Manolo Santar is an Emmy-nominated creative director, head writer, and screenwriter with more than 30 years shaping the landscape of Spanish-language television across the United States, Spain, and Latin America.
From hit sitcoms and late-night comedy shows to reality formats, dramas, and soap operas, Santar’s career reflects both versatility and innovation. He has created, adapted, and led projects for the industry’s biggest networks and studios, including Sony Pictures, NBC Telemundo, Univision, Televisa, Antena 3, TV Azteca, and Cadenatres. His storytelling expertise bridges markets and cultures, making him a sought-after creative force in international television.
Santar’s credits include long-running successes such as Puro Loco (a groundbreaking comedy series that ran uninterrupted for 12 years and also inspired a decade of live stage shows), as well as high-profile projects like La Gran Sorpresa (Univision), Suelta la Sopa (Telemundo), and Los Simuladores (Mexico), the acclaimed Sony Pictures series that earned an International Emmy nomination. He has also been instrumental in adapting major Spanish formats such as Aquí no hay quien viva for markets in Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.
With a proven ability to guide creative teams and writers’ rooms, Manolo has developed and delivered original dramas, action series, soap operas, sitcoms, late-night shows, and adaptations of U.S. classics for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide. His work has been recognized with multiple awards besides the Emmy nomination, including two TP de Oro Awards and one Premio Ondas for Best Series, Fox Music USA Latin Awards for Best Entertainment Show and Mexico’s Gracias por Hacer Reír a México Award.
Beyond television and stage shows, Manolo has contributed to advertising campaigns for major brands such as Coca-Cola, DHL, and Arteli Supermarkets, bringing his sharp sense of narrative and audience connection into the world of marketing. He has also shared his knowledge as a professor at the University of the Cloister of Sor Juana in Mexico City, inspiring a new generation of media professionals.
Passionate, collaborative, and forward-thinking, Manolo Santar continues to shape stories that resonate with audiences across borders. Whether developing original formats, adapting global hits, or leading creative strategy, his mission remains the same: to create unforgettable stories that entertain, connect, and endure.
Today, Manolo Santar continues to develop original series, collaborate with international production companies, and mentor emerging writers. His passion lies in creating stories that cross borders, entertain global audiences, and reflect the diversity of Spanish-language television.
