Season 8 Of ‘El Señor De Los Cielos’ And Rafael Amaya’s Return Gives Telemundo Primetime Ratings Boost

The highly anticipated return of the International Emmy Award-winning El Señor de los Cielos and Rafael Amaya to the lead role has given Telemundo a much needed ratings boost in primetime. Audiences were drawn to the network’s longest-running original series in large numbers.

Season 8 of kicked off with a two-hour debut that propelled Telemundo to the #1 spot among primetime dramas, regardless of language and has kept that momentum 6 out of 9 nights since its premiere, among adults 18-49, and on 8 out of 9 nights among adults 18-34, according to Nielsen data.

El Señor de los Cielos managed to stay on top in its new timeslot, at 9 pm ET, fending off rival Univision. During all of its prior seasons the series was king at 10 pm. According to the company, the move to an hour earlier was “a strategic programming decision” – one that didn’t pay off for its predecessor, season 3 of La Reina del Sur, despite a heavy promotion campaign on network late-night shows and NBC platforms, as well as social media. Reina never made it to number one in the timeslot, but that strategy seems to be working for the new narco series, although the competition is tight with Univision.

Two things may be contributing to the show’s early success: the return of Amaya to the role and more action-packed scenes.

Karen Barroeta, EVP Production and Development of Telemundo Global Studios, says the new, 80+ episode season will be “delivering even more heart stopping action, drama, and adrenaline to the screen. From Aurelio Casillas unexpected return from the dead, to meeting all new characters and twists, this season promises a production of the highest quality that defies expectations with its scope and compelling story. Rafael Amaya’s return to his iconic role lights the fuse, and fans will be delighted by this dramatic and gripping season.”

According to Barroeta, the new chapter of one of its most popular originals, was filmed entirely in Mexico, across more than 350 locations in Mexico City and its surrounding areas, boasting the biggest cast of any season – more than 45 key talent and thousands of extras. It’s also the season with the most stunts – over 45 major action events during the course of its 2023 run.

“It’s been an immense collaboration to pull off what will be our biggest and most action-packed season yet. On any given day we have over 350 people work across units for the show,” says Barroeta. “The franchise is so important to all of us, and it’s been incredible to bring this next season to life.”

At the start of season eight, all who know Aurelio Casillas, from his immediate family to the rest of the world, have no reason to accept his spectacular death. Yet, some forces, like the best-kept secrets, never stay down. Hidden in the desert by his enemies in the DEA, the notorious Señor de los Cielos is alive, breathing new fire, and destined to take back his place of power. Striking a powerful union with allies from previous seasons, Casillas faces new romantic entanglements while dealing with unexpected family mysteries, risking all he’s ever held dear as he enacts his cunning plan of revenge.

The eighth season of El Señor de los Cielos is led by Rafael Amaya as the notorious Aurelio Casillas, presumed dead by his family, friends and enemies, who is planning his comeback and revenge. The ensemble cast includes Carmen Aub, Iván Arana, Isabella Castillo, Alejandro López, Rubén Cortada, África Zavala and Yuri Vargas, with the special participation of Lisa Owen, Robinson Diaz and Salvador Pineda.