project, which promises to be one of the major television events of the season, was already presented at the South Series Festival in Cádiz, and its official premiere on the streaming service is scheduled for October 9.
The plot begins with a mysterious murder that uncovers a large-scale international operation involving Russian intelligence services. From that point on, the main characters find themselves trapped in a web of conspiracy, forced to confront betrayal within their own ranks. The unfolding events turn into a desperate race against time, with the goal of stopping a mole from undermining national security. The creators have deliberately given this modern story a classic atmosphere, evoking the tense era of the Cold War, when spies were almost mythical figures.
The central figure of the story is Vicente Alfaro, nicknamed Michelin, an experienced CNI officer portrayed by Juan Diego Botto. His character, head of the counterintelligence department, is depicted as a weary and battle-hardened agent worn out by years of service, yet unwaveringly devoted to his mission. This portrayal is far from the glossy glamour of traditional movie spies, instead revealing the human and vulnerable side of those forced to work in the shadows. He is joined on screen by Tristán Ulloa, along with a host of renowned actors including Israel Elejalde, Clara Segura, and Elena Martín Gimeno.
What truly sets ‘El Centro’ apart is its direct collaboration with the CNI. For the first time in history, the Spanish intelligence agency served as a consultant in the making of a work of fiction. The project team, led by creator and writer David Moreno and director David Ulloa, had the opportunity to communicate with active officers. The goal was not to reveal operational methods, but to authentically portray their way of life and the immense psychological pressure they face every day.
The production is led by Fonte Films, headed by Pablo Isla, Carla Pérez de Albéniz, and Fátima Dapena, in partnership with Movistar Plus+. Isla, former CEO of Inditex, emphasized that his company only takes on projects of the highest quality, and this story has all the necessary components to stand out in an oversaturated content market.
The series aims to showcase not only the inner workings of the CNI, but also the personal, human side of its agents. The project consists of six 50-minute episodes, seamlessly blending action, intrigue, and personal drama. The story goes beyond espionage, exploring how agents balance their calling with family life, how they manage to stay sane in a world of half-truths, and the role loyalty plays in an environment where betrayal is the main threat. It is an ambitious effort not just to entertain, but to offer a deep and realistic look at Spain’s key security service, placing the CNI alongside the CIA, MI6, and Mossad in the global cultural landscape.
