Menem: The President Show is a political drama on Prime Video that fictionalizes Argentina’s tumultuous 1990s under Carlos Saúl Menem. Starring Leonardo Sbaraglia and Juan Minujín, the series is set in Buenos Aires and La Rioja. In this article, we’ll break down the plot, cast, locations, streaming details and why this history-packed drama matters.
About the Plot:
The six-episode series tracks the fictional journey of a La Rioja family entwined with Menem’s rise and fall. As Argentina shifts to a dollar-pegged economy and privatizes state assets, the family benefits—but also faces growing tensions. The show explores the emotional fallout of economic reforms, the terrorist bombing in Buenos Aires, and the tragic death of Menem’s son, all set against one of Argentina’s most dramatic political eras. It balances personal stories with sweeping national events, showing how power and policy reshape lives at every level.
How does Menem: The President Show reflect the real-life politics of Carlos Saúl Menem?
Carlos Saúl Menem was the President of Argentina from 1989 to 1999, leading one of the country’s most controversial political eras. A member of the Justicialist Party, Menem’s time in office was marked by sweeping economic reforms, including privatization of state companies and pegging the Argentine peso to the U.S. dollar. While these moves initially stabilized the economy, they also led to widespread inequality and long-term damage. Menem: The President Show draws directly from this turbulent period, using a fictional family’s journey to explore the broader national impact of Menem’s presidency. The series highlights key events such as the 1994 AMIA bombing, corruption allegations, and the tragic death of Menem’s son, which many believe had political motivations. Through drama and personal storytelling, the show connects the private consequences of public power, showing how Menem’s choices affected not just his inner circle but an entire generation of Argentines.
Cast & Characters of Menem: The President Show –
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- Leonardo Sbaraglia portrays Carlos Menem with charisma and nuance.
- Juan Minujín plays Olegario Salas, Menem’s trusted photographer whose lens captures history.
- Griselda Siciliani takes on the role of Zulema Yoma, Menem’s wife, offering personal insight into the presidency.
- Supporting roles include Jorgelina Aruzzi, Marco Antonio Caponi, Cumelén Sanz, Alberto Ajaka, Violeta Urtizberea and Campi.
- Behind the scenes, direction comes from Ariel Winograd and Fernando Alcalde, with writers Mariana Levy, Federico Levin, Luciana Porchietto, Silvina Olschansky and Guillermo Salmerón. Produced by Claxson and Yulgok Media, it’s showrun by Mariano Varela and executive produced by Mariano Kohan.
Filming Location:
Filming took place in Buenos Aires and La Rioja, Argentina between June and August 2023. Buenos Aires provides urban backdrops for political scenes and journalistic coverage, while La Rioja serves as the emotional heart of the story, reflecting Menem’s personal background and regional roots. The authentic use of both multi-city locations helps to ground the narrative in real Argentine history and culture.
When and Where to Stream ‘Menem: The President Show’?
- Premiere Date: July 9, 2025, on Prime Video—Argentina’s Independence Day.
- Format: A six-episode limited series, each episode runs approximately 50–60 minutes.
- Languages & Access: Available globally for Prime Video members, with subtitles and dubbed options in multiple languages.
