By Julio Martinez
Apple TV+ began this May with the unveiling of the third season of Acapulco, which originally premiered in October 2021. The global bilingual hit series is highlighted by the understated comedic timing of its star and executive producer, Emmy and SAG-Award winner Eugenio Derbez. He returns as Máximo in season three, debuted internationally on Wednesday, May 1, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through June 26.
The ten episodes explore the story of Maximo Gallardo, told in two timelines: present day and the mid-80s, as he makes a valiant effort to reconcile past mistakes and heal old wounds. In the present day, older Máximo (Derbez) finds himself returning to Las Colinas resort which he no longer recognizes. Flashbacks to 1985 reveal a younger Máximo (Enrique Arrizon), relentlessly climbing the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build, especially a budding romance with fellow hotel employee Julia (Camila Perez).
The series admirably creates the glamour of a posh Mexican seaside resort. The present-day episodes now find successful Maximo explaining to his nephew Hugo (Raphael Alejandro) the history of his past life at Las Colinas. But most of the comedy happens in the past, as we are made privy to the adventures of Maximo and a colorful array of fellow resort employees. Ruling the roost is Diane Davies (Jessica Collins), owner of Las Colinas. In the meantime, Maximo is constantly seeking advice from kindly Don Pablo Bonilla (Damian Alcazar), Head of Hotel Operations. Much of the fun is provided by laundry worker Guillermo (Fernando Carsa) and Hector (Rafael Cebrian), head pool boy with a talent for knowing how to fleece the wealthy resort guests. The action is highlighted by the talented song-and-dance routines of poolside performers Augusto (Rodigo Urquidi) and Adriana (Rosana de Leon).
To round out the story, young Maximo’s family life comes under scrutiny, underscored by Nora (Vanessa Bauche), Maximo’s widowed mother and his sister Sara (Regina Reynoso). An intriguing subplot juxtaposes Nora’s marriage to a new love as her bisexual daughter struggles to find her own lasting romance. The returning “Acapulco” ensemble cast includes Vanessa Bauche, Regina Reynoso, Raphael Alejandro, Jessica Collins, Rafael Cebrián, Regina Orozco, and Carlos Corona with recurring guest stars Jaime Camil and Cristo Fernandez. Kudos to the phenomenal production values, providing a glimpse of how just enjoyable a visit to Las Colinas could be. And there is already a planned Season Four (TBA). Acapulco should enjoy long run. The series regular characters are specifically realized, making it is easy to imagine many of them branching out to series of their own.
In addition to starring in the series, Derbez serves as executive producer alongside Ben Odell. Actor Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) makes an appearance in the first episode of the season.
Hailing from Lionsgate Television, Acapulco is inspired by 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ box office hit How to Be A Latin Lover, and is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television. The series is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman. Sam Laybourne who serves as the showrunner.
Acapulco can be streamed for free on Apple TV+ and Roku.