In a landscape crowded with reboots and safe bets, a show about warring businesswomen and genetically modified guinea pigs in Ecuador is a breathtakingly bold gamble. “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,” Adult Swim’s first Spanish-language original series, doesn’t just pay homage to Pedro Almodóvar—it successfully channels his spirit into a wildly original, hilarious, and deeply human stop-motion triumph that stands entirely on its own.

A Rich Tapestry of Melodrama and Absurdity

The premise is pure, delightful madness. The series follows the formidable Marioneta Negocios (voiced by Pepa Pallarés), a wealthy Spanish mogul who relocates to Ecuador with a bizarre mission: to shrink giant cuy (guinea pigs) from livestock into tiny, adorable household pets. This pits her against a vibrant cast of characters, including her fiercely loyal assistant Coquita Buenasuerte (Gabriela Cartol), rival cuy butcher Doña Quispe (Laura Torres), and Doña’s rebellious vegetarian daughter, Nina Quispe (Nicole Vasquez). Creator Gonzalo Cordova weaves their stories into a complex web of ambition, love, and betrayal that expertly balances high camp with genuine emotional stakes. The show’s narrative structure, complete with shocking twists and original musical numbers penned by Cordova and composer Kevin Smithers, feels like a classic telenovela filtered through a surreal and inventive lens.

Beyond Pastiche: Building a Unique Visual and Cultural World

While the Almodóvar influence is clear in the vibrant color palettes, strong female leads, and fluid sexuality, the series is far more than an imitation. The animation studio Cinema Fantasma, founded by Arturo and Roy Ambriz, creates a tactile, handcrafted world. The deliberate lack of digital polish on the figurines makes them feel endearingly real, and the costuming—reportedly inspired by designs from Cordova’s own mother—is a character in itself. Crucially, the show is steeped in specific Latin American culture, featuring playful puns in character names, references to Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín, and a brilliant musical riff on the classic children’s rhyme “sana sana colita de rana.” It never waters down its humor or cultural touchstones for an English-speaking audience, trusting viewers to appreciate its authentic voice.

The Heart of the Matter: Queer Representation and Sincerity

Perhaps the series’ greatest achievement is its treatment of its characters’ queerness. These relationships are never the butt of a joke; they are presented with sincerity, passion, and complexity. The show reserves some of its most stunning animation for intimate scenes, rendering bodies with a glittering, moonlit beauty that underscores the narrative’s emotional weight. This commitment to authentic character development ensures that even the most absurd situations—like a breakup scene involving a cuy dressed as a main character—land with both comedic and devastating impact. The overwhelming lack of men in this world isn’t a gag; it’s a foundational element of a story entirely about female power dynamics, ambition, and desire.

“Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” is a confident, hilarious, and beautifully crafted series that proves animation is a perfect medium for adult storytelling. By embracing its specific cultural roots and layering absurdity with authentic heart, it transcends its influences to become one of the most uniquely brilliant and refreshing shows of the year. The first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max, with new installments airing weekly on Adult Swim.

Must Know

What is “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” about?
The Adult Swim stop-motion comedy follows a Spanish businesswoman, Marioneta Negocios, who moves to Ecuador to genetically shrink guinea pigs from livestock into pets. This pits her against a rival butcher and a cast of characters in a war over the future of the cuy, blending high-stakes melodrama with absurdist humor.

Is “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” like a Pedro Almodóvar film?
Yes, the show is heavily inspired by Almodóvar’s work, evident in its vibrant aesthetics, focus on complex female relationships, and fusion of camp and sincerity. However, critics and viewers note it successfully builds its own unique identity and world, avoiding being a simple parody.

Where can I watch “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads”?
The series premiered on Adult Swim’s linear channel and is available for streaming on HBO Max. The first two episodes debuted on August 18, 2025, with new episodes released weekly on Mondays.

What language is “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” in?
It is Adult Swim’s first Spanish-language original series. It is performed entirely in Spanish with English subtitles and is celebrated for not diluting its cultural humor or references for an English-speaking audience.

Who created “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads”?
The series was created by Gonzalo Cordova and animated by the studio Cinema Fantasma, founded by Arturo and Roy Ambriz. The voice cast features prominent Latin American actors like Pepa Pallarés and Gabriela Cartol.