Narratives of Colombianness: An Analysis of Social Representations in Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Series

In the platformization era, TV series are crucial in constructing and diffusing cultural identities. This study examines Colombian series on platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, including Eva Lasting, Green Frontier, Wild District, News of a kidnapping, The hijacking of flight 601, Los Billis, and The great heist, and how they project representations of Colombian identity in a globalized context. Using the social representations theory, we analyze how these productions transform abstract concepts about Colombian identity into narratives accessible to local and international audiences through anchoring and objectification. The qualitative methodology includes an analysis of the themes addressed in the series and their relationship with other international series hosted on streaming platforms. The findings reveal that these series tend to anchor Colombian identity in issues of violence and armed conflict, presenting these elements as central to the national experience. Violence is represented not only as a structural problem but as a daily occurrence that has profoundly shaped the country's life. This anchoring in violence contributes to a global perception of the country as a place marked by conflict.

In addition, the series carries out a process of objectification by highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Colombians in the face of adverse situations, presenting ingenuity and cunning as defining characteristics of national identity. To a lesser extent, they also explore mysticism and connection with nature, reflecting indigenous and Afro-descendant cultures as a process of objectification that offers an additional perspective on Colombian identity beyond the urban. As a result, streaming platforms shape global perceptions, encouraging us to find similarities with productions such as Stranger Things or Money Heist. This suggests that digital platforms, driven by their algorithms, configure ecosystems of recommended content to build subscriber loyalty by referencing global values, while also preserving the specific nuances of Colombian idiosyncrasy.