Ritesh Sharma
Created by Gema R. Neira and María José Rustarazo, ‘The Lady’s Companion’ is a captivating Spanish romantic comedy-drama series set against the vibrant backdrop of 1880s Madrid. The Netflix series follows Elena Bianda, an intelligent and resourceful lady-in-waiting whose remarkable talent lies in her ability to orchestrate successful marriages. She has spent years honing her skills, earning a reputation as the most sought-after matchmaker in Madrid’s elite circles, where love is often less about passion and more about securing status, wealth, and connections. When the wealthy Mencía family enlists Elena to find suitors for their three daughters—each with her own set of expectations, desires, and hidden secrets—Elena is faced with a daunting task.
As Elena navigates the intricate web of societal expectations, power dynamics, and hidden desires, she soon discovers that the rules of matchmaking are not as clear-cut as she once believed. At its core, ‘The Lady’s Companion’ offers a heartwarming exploration of the personal and social dynamics of marriage, love, and individual growth, all while offering moments of humor, wit, and poignant emotional discoveries. The intricate relationships between Elena and the Mencía sisters reveal the delicate balance between personal freedom and societal expectations, making it a compelling story about the pursuit of one’s desires amidst the confines of tradition.
The Lady’s Companion Filming Locations
Filmed across various picturesque locations in Spain, ‘The Lady’s Companion’ stays true to its roots by seamlessly integrating the country’s vibrant landscapes into its storytelling. The shooting of the inaugural season primarily took place in Madrid and Barcelona, ensuring an authentic Spanish atmosphere that enhances the show’s visual appeal. Within the province of Madrid, Tres Cantos served as a key filming site, playing a pivotal role in bringing the series to life. Production officially began on January 26, 2024, and after several months of filming, the cast and crew wrapped up their journey on May 12.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, with its rich historical architecture and timeless charm, plays a crucial role in bringing ‘The Lady’s Companion’ to life. The production team has carefully selected locations that embody the grandeur and societal intricacies of 19th-century Spain. One of the most striking filming spots is the Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso, located at Plaza de España, S/N, 40100 Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Segovia. The palace’s opulent interiors and vast gardens provided an authentic regal setting for the series. Another significant location is San Antonio de los Alemanes, situated at Calle de la Puebla, 22, Centro, 28004.
This Baroque church, adorned with intricate frescoes, serves as the backdrop for religious and ceremonial scenes. For the purpose of filming season 1, the Antigua Fábrica de Harinas, found at Carretera M-128, Km 1.3, 28189 Torremocha de Jarama, was transformed into an atmospheric space for lively party and dance sequences. Additionally, Jardín del Príncipe in Aranjuez, Madrid, played a role in the series, with its lush landscapes and resident peacocks enhancing the visual elegance of key moments.
Tres Cantos, Spain
A significant portion of season one was filmed at Netflix’s production hub in Tres Cantos, located at Avenida de España 4, Tres Cantos, 28760. This state-of-the-art facility spans 22,000 square meters and includes multiple sound stages, allowing for a controlled and immersive filming environment. The production team constructed an elaborate two-story set inside Stage 4, designed over three months, and built over several more.
This versatile set represented the grand Mencía household and was meticulously designed with movable walls, enabling it to transform into multiple residences as required. To maintain historical accuracy, the set designers sourced antique furniture and repurposed materials, ensuring an authentic period aesthetic while also prioritizing sustainability. The controlled studio environment allowed the production team to craft intricate, detail-oriented scenes that captured the essence of 19th-century high society.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s architectural grandeur also plays a vital role in the inaugural season of ‘The Lady’s Companion.’ One of the most visually striking locations used for filming is the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, located at Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Horta-Guinardó, 08025. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, provided the perfect setting for the series’ wedding scenes. With its intricate Modernista design, stunning facades, and ornate interiors, this location added a sense of timeless romance and elegance to the series. The careful selection of Barcelona’s historical landmarks helped in authentically portraying the sophistication and beauty of the era. By utilizing a combination of grand estates, historic churches, and modern production facilities, ‘The Lady’s Companion’ successfully recreates the elegance and social complexities of 19th-century Spain, offering viewers a visually stunning and immersive period drama.
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