Until very recently, I had no idea what “La Máquina” was, and I didn't see the blurb until I first saw it on the list of new releases coming to Hulu in October 2024

The setting was intriguing enough A boxing drama about two friends played by a stellar cast of actors seemed solid enough, but I didn't think much of the show As a streaming writer, I am constantly rotating through a large number of shows and movies, so sometimes I can't devote space to everything that looks interesting

However, prior to its debut on one of the best streaming services, Hulu, I had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of the first episode, a little more about what to expect from La Máquina and why I'm so enthusiastic about Hulu's first Spanish language series Here are some more details

“La Máquina” is a boxing comedy-drama revolving around Esteban “‘La Máquina’ Osuna (Bernal),” [but thankfully, his best friend and manager Andy Luján (Luna), determined to help him get back on his feet, works his magic and manages to give Esteban one last chance to step into the ring in a new title match

So what is the big question? It is that Esteban's big match was a much bigger gamble than Andy and “La Maquina” had thought A diabolical organization rears its head and threatens to kill them both if they do not comply with their demands

And as if that wasn't enough, Esteban is also battling his own personal demons, and is now preoccupied with protecting his family, including his journalist ex-wife Iracema (Asa Gonzalez), from the dark side of the boxing world

After reading the above synopsis, you are not alone in thinking, “Okay, ‘La Maquina’ sounds pretty intense I, too, thought it was going to be quite serious and emotional What I did not expect was that “La Máquina” would be an absolute riot [By the time the credits rolled for the pilot episode, the big stakes I mentioned earlier were already in place, as well as a few sequences that introduced the strained relationship between Iracema and Esteban, and Esteban's own problems Between these dramas (and the thrilling in-ring action), however, I found “La Máquina” delightful

In this first episode alone, we don't see Esteban in the ring We see Andy sashaying around his luxurious home, experiencing the intimacy of his mother, and trying to smooth his way to a rematch

There are mishaps along the way, subplots, and if you like your singing and dancing extravaganza, wait until the stars step into the karaoke bar The entire episode is full of this swagger and energy, and everyone involved seems to be having a great time

Don't be put off by the need to read subtitles I don't speak any Spanish, but there is a real sense of fun sprinkled throughout the series, and even though I had to pay attention to the on-screen dialogue, I could feel the rhythm of the dialogue and feel the gags landing as they did

Whether the series can be put together as well as it started remains to be seen This enthusiasm is, after all, based solely on the pilot version This enthusiasm is, after all, based solely on the pilot version But based on what I have seen so far, I am determined to make time to watch more episodes of La Máquina And judging by most of the early reactions, which, as of this writing, are 88% in favor on Rotten Tomatoes, that doesn't seem like a waste of time

All six episodes of “La Máquina” are available for streaming on Hulu beginning Wednesday, October 9 Find more streaming recommendations Check out our guide to the best shows on Hulu and the best Hulu movies to find your next must-see show