Cuenca's First Sitcom 'Chulla Vida' Is Streaming Now — 7 Episodes, 42 Cuenca Locations
Cuenca Expat Staff
What Is Chulla Vida?
Chulla Vida is a 7-episode comedy miniseries — and it's the first scripted TV show ever produced entirely in Cuenca. Shot over five weeks at 42 real Cuenca locations with a crew of 69 people, the show premiered on February 19 on the Ecuavisa Play streaming platform.
The title is a play on the Ecuadorian expression "chulla vida" — roughly "this one life" or "YOLO" in Cuencanisms.
The Plot
Four very different people, each dealing with their own mess, end up living under the same roof:
- Gaspar (Pablo Balseca) — the homeowner, a Cuencano dealing with life's curveballs
- Claudia (Gabriela Menéndez) — picking up the pieces after an emotional breakup
- Leo (Carlos Aguilar) — a dreamer from Guayaquil chasing opportunities in Cuenca
- Fausto (Maicol Mora) — a man trying to escape his past
Think of it as a comedic take on the chaos of starting over — heartbreak, unemployment, homelessness, and the unexpected friendships that form when you're all in the same boat.
Why Expats Should Care
Even if your Spanish isn't perfect, Chulla Vida is a window into modern Cuenca culture that you won't get from a guidebook. The show was filmed at recognizable Cuenca locations — you'll spot streets, parks, and neighborhoods you walk through every day.
It also represents a huge milestone for Cuenca's creative scene. Until now, virtually all Ecuadorian TV production happened in Quito or Guayaquil. The fact that a streaming platform invested in a Cuenca-made series is a sign of the city's growing cultural clout.
How to Watch
- Platform: Ecuavisa Play
- Cost: First episode is free; full season is $19.99
- Episodes: 7 episodes, 16-20 minutes each
- Language: Spanish (no subtitles yet, unfortunately)
The Reviews
Local and national press have been enthusiastic. El Mercurio called it a show that "redefines national fiction." Vistazo praised it as "a comedy made in Cuenca that dares to conquer streaming." And LOS40 described it as showing "the chaos and hope" of life in Cuenca.
At 16-20 minutes per episode, it's a low-commitment way to practice your Spanish while seeing your city on screen.
Sources: Ecuavisa, El Mercurio, Vistazo
