Netflix released the new Mexican period drama series Lovesick on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, starring Renata Vaca as a young woman fighting to practice medicine.
The romantic miniseries, titled Mal de amores in Spanish, adapts the celebrated 1995 historical novel by Mexican author Angeles Mastretta. The production was adapted for the screen by filmmaker Catalina Aguilar Mastretta, the original author's daughter, who served as creator for the television project.
Set during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Mexico, the narrative follows Emilia Sauri, portrayed by Vaca, a courageous young woman from a liberal family who dreams of becoming a doctor despite severe societal restrictions. According to character descriptions released by Netflix, Emilia is a woman who seeks her professional vocation, her freedom, and her right to love without limits in an era that rarely accommodated female ambition.
During this historical period, professional medicine in Mexico was heavily dominated by men, reflecting broader legal and social limitations placed upon women prior to the onset of national political reforms.
Central love triangle and romantic choices
The story focuses on Emilia's central dilemma as she pursues her medical education while caught between two contrasting suitors. Her childhood friend and first love, Daniel Cuenca, is played by Juan Pablo Fuentes.
Netflix character notes describe Daniel as an adventurous idealist and son of a privileged doctor who develops a political conscience. His revolutionary commitments lead him into political action, separating him from Emilia before his feelings draw him back to her side.
Her second suitor, Antonio Zavalza, is portrayed by Ivan Amozurrutia. Zavalza is a practicing doctor who offers Emilia stability, peace, and unconditional support for her medical career, representing a calm counterpart to Daniel's revolutionary path during wartime.
The plot examines whether Emilia will choose one of her two suitors or ultimately prioritize her own independent aspirations as a female doctor.
Supporting ensemble and parental influences
Veteran actor Humberto Zurita appears as Doctor Cuenca, the privileged father of Daniel. Zurita has previously starred in numerous major television productions, including La Reina del Sur, Secretos del alma, Ladron de corazones, Como sobrevivir soltero, 100 dias para enamorarnos, La querida del Centauro, Velvet: el nuevo imperio, and La oficina.
Emilia's father, Diego Sauri, is played by Miguel Rodarte. In the series, Diego actively encourages his daughter to maintain her personal independence. Rodarte's extensive acting credits include Salvando al Soldado Perez, Los heroes del norte, El tigre de Santa Julia, Casi el paraiso, Perfectos desconocidos, and Tiempo compartido.
The supporting cast features Diana Bovio as Josefa Veytia, Cassandra Ciangherotti as Milagros Veytia, Juan Pablo Medina as Rivadeneira, Alejandro Puente as Salvador Cuenca, and Sofia Carrera as Sol Garcia.
Literary background and production team
The television adaptation stems directly from Angeles Mastretta's landmark 1995 novel. The book earned international acclaim when it won the Romulo Gallegos International Novel Prize in 1997, one of Latin America's most prestigious literary honours.
Established in Venezuela in 1964, the Romulo Gallegos prize recognizes outstanding Spanish-language fiction and has historically recognized major writers across Latin America and Spain.
Catalina Aguilar Mastretta led the screen adaptation of her mother's work. The project marks a close creative collaboration between two generations of the family, translating a story of national transformation and female self-determination to streaming screens.
Cast credentials and background
Lead actress Renata Vaca takes on the role of Emilia following appearances in film and television projects including Saw X, Familia de medianoche, Nuestros tiempos, Un cuento de pescadores, La reina soy yo, Rosario Tijeras, and Trust.
Juan Pablo Fuentes joined the main cast as Daniel after appearing in prominent series such as Bandidos, Pacto de silencio, Isla Brava, and Cecilia.
Ivan Amozurrutia landed the role of physician Antonio Zavalza following roles across Spanish-language drama series including Oscuro deseo, Donde hubo fuego, Perfil falso, La venganza de las Juanas, El Senor de los Cielos, and El niero.
Availability on streaming service
All episodes of Lovesick premiered globally on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The miniseries is accessible exclusively to active subscribers of the Netflix streaming platform.
