Eva Lasting
Eva Lasting (Spanish: La primera vez, lit. 'The first time') is a Colombian romantic drama television series set in 1970s Bogotá, centered on a teenage girl named Eva who enrolls in an all-boys high school, disrupting traditions and igniting romantic tensions among her peers.[1][2] The series, produced by Caracol Televisión exclusively for Netflix, premiered its first season on 15 February 2023, featuring lead performances by Francisca Estévez as Eva and Emmanuel Restrepo as a key classmate.[1][2] It has garnered positive reception for its nostalgic portrayal of Colombian youth culture amid political upheaval, achieving a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its debut season and an average of 7.8/10 on IMDb from over 2,000 user ratings.[3][2] Renewed for multiple seasons, Eva Lasting marked Netflix's first Colombian original production to reach a third season in June 2025, with a fourth season announced shortly thereafter, reflecting its commercial success and cultural resonance.[4][5]Overview
Premise
Eva Lasting follows the story of Eva Samper, a teenage girl who enrolls as the first female student at a public all-boys high school in Bogotá, Colombia, during the 1970s. Her unexpected arrival upends the school's rigid traditions and gender-segregated environment, sparking conflicts with authorities, forging unlikely friendships, and igniting romantic tensions among the male students, including protagonist Camilo Granados and his peers.[1][6][7] Set against the backdrop of Colombia's social and cultural shifts in the mid-1970s, the series examines themes of nascent romance, peer loyalty, and defiance of conservative institutional norms, as Eva's presence catalyzes personal awakenings and challenges to patriarchal structures. Created by Dago García as an original teen drama, it portrays the ensuing dynamics of integration, rivalry, and self-discovery in a historically male-only setting.[8][9][6]Historical setting
The historical setting of Eva Lasting is 1970s Bogotá, Colombia, a time of entrenched cultural conservatism shaped by strong Catholic influence and traditional gender roles that confined women primarily to domestic spheres and limited their public participation. Education systems reflected this, with widespread gender segregation in secondary schools, particularly in public and Catholic institutions, where boys' schools emphasized discipline and vocational preparation while girls' education focused on homemaking skills and moral instruction.[10] [11] Coeducation was rare in elite or traditional settings until later reforms, though female enrollment in universities began rising modestly amid broader pushes for equity.[12] Politically, the era featured instability following the National Front pact's end, with guerrilla insurgencies by groups like FARC and ELN gaining traction, government crackdowns under presidents such as Misael Pastrana (1970–1974) and Alfonso López Michelsen (1974–1978), and vibrant student movements demanding university autonomy and social reforms. Notable were the 1971 protests, where students across cities including Bogotá clashed with authorities over funding cuts and perceived authoritarianism, often drawing Maoist or leftist inspirations and leading to violent suppressions.[13] [14] These events infused youth culture with activism, mirroring Colombia's "rampant modernization" tensions between rural traditions and urban industrialization.[15] Cultural details authenticate the backdrop, including fashion trends like flared pants, platform shoes, and modest dresses influenced by global youth movements yet tempered by local modesty norms, alongside music blending international rock (e.g., Beatles covers) with Colombian cumbia and vallenato, which underscored generational shifts in attitudes toward women’s autonomy and education.[16] Societal views on women prioritized marriage and family over independent careers, though early feminist stirrings and labor participation hinted at evolving norms without immediate widespread change.[17] The series weaves these elements to evoke authenticity, highlighting contrasts between rigid conventions and nascent rebellions without fictionalizing core historical dynamics.[5]Production
Development
Eva Lasting was created by Dago García as an original series for Netflix, marking the streamer's flagship production from Colombia in collaboration with Caracol Televisión.[6][4] García, known for prior works in Colombian television, conceptualized the story to evoke nostalgia through a coming-of-age narrative set against the backdrop of 1970s Bogotá, incorporating elements of political unrest and social change while centering on teenage romance and personal milestones.[18] The series draws on García's intent to blend lighthearted humor and youthful exploration with deeper dramatic tensions, including mature themes such as first sexual experiences and identity formation, without shying from the era's historical realism like institutional machismo and emerging gender dynamics in education.[5][19] Pre-production began prior to the 2023 greenlight, with scripting focused on authentic period details to ground the teen drama in Colombia's mid-1970s context, including the integration of real historical events like student protests and cultural shifts. Netflix's involvement emphasized expanding local storytelling for global audiences, prioritizing cultural specificity over universalized tropes. The series received an initial order for one season, announced in early 2023, with the first episodes premiering on February 15, 2023.[20][6] Rapid viewership success prompted swift expansions: Netflix renewed the series for a second season on February 24, 2023, just days after launch, followed by a third season order on July 30, 2024, and a fourth and final season confirmed on July 9, 2025, reflecting confidence in its formula of balancing comedic teen antics with poignant historical and emotional depth.[4] These decisions underscored creative choices to evolve the narrative across high school years, maintaining fidelity to character arcs amid Colombia's turbulent socio-political landscape.[5]Casting
The casting process for Eva Lasting prioritized emerging young actors capable of portraying teenagers in a 1970s Colombian setting, with many cast members debuting in significant roles to capture authentic ensemble dynamics. Producers from Caracol Televisión and Netflix focused on fresh talents lacking prior major screen experience, aiming to assemble a group that could convey natural chemistry among the adolescent characters at an all-boys school disrupted by the arrival of a female student.[6] Lead roles were announced with Francisca Estévez cast as Eva Samper, the enigmatic transfer student, and Emmanuel Restrepo as Camilo Granados, a key narrator figure among the boys. Supporting positions included Santiago Alarcón as José, a paternal authority, alongside other young performers like Julián Cerati as Gustavo Pabón Linares and Sergio Palau as Martín Salcedo, selected to embody the period's social tensions and peer interactions.[6][21] Auditions emphasized performers' ability to handle the series' mature themes, including romantic awakenings and institutional rebellion, while maintaining historical verisimilitude through era-appropriate mannerisms and group improvisation to test interpersonal authenticity. No major reported obstacles arose in sourcing talent, though the emphasis on newcomers reflected a deliberate choice to invest in untested potential over established stars, aligning with the production's goal of youthful vitality.[6]Filming and locations
'Eva Lasting' was filmed entirely in Bogotá, Colombia, utilizing the city's diverse urban landscapes to depict the 1970s setting. Principal photography for Season 1 occurred from April to June 2022, capturing both interiors and exteriors across various sites in the capital.[22] Starting with Season 3, production increasingly relied on authentic Bogotá locations to recreate the era's atmosphere, including the historic Casa 364 at Calle 11 #2–89 in the La Candelaria neighborhood, adapted as the protagonists' shared home through the addition of 1970s-specific furniture, appliances, and decor by the art and set design team.[23] Additional venues encompassed recreated newspaper offices for character workplaces and an army battalion site, expanding to Bogotá's outskirts to reflect the period's social and political dynamics.[5] These choices leveraged the city's preserved 1970s architecture for visual authenticity, enhanced by integrated elements like era-appropriate fashion, literature, and music in set design.[5] The use of real locations was facilitated by Colombia's CINA tax rebate incentives, which supported efficient on-site production and contributed to the series' logistical feasibility across seasons.[5]Cast
Main cast
Francisca Estévez portrays Eva Samper, the enigmatic teenage protagonist whose enrollment as the first female student at an all-boys school in 1970s Colombia catalyzes interpersonal dynamics and challenges institutional norms. Born in 2002, Estévez, a Colombian actress, gained prominence with this breakout role following minor appearances in projects like Los Billis (2023).[2][24] Emmanuel Restrepo plays Camilo Granados, a central male student whose perspective anchors much of the series' exploration of adolescence amid societal shifts. Restrepo, an established Colombian actor, brings experience from prior television roles to depict the character's internal conflicts.[2][1] Santiago Alarcón depicts José, the school principal who represents traditional authority and navigates the tensions arising from coeducational changes. Alarcón, known for dramatic roles in Colombian series such as A Grito Herido (2022), lends gravitas to the institutional viewpoint.[2] Supporting the core narrative are student peers including Sergio Palau as Martín Salcedo, Julián Cerati as Gustavo Pabón Linares, and Brandon Figueredo as Álvaro, whose interactions with Eva and Camilo highlight group dynamics and peer influences. Verónica Orozco appears as Ana, a faculty figure contributing to the adult oversight of student upheavals.[2][25]Recurring cast
Cecilia Navia portrays Professor Estela, a teacher at the José María school who appears in multiple episodes across seasons, contributing to subplots involving educational challenges and student mentorship amid the integration of female students.[26][27] Verónica Orozco plays Ana Granados, the mother of protagonist Camilo Granados, featured in 13 episodes of season 1 and recurring in subsequent seasons to explore family dynamics and parental influences on the students' experiences.[27][28] Santiago Alarcón depicts José Granados, Camilo's father, who embodies traditional machismo values and appears in 13 episodes of season 1, influencing subplots related to generational conflicts and societal expectations in 1970s Colombia.[27][26] Adriana Arango serves as Rectora Alicia López, the school principal, with appearances in 13 episodes of season 1, central to administrative decisions on school policies, co-education initiatives, and disciplinary matters affecting ongoing school politics.[27][29]| Actor | Role | Episodes (Season 1) | Contribution to Subplots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cecilia Navia | Professor Estela | 13 | Teacher mentorship and classroom dynamics |
| Verónica Orozco | Ana Granados | 13 | Family influences on student life |
| Santiago Alarcón | José Granados | 13 | Patriarchal family pressures |
| Adriana Arango | Rectora Alicia López | 13 | School administration and policy |
Episodes
Season 1 (2023)
The first season of Eva Lasting, consisting of 13 episodes, premiered globally on Netflix on February 15, 2023.[1][3] Set in a conservative all-boys high school in 1970s Colombia, it centers on the arrival of Eva Samper, the first female student, who disrupts established gender norms and social dynamics among her peers.[1] The narrative establishes core relationships, including Eva's budding friendship and romantic tensions with classmate Camilo Granados, while introducing conflicts with authority figures and resistant students.[30] Episodes draw titles from literary works, reflecting themes of rebellion, identity, and intellectual awakening, with runtimes averaging 40 minutes.[1] Key events unfold through Eva's integration challenges, such as navigating skepticism from teachers and forming alliances with boys inspired by her perspectives on equality and personal freedom.[30] The season lays foundational arcs for group solidarity against institutional rigidity, initial explorations of romance, and subtle critiques of machismo culture, without resolving broader tensions.[31]| No. | Title | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lysistrata | 43 min [1] |
| 2 | The Lady of the Camellias | 44 min [1] |
| 3 | A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man | 41 min [1] |
| 4 | A Room of One's Own | 42 min [1] |
| 5 | The Second Sex | 38 min [32] |
| 6 | The Bell Jar | 40 min [32] |
| 7 | Fear of Flying | 42 min [33] |
| 8 | The Handmaid's Tale | 39 min [33] |
| 9 | Rebecca | 41 min [33] |
| 10 | Jane Eyre | 43 min [33] |
| 11 | The Awakening | 40 min [33] |
| 12 | Wide Sargasso Sea | 42 min [33] |
| 13 | The First Time | 45 min [33] |
Season 2 (2024)
The second season of Eva Lasting was released on Netflix on July 10, 2024, comprising 10 episodes that advance the narrative in 1970s Colombia. It centers on Eva Samper's reintegration into the all-boys school following her prior expulsion, where she channels her activism into forming a student council to represent pupil interests, challenge administrative authority, and drive reforms amid resistance from faculty and traditional structures.[35][36][37] Camilo Granados faces strained dynamics upon Eva's return, marked by lingering distrust and efforts to restore their connection while confronting the fallout from Luisa's pregnancy and her unauthorized departure from boarding school, prompting examinations of accountability and long-term consequences. Interpersonal conflicts intensify among the student group, including accusations over past incidents like unauthorized gatherings, exacerbating divisions and testing loyalties in the rigid school environment.[38][39][36] Eva's campaign for student elections highlights school-specific hurdles, such as opposition to coeducational influences and pushes for policy shifts on discipline and representation, interwoven with academic pressures like exams and extracurricular activities. Character development emphasizes maturation, with Camilo reflecting on transitions amid impending institutional changes, while historical undertones of the era's social constraints underscore evolving attitudes toward authority, sexuality, and gender roles within the conservative setting.[40][41][37]Season 3 (2025)
The third season of Eva Lasting, comprising 10 episodes, was released on Netflix on June 4, 2025.[42] Set against the backdrop of late 1970s Colombia, it escalates tensions among the protagonists as they near graduation from the all-boys military academy, confronting mandatory military service drafts, university entrance exams (ICFES), and shifting group loyalties.[42][43] The narrative intensifies romantic entanglements, particularly between Eva and Camilo Granados, while introducing new theatrical productions that mirror personal upheavals and introduce external influences on characters like Salcedo.[44] Filming for the season incorporated additional real Bogotá locations to heighten authenticity in depicting urban transitions and social dynamics, contrasting the academy's rigidity with emerging adult freedoms.[5] Key plot arcs revolve around the military exam's disruptive impact on friendships—causing rifts among Salcedo, Pabón, Castro, and Arbeláez—and Eva's complicated personal growth amid academic pressures and romantic frustrations.[44][43] Reviews highlighted the established ensemble chemistry sustaining viewer engagement despite formulaic dramatic escalations, with the group's crossroads evoking relatable post-adolescent anxieties.[45]| Episode | Title | Original Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jane Eyre | June 4, 2025 [46] |
| 2 | A Streetcar Named Desire | June 4, 2025 [46] |
| 3 | On Photography | June 4, 2025 [46] |
| 4 | The Incredible and Sad Tale of Innocent Eréndira and Her Heartless Grandmother | June 4, 2025 [47] |
| 5–10 | Untitled (subsequent episodes continue graduation and military themes) | June 4, 2025 [42] |