A New Adult Swim Sensation: ‘Women Wearing Shoulder Pads’ Team Talks the Hilarious, Dramatic, and Sexy New Show

Adult Swim is known for pushing the boundaries of animation and comedy, and their latest series, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads, is no exception. This groundbreaking show, the network’s first-ever original Spanish-language series, has already captivated audiences and critics with its unique blend of stop-motion animation, 1980s melodrama, and absurd humor. Created by Gonzalo Cordova and produced by Mexico City-based studio Cinema Fantasma, the show is a brilliant fever dream that takes viewers to 1980s Quito, Ecuador, where a wealthy Spaniard’s ruthless ambition clashes with a world of eccentric characters and giant guinea pigs.

In a recent interview, the creative team behind the series discussed their vision, the show’s unique style, and its surprisingly heartfelt themes. This is not just a show; it’s a cultural statement that is both deeply personal and universally appealing.

The Genesis of a Stop-Motion Telenovela

Creator Gonzalo Cordova revealed that the show’s concept began with a simple idea: what if a Pedro Almodóvar film from the 1980s was made with puppets? That initial spark evolved into a series that lovingly parodies the genre of Latin American telenovelas. The show follows the protagonist, Marioneta, a proud and wealthy Spaniard who travels to Quito with a business plan to profit from a bizarre local commodity: massive guinea pigs known as “cuys.”

The stop-motion medium was a deliberate choice. As the producers from Cinema Fantasma explained, the use of puppets and miniatures immediately adds an element of absurdity that heightens the show’s melodramatic moments. This is a world where characters’ emotions are worn on their sleeves, and the dramatic is made even more so by the meticulously crafted, yet inanimate, nature of the puppets. The result is a show that is both a visual marvel and a comedic masterpiece.

A Celebration of Culture and Character

While the show is a hilarious satire, it is also deeply rooted in Ecuadorian culture and the memories of its creator. The team made a conscious effort to include authentic cultural touchstones, from the colorful architecture of Quito to the tradition of “Año Viejos.” The series features an all-woman voice cast, and the dialogue is performed entirely in Spanish with English subtitles, a bold move for a U.S. network.

The characters are the heart of the show. Marioneta is a driven and self-absorbed businesswoman who believes the world revolves around her. Her journey is complicated by a cast of equally ambitious and eccentric women, including her rival, a butcher-restaurateur named Doña Quispe, and a mysterious stalker. The show’s humor stems from how these characters, with their telenovela-level drama, navigate a world where everyday life includes matadors fighting giant guinea pigs and ducks willingly throwing themselves into a paper shredder.

The creative team emphasized that while the show is wacky, it’s also very personal. The characters are not just tropes; they are complex women with their own motivations and desires. The show explores themes of ambition, class disparity, and family relationships with a level of sincerity that is both touching and unexpected.

Critical Acclaim and a New Era for Adult Swim

Women Wearing Shoulder Pads premiered on August 17, 2025, and has already garnered significant critical praise. The series is being hailed as a refreshing and innovative addition to the Adult Swim lineup, showcasing the network’s willingness to take risks on unique and diverse projects. Its success could pave the way for more international and non-English animated series to find a home on the network.

The show’s release is a landmark moment in animation. It proves that there is a global audience for a show that is both visually stunning and culturally specific, and that humor and heart can coexist in the most absurd of settings. The first season, consisting of eight episodes, is now available to stream, and viewers are already eagerly anticipating a second season. This is one series that is sure to leave a lasting mark on the landscape of adult animation.