Always a Witch (Spanish: Siempre Bruja) is a Colombian television series starring Angely Gaviria, Sofia Bernal Araujo, Dylan Fuentes, Valeria Henríquez, Carlos Quintero with Lenard Vanderaa. The plot revolves around Carmen Eguiluz (Angely Gaviria), a witch and slave from 1646, and is set both in the 17th-century and present-day Cartagena, Colombia. It was ordered direct-to-series, and the first full season premiered on Netflix streaming on February 19, 2019. It was renewed by Netflix for a second season, which aired worldwide on February 28, 2020. The show is dubbed in English for English speakers.
Contents
Premise
In Always a Witch, Carmen Eguiluz (Angely Gaviria) is accused of witchcraft and is set to burn at the stake, according to the way of the Inquisition in 1646 colonial Colombia. While imprisoned and waiting for her execution, Carmen makes a deal with the wizard Aldemar, which makes her able to time-travel to 2019 in exchange for a favor. She won't be able to use magic there though, since it would make Lucien, a powerful but evil wizard, aware of her presence.
Reception
The series has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the show for having a strong black female lead character, others have criticized the enslaved/enslaver romance, and the lead character's willingness to return to the 1600s, thus returning to being a slave, just to be with her enslaver's son.
Cast
Main
Angely Gaviria as Carmen Eguiluz, a powerful witch from the 1640s who is propelled forward in time to 2019.
Dylan Fuentes as Johnny Ki, Carmen's best friend and confidante in 2019.
Sofia Bernal Araujo as Alicia, Carmen's friend in 2019. In 2020, she begins delving into witchcraft herself.
Valeria Henríquez as Mayte, León's girlfriend and one of Carmen's friends in 2019.
Carlos Quintero as León, Mayte's boyfriend and one of Carmen's friends in 2019.
Sebastián Eslava as Esteban, Carmen's, León's, Alicia's, Mayte's and Daniel's professor in 2019.
Lenard Vanderaa as Cristobal De Aranoa, Carmen's lover in 1646.
Luis Fernando Hoyos as Aldemar the Immortal, a powerful wizard held captive in 1646. (Season 1)
Oscar Casas as Kobo, a pirate from the late 17th century who finds himself in 2020, and who has a mysterious connection to Alicia. (Season 2)
Recurring
Cristina Warner as Isabel de Aranoa, Cristobal's mother in 1646.
Edu Martín as Fernando De Aranoa, Cristobal's father in 1646. (Season 1)
Juan Manuel Mendoza as Detective Pablo Corcel
Verónica Orozco as Ninibé
John Alex Castillo as Braulio
Constanza Duque as Adelaida
Mayra Luna as Hilda
Norma Nivia as Ximena Gamez
Dubán Andrés Prado as Daniel
Matthew Moreno as Oscar
Felix Mercado as Rogelio
Indhira Serrano as Dr. Luisa
Episodes
Release
The first full season consisting of 10 episodes premiered on Netflix streaming on February 19, 2019. It was renewed by Netflix for a second season, which started airing worldwide on February 28, 2020.