Always a Witch is a Colombian web television series starring Angely Gaviria, Lenard Vanderaa and Carlos Quintero. The plot revolves around Carmen Eguiluz, 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 January 1, 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.
Premise
In Always a Witch, Carmen Eguiluz 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 slave/slave master romance, and the lead character's willingness to return to the 1600s, thus returning to being a slave, just to be with her white slave master's son.
Cast
Main
Angely Gaviria as Carmen Eguiluz, a powerful witch from the 1640s who is propelled forward in time to 2019.
Lenard Vanderaa as Cristobal De Aranoa, Carmen's lover in 1646.
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.
Cristina Warner as Isabel de Aranoa, Cristobal's mother in 1646.
Sofia Bernal Araujo as Alicia, Carmen's friend in 2019.
Valeria Henríquez as Mayte, León's girlfriend and one of Carmen's friends in 2019.
Dylan Fuentes as Johnny Ki, Carmen's best friend and confidante in 2019.
Verónica Orozco as Ninibé, a biology professor and Aldemar's protegé in 2019.
Luis Fernando Hoyos as Aldemar the Immortal, a powerful wizard held captive in 1646.
Oscar Casas as Kobo, a pirate from the late 17th century who finds himself in 2020.
Recurring
Juan Manuel Mendoza as Detective Pablo Corcel, the policeman in charge of the Fire Killer case in 2019.
John Alex Castillo as Braulio, Carmen's uncle in 1646.
Constanza Duque as Adelaida, Johnny Ki's grandmother and the owner of the hostel where he and Carmen live in 2019.
Mayra Luna as Hilda, a slave and Carmen's best friend in 1646.
Edu Martín as Fernando De Aranoa, Cristobal's father in 1646.
Norma Nivia as Ximena Gamez, Ninibe's disciple and another professor in 2019.
Dubán Andrés Prado as Daniel, one of Carmen's friends in 2019.
The first full season consisting of 10 episodes premiered on Netflix streaming on January 1, 2019. It was renewed by Netflix for a second season, which started airing worldwide on February 28, 2020.