Where to start withLa Reina del Sur
2 versions · originally a series, 2011
Themes: Drug trafficking, Female protagonist, Rise to power, Survival, Betrayal.
Start with La Reina del Sur (Roberto Stopello, 2011) — the series. La Reina del Sur exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a series in 2011; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The saga follows a woman’s cold-blooded ascent from humble origins to becoming the undisputed, feared queen of international drug trafficking.
✦ Most fans start here
La Reina del Sur (2011)

The original tv
✦ Start hereLa Reina del Sur
Roberto Stopello · Series · 2011
La Reina del Sur (2011) serves as the definitive, high-stakes original production that captures the raw intensity of Teresa’s transformation into a legend within the dangerous world of cartels.

2016 series
Queen of the South
M.A. Fortin · Series · 2016
Queen of the South (2016) offers an Americanized reimagining that focuses on Teresa’s relocation to Dallas, emphasizing her calculated pursuit of vengeance and power after her boyfriend’s brutal murder.
Common questions
Is Queen of the South related to La Reina del Sur?
Yes, Queen of the South is an adaptation of the same source material as La Reina del Sur. While both series share the same foundational story, Queen of the South is an English-language production that offers a distinct interpretation of the narrative established in La Reina del Sur.
Should I watch La Reina del Sur before Queen of the South?
You do not need to watch La Reina del Sur before starting Queen of the South. They are separate adaptations of the same source material. You can choose either the 2011 series or the 2016 English-language version to begin your viewing experience without missing necessary context.
Is La Reina del Sur the same story as Queen of the South?
Both La Reina del Sur and Queen of the South are based on the same source material. Although they share the same origin, they are separate productions, with La Reina del Sur serving as the original 2011 television adaptation and Queen of the South being the 2016 English-language adaptation.
What is the difference between La Reina del Sur and Queen of the South?
The primary difference is that La Reina del Sur is the original 2011 Spanish-language television series, while Queen of the South is the 2016 English-language adaptation. Both programs are derived from the same source material but function as independent productions with different creative approaches to the story.